LadyD Books: April 2011

Kanagaroo Paws

Kangaroo paws grow around my pond. They are very low maintenance, like a perennial and drought-tolerant. I have found kangaroo paws in a variety of colors. However, today's meme is all about yellow!

Wikipedia says:

Kangaroo paw is a common name for a number of species, in two genera of the family Haemodoraceae, that are endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. These perennial plants are noted for their unique bird attracting flowers. The tubular flowers are coated with dense hairs and open at the apex with six claw-like structures: from this paw formation the common name "Kangaroo Paw" is derived.

Are Kangaroo Paw's found in your landscaped areas?

Skywatch Friday: My View

From my view, on this particular day. Some days are crystal clear and other days, well you just see clouds of gray for miles.

Visit Skywatch Friday (Meme Host)

I am a newbie when it comes to photography but I am learning lots of new things from my Cousin who is a professional photographer. For instance, we had this cool conversation about lighting.

Backlight = Subject is between the photographer and the sun.

Front light = Photographer is between the sun and the subject.

Gentle sunlight and when the light loses its intensity.

Hard light has strong, sharp shadows. Hard light comes when there are no clouds --- just a merciless sun.

Soft light is when there is an overcast or weak sun.

There are subdued shadows or no shadows at all.

Each type of light has its own advantages and disadvantages. You learn how to work with each type. It is fun learning what to do in various light situations.

Photo #1 - original
Photo #2 - lomo-ish
Photo #3 - hdr-ish

Happy Skywatching! (Thanks, Squirrel Queen for the invite!)

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

The Friday 56: Sausage Calzones

Cover of Rachael Ray 30-Minute Meals 2
This week I'm looking at Rachel Ray's 30-Minute Meals 2 Cookbook.

My Page 56 has a cool recipe I've never tried before. So, I thought I'd post the entire thing. I've heard of Spinach Artichoke Calzones but I have never tasted them before. Have you made them in your kitchen before? Perhaps someone showed you how or you are self-taught!

Anyways, here's Rachel Ray's recipe:

Sausage Calzones (Makes 4 Calzones)

1 1/3 pounds Italian bulk sweet sausage
A drizzle extra-virgin olive oil
2 cups ricotta cheese
A handful fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
A handful grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated or a couple pinches ground
A few grinds freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped pimiento
2 tubes of prepared, refrigerated pizza dough (10 ounces each)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups tomato, marinara or pizza sauce, warmed, for dipping

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Brown sausage in a small skillet in a drizzle of olive oil. Transfer crumbles to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Combine sausage with ricotta cheese, parsley, garlic, grated Parmigiano, nutmeg, pepper, and pimiento. Roll both tubes of pizza dough out on 2 separate nonstick cookie sheets and cut each dough in half across. Spread 1/2 cup mozzarella and up to 1/4 of filling on each rectangle. Work on just half of the surface of each rectangle of dough, then fold dough over top of filling and pinch edges firmly to seal. for a half-moon "pizza parlor" look to your calzones, mound filling into a half-moon shape, fold dough over top, and trim edges following the rounded shape, then seal by pinching with fingers.

If your dough tears, remove a little of your filling and repair. Repeat process, spacing calzones evenly on baking sheet, and bake 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with warm tomato, marinara, or pizza sauce for dunking.

Rachael Ray 30-Minute Meals 2 (See all Cooking, Food & Wine Books)

Stop by and visit our hostess http://fredasvoice.blogspot.com

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Wordless Wednesday: Monkey T-shirt Review by LadyD Books

Wordful Wednesday:

If I were forced to evacuate my home and yes I have experienced this before (wildfires in So. Cali), and had to choose only one article of clothing, it would more than likely be a T-shirt. How about you? Do you have a favorite one? If you are in the market for a personal item or gift giving, keep reading and visit Martin's site for a look at a top professional screen printing business. Here are some photo examples:

My Review:

If you're looking for printed T-shirts, sweatshirts, hooded tops, vests and more, visit:

http://www.tshirtprinting.net/personalised-t-shirts/

The print company does screen printing on work-wear and promotional clothing.

The Business Experience:

Here at TshirtPrinting.net, we have over twenty years experience in the screen printing industry and take pride in offering an honest, easy to understand the way of doing business. Their business is custom T-shirts.

