August Pay It Forward Book Exchange

The book for this month is a fun read, The Starter Wife by Gigi Levangie Grazer. I really enjoyed reading this book.

Did you know that USA Network made a mini series based on the book starring Debra Messing? I just love her! They have ordered another 10 episodes of the show. Network executives say the decision to continue the show was based on its rating success and critical recognition through its 10 Emny nominations. The series will see Molly (Debra Messing) reinvent her life. It premieres August 30. Check you local listings.
Gracie Pollock is dumped by her movie studio executive husband just before their 10th wedding anniversary (“I've been Cruised,” she says) and finds herself living the Hollywood nightmare of being a starter wife. As a social pariah, she and her three-year-old daughter, Jaden, move into a friend's beach side Malibu home where she befriends a different set of characters, including the hunky but homeless Sam who saves her from drowning and her ex-husband's boss.

Here are the rules to enter. Yes, there are some rules!

If you win this book you must host a giveaway on your blog. If you don't have a blog then you will give the book to a local shelter, library, etc.

You do not need a blog to participate. If you don't have one just please leave your e-mail so that in the event you should win I can get a hold of you.

You need to leave a comment to this post by Monday, August 25 by midnight. I will randomly draw a name on Tuesday, August 26 and post the winner here. Also, I will contact the winner by e-mail or blog.

Please click over to Overwhelmed with Joy to see the many other book exchanges happening this month.Thanks for playing and Good Luck!

Menu Planning Monday

What a nice relaxing weekend! We spent time with family and our son got his new bike. We had a baseball game Sunday, which we won. Our last game is Tuesday and a local news team is coming out to interview the girl player on our team and the team of boys she plays with. It should be interesting.

Here is our plan:


Monday~Lasagna
Tuesday~Tuna Tetrazini
Wednesday~Peach Glazed Chicken
Thursday~Steaks with Tequila Lime marinade
Friday~We are going out of town.

Have a great week!

Friday Fun

1. If I could travel back in time, I'd go to my childhood days.
2. Give me liberty or give me death.
3. I am listening to the hum of my dryer.
4. Somewhere, someone is thinking about their weekend plans.
5. I'll always be me.
6. My idea of a good time includes relaxing and spending time with family and friends.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to hanging around the house reading, tomorrow my plans include Home Depot and Sunday, I want to go to church!

Have a great weekend!

Austin Trip

We had so much fun exploring Austin!

We arrived Friday at lunchtime and headed start to 6Th Street to eat at DH favorite place, Old Pecan Street Cafe. Afterwards strolled around 6Th Street during the daylight since we had our son.

Then we headed over to the capital. It was so cool! I haven't been since I was a kid and this was our sons first trip.
We did stop in the Visitors Center to pick up some souvenirs. Then we headed to check into our hotel, the lovely Hampton Inn. DH took a nap and I took son to the pool to read my new book. Then we got ready for dinner at one of my favorite places, Brick Oven Pizza. We strolled around the Arboretum shops window shopping and then went to Central Market for dessert, yummy carrot cake. We were exhausted the first day!

Saturday we got an early start and head to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. I loved this place and it was my first visit there. Not much blooming right now since it was so hot but I'm sure during the Spring the place is beautiful.
After leaving the Wildflower Center, I wanted to stop at a store that I had found on-line, Homespun Cottage. It was very nicely decorated and I wanted everything in the shop. I did pick up some cute ladybug magnets because you can never have too many ladybugs. I visited with the shop owner and found out her daughter lives here in my city. I will definitely be back to shop some more.

We were starving and stopped by my sisters favorite place to eat, Hickory Street Cafe. Enjoyed a nice lunch. Then we headed straight for the Bob Bullock Museum. This place was incredible. It's a must see place when you are in Austin. Be sure and get the combination ticket and do it all. We saw the film in the Spirit theater and we had a giggle. We learned about all things Texas in the exhibits and then we saw the I-MAX film Extreme. Our son loved seeing all the extreme sports!

After exploring the museum we went to the shop Uncommon Objects, which I found out through Garden Antiques. This place was packed with all kinds of goodies. I had so much fun looking at everything but didn't buy a thing. There was stuff hanging from the ceilings, stacked on top of each other. You can literally spend all day in there. Thanks Theresa!

Then we went back to the hotel to recharge. And then went to one of the most fabulous places to be at sunset for dinner, The Oasis. This place is so nice to sit out on the deck eating dinner and watching the sunset over Lake Travis.



Sunday we headed to Georgetown to explore Inner Space Caverns. I didn't get to shop at any antique stores here. Maybe next time!

Inside the cave!

Mining for gems!


For lunch we drove up to Salado and ate at the Stagecoach Inn before heading home.

Thanks for reading this very long post!

Thrifty Finds

Found this cute Pyrex bowl at Salvation Army. It was a steal at only $0.79. I have been searching for Pyrex and its getting harder to find in the thrift stores. However, you can find tons of it at antique stores but pay an arm and a leg for it. My collection is growing.

What have you found lately out treasure hunting?

Menu Planning Monday

Not much going on this week. No baseball this week so we are going to catch up on our movies. Have you seen Mama Mia? It's on my list to see.

Our menu is simple due to husband working so frozen meals are on the list.
Monday~Pizza
Tuesday~Son sleeping over at cousins so I'll probably have a bowl of cereal.
Wednesday~Lean Cuisine
Thursday~We have a party to attend
Friday~Lean Cuisine

Hope your week is off to a great start!

July Pay It Forward Book Exchange Winner

Congratulations to Jubilee! You have won this months book. Please send me your e-mail so that I can contact you for your mailing information.

Thank you to everyone that entered. Check back next moth for a new book and another chance to win a great book to read.

Have a great day!