Semester Goals: Fall 2016

Hi Guys!

Well Fall is finally here… well sort of.  One of my favorite things to do some days is to watch the weather to see what it’s like in other places.  I’ve seen some places begin to cool down,like the northern parts of the country.  The fall favorites at Starbucks are back in stock and Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas are coming on fast. But considering I live in South Texas you wouldn’t be able to tell.  It’s been a hot summer and it seems like our fall is going to be just as hot.  Although we have had a bit of a cool down with temperatures in the mid 90’s this week.  But you know… what can you do.  Guess it’s going to be a shorts and tank top kind of fall… and probably winter too.

But whatever else might be going on the fall semester has began.  And with it my 1st year of Graduate school.  I’ve seen a few bloggers that do this semester goal post and thought that it might help not only me by getting some solid goals down but also maybe someone else get ideas on what types of goals to set for themselves.  This will be my first attempt at this and it’ll be interesting to see what I’ve accomplished at the end of the semester.

Now I’m not sure about you but goal setting has never been one of my top things to do.  Especially, making them public like this one will be.  But I’m hoping that doing it this way will help keep me accountable for what I’m doing and help me get things done.

Ok, like most semesters (well the regular ones, not the mini-mesters they have going on.) my semester consists of 15 weeks of classes.  However, considering that I’ve only got 9 weeks left I’m going to set myself 10 goals that I would like to complete and give you a follow up them by sharing my results when the semester is over.  Here’s my goals for this semester:

1. Get at least a B in my classes.
2. Try and get my assignments done before the day they are due.
3. Work out at least 2 a week. (I’m going to make an effort, but we’ll see.)
4. Spend more time with my family and friends.
5. Actually stick to my budget. (for food, or other things)
6. Reach my activity goals on my watch each day/week.
7. Post on each of the days I’ve assigned a post on HomeTownGirlWriter.
8. Save at least 10% of my paychecks each week.
9. Make my bed and pick up things in my room each morning. (In my hope for a clean room/house.)
10. Take time for myself each week.

Well that’s it for today’s Blog.  I hope this has inspired you to create your own goals for your semester.  Let’s see how this turns out at the end of the semester.

Until Next Time!

Tabby

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Coffee Day

Hi Guys!

So if you’re anything like me there are times when you feel like you need an IV drip filled with coffee.  OK, maybe that’s just me.  And usually this is around the middle of the semester when everything begins to pile up on me.  For some unknown reason it’s hitting me early this semester.  Granted this semesters hours are wonky due to my classes being at 7 pm and not ending until 9:30 pm… and it probably doesn’t help that despite these weird hours I’m still up at 6 am and on campus usually by 8 am.  (This could be why I’ve been drinking two venti sized cups of Starbucks coffee a day!)  

But I digress, This is a random post due to it being National Coffee Day.  If you’ve checked your emails or social media you might have noticed brands sending you deals trying to cash in on everybody’s need for caffeine.   There is still time to run out and grab either a free cup or a really cheap cup of coffee!

So below I’ve compiled some deals that I’ve run across in honor of this day!

• Starbucks: To celebrate National Coffee Day, Starbucks will donate a coffee tree for every brewed cup of México Chiapas coffee you buy on Thursday, September 29. Today’s cup can help a farmer’s future.
• Dunkin Donuts: Medium coffee only $.66 on 9/29
• Krispy Kreme Doughnuts: No purchase is necessary for anyone who wants to get in on the free deal. Just visit a store to get a free cup of coffee and a free glazed doughnut.
• Kurieg.com: 15% off most boxes of pods on Keurig.com.  Use code greensavings.  Ends 10/2
• Pilot Flying J: The gas station and truck stop chain will give a free small cup of coffee — or another hot beverage, such as tea or cappuccino — to those who can show the online coupon available from the company’s Facebook page.

 

So Happy National Coffee Day everyone!

Until Next Time!