The Quality of the Shirt:

I received a wonderful gray T-shirt from this great company and I am so delighted with the product. Not only is the logo bright and colorful in fuchsia and yellow (long lasting, too) but the size is perfect for me. The sizes tend to run a little large, so I requested a medium ladies. I LOVE my monkey shirt! No flaws or wrinkles and feels soft, too. I would have worn it for the photo op but my monkeys were out in the banana fields! lol

The Shirt Quantity:

Stop by http://www.tshirtprinting.net/personalised-t-shirts/and see how many different products they have. You can use your own logo or picture. Quantities range from 12 to 100,000. The Free phone line is 0800 046 7633.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com created by WebBizIdeas a Minneapolis SEO and Web Design firm. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

Book Review: The Secret of Indigo Moon (The Dopple Ganger Chronicles)

The Secret of Indigo Moon: The Doppler Ganger Chronicles

My Review:

I am new to the world of developing a storyline that is partly pictorial and partly text. Reading The Secret of Indigo Moon, the second book of DG The Dopple Ganger Chronicles, introduced me to an adventurous drama of crime and separation with two identical twins, Saskia, and Sadie, along with an inspirational message of Christian hope woven in.

Beautifully written by the #1 New York Times Bestselling Author, G.P. Taylor, I soon discovered Mr. Taylor had a unique writing style of finding a good story and illustrating it with great visuals. This keeps young people happy and ignites them to read more. What a very successful idea, kind of a novel/comic book.

This book is a real page-turner with lots of twists and turns to spark your interest until the very end. If you have a juvenile reader with a short attention span, this is a great reading source for them. Read the chilling mystery of what became of Ms. Olivia, the previous school's administrator.

I especially love the relationships and funny dialogue between Erik, Sadie, and Saskia. The name Dorcas Potts, a 24-year-old American detective, cracks me up along with her sassy personality. And my favorite quote is on Page 190: "Sometimes to find wisdom you have to look beyond locked rooms."

If you are a fan of Bruce Willis, Batman and Laura Croft, you will LOVE reading about secret passageways, plus lots of disguises and cover-ups. I recommend The Secret of Indigo Moon to middle school students and their parents who like this style of literature.

Being a biker chic (a long time ago) and having played lots of rock music on the piano I can relate to some of the author's vision. Being a grandma of 4wonderful grandsons who love adventure, this will be an added plus to our reading library.

4 stars.

The Doppler Ganger Chronicles

Disclosure: Book provided by Tyndale in exchange for an honest review.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their Tyndale Blog Network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Summary:

From best-selling author, G.P. Taylor comes the highly anticipated second installment of The Dopple Ganger Chronicles, a series that combines art and traditional text to help “reluctant readers” discover the wonder of books.
Erik Morrissey Ganger, famed explorer and a detective (well, in his dreams), and his mischief-making sidekicks, twins Sadie and Saskia Dopple, didn’t go looking for a secret tunnel beneath the school. They never intended to make the acquaintance of a shifty private eye with a nose for trouble. It wasn’t part of the plan to come face to face with an old enemy, one with an agenda of his own that could destroy them all. And unraveling the “secret of the indigo moon” was the farthest thing from their minds.
At Isambard Dunstan’s School for Wayward Children, these things just seem to happen.
In The Secret of Indigo Moon, confirmed troublemakers Erik, Sadie, and Saskia plunge headlong into a new and perilous mystery, one that challenges everything they thought they knew about their lives, themselves, and whom it’s safe to trust.
The Secret of Indigo Moon

Author Bio

G. P. Taylor

A motorcyclist and former rock band roadie turned Anglican minister, Graham Peter (G. P.) Taylor has been hailed as "hotter than Potter" and "the new C. S. Lewis" in the United Kingdom. His first novel, Shadowmancer, reached #1 on the New York Times Best Sellers List in 2004 and has been translated into 48 languages. His other novels include Wormwood (another New York Times best-seller which was nominated for a Quill Book Award), The Shadowmancer Returns The Curse of Salamander Street, Tersias the Oracle, and Mariah Mundi. Taylor currently resides in North Yorkshire with his wife and three children.

I loved the interview at www.teenreads.com and I think you will find it interesting. So many insights are shared here, along with Taylor's motivation and passion. I look forward to reading more in the series from this very cool author.

The Secret of Indigo Moon (The Dopple Ganger Chronicles)

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Baby Bundt Cake

Baby Bundt Cake, a photo by LadyD_Books on Flickr.

Squirrel Queen recommended a new photo meme and I'm delighted to come aboard Mellow Yellow Monday.

I had no idea just how much "yellow" is in my life. What a happy color it is.

I have found it on cupcake platters, as well as on top of this yummy baby shower cake for our daughter.

We were doubly delighted to welcome a sweet granddaughter to our world and adding to our 3 grandsons!

Yum... let them all it cake!

If you have the time and are interested in 2 tier cake decorations, visit Bundle of Beauty.

Plus, one additional resource that I like is a book written by Annie Rigg. I have always liked the name, Annie. Reminds me of the color yellow.

Birthday Cakes for Kids

Quote It: Pansy and the Daisy

"A pansy and a daisyOnce in the same yard grew,The daisy was a snowy white,The pansy a purple-blue.Said the pansy to the daisy,"I am prettier than you,For you are simply gold and white,And I am purply-blue."The daisy bravely smiled,And turned her head away,And stayed in that positionTo this very day."