Tabby

iDrakula by Bekka Black

Reviewer: Tabitha
iDrakula by Bekka Black                                           Format: Kindle, IOS App
Series: iMonsters
Published by: Sourcebooks Fire
Publication Date: October 1, 2010
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal                                                                                  Page Count: 150
Buy on Amazon |Barnes and Nobles

 

 

 

 

Book Synopsis: The Original can be found here.

“The classic vampire story that started it all gets new life for a generation of connected teens”

18-year-old Jonathan Harker is diagnosed with a rare blood disorder after visiting a Romanian Count. His girlfriend Mina and a pre-med student named Van Helsing team up to investigate the source of the disease. The teenagers discover a horrifying truth: the Count is a vampire. The harrowing events unfold through emails, text messages, web pages, Twitter feeds, and instant messaging-the natural modernization of Bram Stoker’s original Dracula, which was written in letters, diary entries, and news clippings.

 

Review: I love the concept that Bekka Black has come up with to bring  the classics to a new generation.  Black brought the original characters into the present day.  The story is told through a series of text messages, internet searches, and emails rather than the usual dialogue that most books use.

Ok, so how would I describe this book?  A quick and fun read would probably be it.  There are some moments that are completely hilarious and ridiculous, but so completely appropriate.  I think the thing that will draw in the younger crowd will be the format of the books themselves.

The way that Black uses humor and witty quips brings to life an otherwise not so action-packed classic.  (When I first read the original Dracula, I thought there would be more to it… but nope!)  Which you would think it would have because of the Vampires, but no.  Also, the way she differentiated between the people texting with the background of the phones was a great idea.  A really good thing about this recreation is that Black was true to the original novel without just simply copying and pasting it.  She had to do some deep thinking on re-writing and re-working to make the original letters into text messages and emails.  While it was probably a lot of work for her, it was worth the effort in the end because it was amazing!

There are some changes that were made, like for example Mina herself is a much more deep and developed and active character than she was in Dracula.  Another change was that there were some characters that were left out in the final version of iDrakula. Like the Brides or Morris.  But I think the most important of the characters made it in.

I’ve seen some comments that some people didn’t like that the characters were remade into teenagers, but I loved it.  It gives it a fresh look both for those who have never read it before and even for those who have.  I think the teenager view was worth it especially for a book that was going to be told with text messages and emails.  I really can’t imagine an adult speaking the way that the characters do in this version of the book.

So for the most part the major changes were done are in the relationship department, but it was nothing that major enough to change or alter the plot.  I love the changes, and it kept me entertained in this new form of book.

So for those of ya’ll who loved the original Dracula book, and have some free time, I really recommend this one for a good change.  This is one of those books that you can pick up and not really have to think about it.  Have fun with it and enjoy the new storyline.

So for those of you who have an electronic device, i.e.: iPad, iPhone, IOS devices,(I’m not sure if there is one for androids but i’ll find out and update ya’ll) there’s an app for that!  You can find the one for apple here.  If ya’ll decide to download it and let me know what you think of it.  I know that I love it, hopefully you will to.

 

So that was my review for iDrakula.  I hope that you enjoyed it.

Until Next Time!

Tabby

5 Easy and Healthy Snack Ideas

Hi Guys!

So since I’ve been on a healthy living kick lately I though I’d do a post with 5 easy and healthy snack ideas.  I’m all about easy food options, but if I let myself I’d probably end up snacking on oreos, chips, and sour patch kids.  But instead I’m going to give you some ideas that are quick, easy and healthy for you.