-- Author unknown

Oh, the joy of personifying flowers. I remember one time a few years back, I had been the recipient of a free flat of Pansies from our local nursery. I love the Pansy for it has always reminded me of sweet, happy faces of children. Having received so many plants that day, I decided to share half of the flat with my dear mother-in-law. In her lovely flower garden, I discovered Daisies growing and so this cute poem came to my mind.

Wishing my dear readers, Happy Spring... Happy Easter!

Quote It Saturday is a weekly meme hosted by Freda's Voice.

Come join us!

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

The Friday 56: The Secrets of Kelmar

Here are great lines on Page 56. It was difficult to choose!

"The Tashana Deserts are all around us," Anubis said in a dreamy voice, as the rest of them followed him down the main street of town.

"For the longest time, this part of the South was an isolated place that very few creatures could inhabit," he explained to his friends.

"You are right," he acknowledged. "Much has happened, but I have no doubt that my father is aware of this, and will not be all taken aback upon seeing me... I know that he is quite cognizant of the fact that we are on our way to him."

Laura Sepesi:
The Secrets of Kelmar, Book II of the Kelmar Trilogy

Product Details

Paperback: 688 pages
Publisher: Infinity Publishing (February 25, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0741463768
ISBN-13: 978-0741463760

About the Author

Laura Sepesi began writing at an early age, composing several stories by the time she entered middle school. Her love of storytelling continued into high school, during which time, she imagined the story of the Kelmar Trilogy. She began drafting The Guardian of Kelmar the summer she graduated and continued writing as she worked toward a degree in elementary education. Laura completed The Guardian of Kelmar at age twenty-one, in pursuit of her dream to become an author. She is currently working on Book 2 of the Kelmar Trilogy. For more information about Laura, The Guardian of Kelmar, and the Kelmar Trilogy visit: www.LauraSepesi.com

The Secrets of Kelmar

The Friday 56 is a weekly meme hosted by Freda's Voice.

Here's my current giveaway:
work-at-home-ebook

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Book Review: The Blueprint by Kirk Franklin

My Review:

I finished reading The Blueprint: A Plan for Living Above Life's Storms by Seven-Time Grammy Award Winner, Kirk Franklin. I LOVE this book!!! I have always admired Kirk Franklin as a musician and now I appreciate him even more in revealing so many truths through his own life's struggles, pain, gain, and victory.

Boy, he sure tells it like it is so you better get ready if you're in need of a spiritual boost (jump start) because The Blueprint is a real page turner! It will affect you greatly, you know, like change your perspective (divinely focused lens). I'm talking about a solid foundation you can build upon. Not a shaky one that no amount of money and fame can make solid.

Reading through the pages of Kirk's book, you'll receive such affirmation and encouragement leaping off the pages if you're feeling all alone and no one cares. Kirk Franklin is so nurturing with his loving insights into our Heavenly Father's heart. (He knows the word.)

So, how do you want to live your life? Further into the book, Kirk shares (like a map) some basic tools for you to choose. Basically, The Blueprint is all about establishing the steps you need to take to get where you want to go.

The Blueprint: A Plan for Living Above Life's Storms

Within the 13 Chapters Kirk discusses issues from sex to the soul; dealing with the overgrown weeds in our hearts, and talking about our commitments from faith to family. As a musician, one of my favorite parts of the book is where Kirk talks about Michael Jackson's video Billie Jean. (Curious? It's in the book!) And to feel what Kirk sees abroad on tour with so many folks wanting truth (Jesus) instead of rules and empty talk.

In my opinion, Kirk's honest heartfelt testimony of his own personal issues is powerful (sets you free) and revolves full circle with breaking harmful cycles (repositioning) and helping others get back in the race. (His passion for America). 5* book!

"Can you imagine that? Pursue your dreams, but don't lose yourself during the chase. Imagine you!" -- Kirk Franklin

I can't even imagine how Mary felt (Good Friday), seeing her son crucified but never has greater love been shown to us. (John 3:16).

About The Book:

Seven-time Grammy award-winning Gospel artist Kirk Franklin reveals his most intimate life struggles and offers his blueprint for propelling toward a fulfilling spiritual life in the face of adversity.

THE BLUEPRINT: A Plan for Living Above Life’s Storms (Gotham, on sale 4/5, $16) is a part-memoir, part instructional guide that chronicles Franklin ’s own adversities with drugs, teenage parenthood, and poverty which, with the guidance of God, resulted in the life lessons that ultimately brought him success. Franklin offers his guide, his blueprint, to help individuals achieve success in their own lives. THE BLUEPRINT is the essential guide to creating a better you, one day at a time.

For more information, Kirk Franklin maps out The Blueprint with Essence.

Chris Zdunek with Gotham Books/Avery Marketing for contacting me for a review. (Thank you!)

I love Kirk Franklin. You do, too? Give a shout out!

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com