1. Fruit – This is probably the best thing that you can snack on.  Just be careful which ones you eat, because some of these are high in sugars and that will be counter productive.  But still better than downing that back of Doritos.
2. Yogurt – This is a sweet treat that can be had at any time of the day, whether it’s for breakfast or as a snack.  If you want to add extra in this grab up some fresh fruit and put it up on top for more yummy goodness!
3. Granola – Another thing that you can add to the top of your yogurt if your in a yogurt mood.  But it can also be eaten by itself.
4. Hummus – I will agree that this is probably not for everyone.   But if you give one of the flavored ones a try they are really good.  And they have so much protein that its an awesome option. Grab a handful of pretzels or pita chips to dip in them or if you want to go really healthy grab up some sliced bell pepper and just dip that.  It really is one of my favorite snacks!
5. Mini Veggie tray – I love this as afternoon snack idea.  What I imagine for this would be getting a plate and grabbing some veggies and having fun making it look fancy.  Grab some cherry or grape tomatoes, some baby carrots, some snap peas, cucumbers, some bell peppers (if you grab all four colors then you’ll have a veritable rainbow on your plate!) Not only is this a great singles snack, if you make enough invite some friends over and have a potluck snack study night.  Have everyone bring a healthy snack and keep each other honest and on the healthy track.

Well that’s it for this edition of eating easy and healthy.  I hope I gave you some great ideas.  If you decide to try any of these feel free to tag me on instagram (@tabithajeanett), snapchat (@tabbyja) or twitter. (@tabithajeanett) and show me how it went.  Subscribe so you don’t miss any of my future posts.

Until Next Time!

Tabby

5 Easy and Healthy Lunch Ideas

Hi Guys!

So since I’ve been on a healthy living kick lately I though I’d do a post with 5 easy and healthy lunch ideas.  I’m all about easy food options, but if I let myself I’d probably end up mac and cheese right out of the pot.  But instead I’m going to give you some ideas that are quick, easy and healthy for you.  I also know that some of you may live in a dorm that isn’t allowed to have anything but a microwave.  So this is going to be a mix of things that could work for everyone.

1. DIY Starbucks Bistro Box – I have seen these at different Starbucks, and I love them don’t get me wrong.  But paying $7-$8 on a big kids lunchable is pretty ridiculous.  So why not make your own.
   

   My first Homemade Starbucks “Bistro Boxes” Included:

   • 2 hard boiled eggs
   • 10 grapes
   • 1/2 large strawberry
   • 10 baby carrots
   • 10 sugar snap peas
   • 1 mini sweet pepper
   • 2 Tbsp almond butter
   • 1 ounce sharp cheddar cheese (not paleo and easy to leave out)
     

     These Homemade Starbucks”Bistro Boxes” Include:

     • 1 white peach (which I peeled and sliced)
     • 10 blueberries
     • 2 Tbsp hummus (not paleo, but we love hummus so make an occasional exception here)
     • A few pieces of celery
     • 1/3 bell pepper (mixed red and yellow)
     • 3 ounces turkey deli meat
     • 1 hard boiled egg.            

     The original post for these can be found here.  I used the pictures from this site because for some reason I can’t find mine on my sd card.

2. Fiesta Chopped Salad – I love me a good salad, especially ones with tons of ranch, but I also know that isn’t always good for me.

   Fiesta Chopped Salad

   (serves 2 large salads, or 4 smaller side salads)

   Ingredients:

   4 cups of your favorite lettuce, washed, dried and roughly chopped ( I used romaine and butter lettuce)

   1/2 cup corn

   1/2 cup diced tomatoes

   1/2 cup black beans

   1 large avocado, roughly chopped

   1/4 cup diced red onion

   1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or chopped.  ( for vegetarian version, substitute with extra black, pinto or garbanzo beans)

   Recommended Dressing:  Homemade Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing

   

3. Cowboy Caviar – I know there are some days that you just don’t feel like a heavy lunch but you still feel like you have the munchies.  I love this cowboy caviar for just that reason.  Depending on you likes you can leave out the onions or beans, but it tastes amazing with all of it.  Be adventurous and try something new.
   

   Cowboy Caviar Recipe

   Ingredients

   1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
   1 can corn, drained and rinsed or 1.5 cups of fresh corn
   3 Roma tomatoes, diced
   2 diced avocados
   1/4 cup red onion, diced
   1/4 cup cilantro, chopped finely
   Juice of 1 lime
   1/2 tsp salt
   1/2 cup Italian dressing

Instructions

1. Place beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, onion and cilantro into a large mixing bowl.

2. Squeeze lime juice over the avocados so they don’t brown as quickly. Sprinkle on salt and pour in Italian dressing. Stir until well combined.

3. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for an hour to marinate flavors together.  This is best served the same day. The avocado might start to brown the following day, but still tastes great!

4.     Peanut Butter Apple “sandwiches” – I love this version of a alternative sandwich.  You can use any type of apple and which ever peanut butter that is your favorite… or even some nutella if you want. Not to mention the extras like rasins or granola would make this so amazing!                                                                                               2 circular apple slices & 2 tablespoons of peanut butter. It’s pretty self explanatory.

5. Wraps – Being the Mexican raised girl that I am, I pretty much love anything that comes in a tortilla.  So I love wraps for this reason alone, the other reason is that you can put just about anything in a wrap and it will taste amazing.  I’ve listed two different ones below, but have fun with it and enjoy.

Cobb Salad Wraps

Ingredients

1       cup chopped deli rotisserie chicken (from 2-lb chicken)

1 1/2 cups torn romaine lettuce

1/4    cup blue cheese dressing

1      small tomato, chopped (1/2 cup)

2     tablespoons cooked real bacon bits (from 3-oz jar)

1     hard-cooked egg, chopped

2    flour tortillas (10 inch)

1/2  avocado, peeled, sliced

Directions

• 1 In medium bowl, toss chicken, lettuce and dressing to coat. Stir in tomato, bacon and egg.
• 2 Place tortillas on large microwavable plate; cover with microwavable plastic wrap. Microwave on High 15 to 30 seconds to soften.
• 3 Spoon chicken mixture down center of each tortilla to within 1 inch of edges. Top with avocado slices. Fold opposite sides of tortilla up toward center about 1 inch over filling (sides will not meet in center); roll up tortilla, beginning at 1 open end. Cut diagonally in half. Secure with toothpick, if necessary. Serve immediately.

Southwestern Chicken Fajita Wrap

Ingredients

 1     can (11 oz) Southwestern style corn, undrained

1     small tomato, seeded, chopped (1/3 cup)

1/2  teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)

1/4  teaspoon salt

2     teaspoons vegetable oil

1lb   boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

1    medium onion, cut into thin wedges

1    medium green bell pepper, cut into thin strips

1    package (11 oz) Old El Paso™ flour tortillas for burritos (8 tortillas; 8 inch), heated as directed on package

1    cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (4 oz)

Old El Paso™ Thick ‘n Chunky salsa, if desired

Sour cream, if desired

Directions

• 1 In medium bowl, stir together corn, tomato, red pepper and salt; set aside.
• 2 In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken; sprinkle with cumin. Add onion; cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
• 3 Add bell pepper; cook 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until chicken is no longer pink in center and bell pepper is crisp-tender.
• 4 To assemble each wrap, spoon 3/4 cup chicken mixture down center of warm tortilla. Top with 1/4 cup corn mixture; sprinkle with 2 tablespoons cheese. Fold 2 sides of tortilla toward center; secure with toothpick. Serve with salsa and sour cream.

 

Well that’s it for this edition of eating easy and healthy.  I hope I gave you some great ideas.  If you decide to try any of these feel free to tag me on instagram (@tabithajeanett), snapchat (@tabbyja) or twitter. (@tabithajeanett) and show me how it went.  Subscribe so you don’t miss any of my future posts.

Until Next Time!

Tabby

#Bae Book Review

Hey Guys!

Well here it is.  I can’t tell you how excited I was to open up my kindle and find this book sitting in my bookshelf!  Of course the last couple posts have been on this book, so maybe you can tell my excitement over it.  Anyway, onto my review of the book!

Reviewer: Tabitha
#Bae by Cambria Hebert                     Format: Kindle
Series: Hashtag #8
Published by Cambria Hebert Books, LLC
Publication Date: September 16th 2016
Genres: Contemporary Romance, New Adult Sports Romance                            Pages: 334
Buy on Amazon | Barnes and Noble

The Hashtag series is the winner of Best Contemporary Series of 2016 (UtopiaCon 2016)

The Hashtag series is the winner of Best Contemporary Series of 2015 (UtopiaCon 2015) 

Romeo from the Hashtag series is the winner of Best Contemporary Lead (UtopiaCon 2015) 

Original Book Synopsis can be found here.

Happily-ever-after.
That’s what happens when you get married.
Right?
Turns out sparkly rings, cake and a fantastic wedding do not automatically grant you that, not even when it’s all you truly want.
I’m even starting to doubt the bottomless, unconditional love I share with the man I married will be enough.
I can’t have happily ever after, know why?
Because I can’t give Romeo what he truly wants. I’ve tried. So hard. I won’t be happy unless he is and something is missing. Someone.
Paparazzi are in my face. The flashing cameras and prying eyes are everywhere. My secret is getting harder to hide, and I know the second the scoop is dished the grip I have on the fraying rope of that happily ever after will snap right in my face.
In our face.
I can’t let that happen. No matter what.
Because with or without a happy ending, Romeo comes Before Anyone Else.

The Review:

So to start off, I’m going to admit that I had trouble starting this book.  Not because it was a slow read or anything like that, but because if I started it then that would mean that the series would be over.  So knowing that I almost didn’t open it yet.  But I overcame that because of all the teasers that I’ve been looking at and reading, they had me intrigued!  I’ve loved this series for a while, and the characters will always be some of my favorites of all time.  Sometimes I’m not sure how she does it but as always Cambria Hebert has spun a story that will live on.

 “Your smile is my favorite flavor”                -Romeo

I’ve waited this long to do my review because I don’t want to spoil this book for anybody who hasn’t gotten a chance to read it yet.  So I’m going to keep this one short and sweet and quite possibly a little bit vague.

(Use the reviews below)

“My Brain was the internet, and I had one thousand tabs open all the time.”         – Rimmel

So I guess I should start at the beginning.  It’s been quite a while since I’ve had to breakout the tissues for a book before I even get to the first chapter but there it was.  If you think you’ve seen Romeo and Rimmel go through everything they could possibly do, then you haven’t seen anything yet.  In fact, I think this book helped me feel closer than ever to our favorite football couple.  That’s the one thing I can say, is that within the first couple of pages of the book, you will feel the wrongness of the situation that hasn’t even happened yet.  (sidenote: This is what makes Cambria such an amazing writer.  She is somehow able to bring the reader right into the story, and make it feel like they are experiencing it right along side the characters.)

“She always looked so tiny yet so cuddley, lost in the cushions, with her black-framed glasses perched on her nose and her wild, dark hair in a mess from hunkering down in the chair.  

                 Note: I’d never admit to calling her cuddly.  That shit would get my man card                                     revoked.”              

                                                                       – Romeo

Let’s talk emotions.  This book was full of it, the scenes were packed and all were emotional.  And lets not forget the long and overdue conversation that happens between Rimmel and Valerie Anderson.  While they might not be bff’s they have come to an understanding and Rimmel is now closer to her mother-in-law.  When she admits to Romeo that she went and saw her, I’m pretty sure he looked like a stiff wind could blow him over.  There were so many favorites that I loved out of #Bae, one of them would be Romeo and Braeden jumping in the bouncy house is I think one of the best.  Because you can see the friendship that is displayed there. (side note: Can you imagine these two carrying Nova back and forth while she’s wearing a pink tutu!)

 

“Before Anyone Else, Rim. That’s what you to me. Forever. You come before anyone else”                                                                                  – Romeo

Cambria has done a fantastic job in writing this, as she always does.  But then there hasn’t been one of her books that I wouldn’t pick up and read.  You get it all with her.  The characters amazingly developed, I loved how grownup everyone has become.  I think one of the things that I will miss most is the characters.  Because while we will see them in some of the other Gearshark books, it’s just not the same.  But it does usually start me on a re-reading of the series kick.

The epilogue and P.S. were amazing, so was the surprise at the end of it! (I’m not kidding it was amazing, and sweet and cute… well you get the idea!) Getting to read about Romeo being a daddy was great.  He’s just as amazing at it as we all thought he’d be.

Overall, this book was amazing and I loved it. The story, characters and the series were all worth the time, effort and emotions that get put into reading a series of this size.  There was no way that I couldn’t like it.  So all I can say is that once again Cambria Hebert has done an amazing job with not only this book but with this series.  And I can’t wait to see what you come up with for #Blur!

I give #Bae a 5 out of 5 Stars!

 

Well I’m hoping that my reviews are getting better as time goes one.  But I have to say that I’m pretty proud of this one.

Until Next Time!

Tabby

 

5 Easy and Healthy Breakfast Ideas

Hi Guys!

So since I’ve been on a healthy living kick lately I though I’d do a post with 5 easy and healthy breakfast ideas.  I’m all about easy in the morning, but if I let myself I’d probably end up eating cereal right out of the box.  So I thought I’d  give you some ideas that are quick, easy and healthy for you.

1. Overnight Oats in a Jar – I’ve seen these things everywhere.  I follow a youtuber called The Domestic Geek and she has some amazing ideas on there.  So if you have time you should totally check her out.  I’m not going to lie, a lot of the things she has on her page has to be cooked in on a stove or oven, but if you don’t mind sifting through it there are plenty that you can find that can be done in a dorm.                                                                                                                                       So to start off with your base oats you will need: 1/2 a cup of old fashioned oats, 1/2 cup of almond milk (or any kind of milk really), 1/4 cup plain greek yogurt.  Then this is when you can start having fun with it.  I’ve found recipes on pintrest that are amazing and so fun to mix up and try.                                        Carrot Cake
   1/4 cup carrot, shredded
   1 tbsp maple syrup
   2 tbsp pecan, chopped (optional)
   1/4 tsp cinnamonBlueberry Lemon
   1 tbsp blueberry jam
   1/2 tsp lemon rind
   1/4 tsp vanilla extract
   1/4 cup blueberry                                                                                                                                                  Chocolate strawberry
   1 tbsp honey
   1 tsp cocoa powder
   1 tbsp chocolate, shavings
   1/4 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced

   Banana Nut
   1 tbsp honey
   1 tbsp natural nut butter
   2 tbsp walnuts, chopped (Optional)
   1/2 banana, sliced

   Pina Colada
   1 tbsp honey
   1 tsp coconut, shredded
   1 tbsp almonds, slivered
   1/4 cup pineapple, diced (you could use crushed)

   Mocha Madness
   Substitute 1/4 cup leftover coffee for half of your base liiquid
   1tsp cocoa powder
   1/2 tsp vanilla
   1 tbsp raw sugar

   Pumpkin Pie
   1/4 cup canned pumpkin (not filling)
   1 tbsp maple syrup
   1/4 tsp cinnamon
   1/4 tsp nutmeg

   1) Combine all of the ingredients in a mason jar.
   2) add less milk or more milk based on how thick you prefer your outmeal.
   3) shake well and refrigerate overnight.

   Enjoy it cold, strait from the fridge or heat it up for a healthy, hot breakfast.

2. Smoothies & Shakes – I love this on some mornings and I love the fact that I can just grab it and go.  You can pretty much add anything to your smoothie and it will come out amazing.                                                                                                                 I found the following on the Domestic Geek’s website. (Have I mentioned that she’s Amazing!)Ingredients:
   • Monday — Yellow Smoothie
     • ½ cup pineapple juice
     • ½ cup Greek yogurt
     • ½ cup frozen pineapple, diced
     • ½ cup frozen mango
     • 1 banana, chopped
     • 1 tsp grated ginger

    

   • Tuesday — Orange Smoothie
     • ¼ cup orange juice
     • ½ cup vanilla Greek yogurt
     • 1 small orange, peeled and frozen
     • ½ peach, peeled and diced
     • 1 carrot – grated

    

   • Wednesday — Red Smoothie
     • ¼ cup almond milk
     • ½ cup Greek yogurt
     • ½ cup frozen raspberries
     • ½ cup frozen strawberries
     • ½ cup frozen watermelon

    

   • Thursday — Purple Smoothie
     • ½ cup pomegranate juice
     • ½ vanilla Greek yogurt
     • ½ cup frozen blackberries
     • ½ cup frozen blueberries
     • ¼ cup cherries, pitted

    

   • Friday — Green Smoothie
     • ½ cup orange juice
     • ½ vanilla Greek yogurt
     • ½ avocado, peeled
     • 2 kiwis, peeled
     • 1 handful of baby spinach

   Directions:

   1. Pour the liquid ingredients into the blender.
   2. Next add the remaining ingredients.
   3. Blend the mixture until combined.
   4. The blended mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
   5. Serve and enjoy!                  

3. DIY Acai Bowl–  I’ve been seeing these all over YouTube and Instagram, so of course, I had to try one.  Below is the recipe that I followed, except I didn’t put any dragon fruit.   You could always just use Greek yogurt, either plain or flavored and do the same thing with fruit and nuts.
4. Smoothie Popsicle – I’m not sure where you guys are when you’re reading this, but down here in South Texas we have been hitting the triple digits in heat records all summer.  And now that it’s fall… it hasn’t really changed all that much.  So we tend to take every chance we can to cool down.  Now for this all you really need is your favorite yogurt, maybe some fresh fruit to throw in, but that optional, and either a  diy Popsicle maker or those tiny little tasting cups, and a freezer.
5. Fruit Cup – I love me some fruit.  I’m one of those people that can grab a tray of strawberries and probably eat them all.  Any way, this one is pretty self explanatory.  Grab a bunch of fruit that you love and chop and dice it up.  If you do this a whole bunch at a time then, you can have some for later too!  My favorite combo is Strawberry, pineapple, watermelon, banana and green apple. Bonus Tip: if you soak your apples in a salt water bath before putting it into a container then it won’t go brown on you.

Well that’s it for this edition of eating easy and healthy.  I hope I gave you some great ideas.  If you decide to try any of these feel free to tag me on instagram (@tabithajeanett), snapchat (@tabbyja) or twitter. (@tabithajeanett) and show me how it went.  Subscribe so you don’t miss any of my future posts.

Until Next Time!

Tabby

National Cheeseburger Day

Hi Guys!

Have you ever gone through your email and had some random emails from restaurants?  Like did they really just send me that type moments.  Anyway I was going through my email and I had one from Applebee’s that I just had to post about.  It was telling me Happy National Cheeseburger Day!  I couldn’t help but laugh.  It also reminded me about one of my best friends in the world.

Jaxine Bellah is a girl that would eat a burger at a steak place… or a breakfast place, or pretty much anyplace.  We actually have a list of places to go check out in different towns that are supposed to have the Best Burgers in town.  We’ve checked out a few but still have more to go.  Don’t worry though, we’ll get to them.  (Side note: If you have any recommendations on the best burger places in Texas leave them in the comments.  Or send me a message on twitter @tabithaadkins.  We would love to check them out and let ya’ll know what we think of them.)

This of course made me curious as to what else was going on today.  So I of course googled it.  National Cheeseburger Day is actually on the 18th of September but this is what I found for what’s going on for September 16th.

• National Play-Doh Day
• National Cinnamon Raisin Bread Day
• National Step Family Day
• National Working Parents Day
• Mayflower Day
• National Tradesmen Day– Third Friday in September
• National POW/MIA Recognition Day – Third Friday in September

So that is what’s going on today.   As a little FIY, September 18th is also National Wine Appreciation day.  And September 29th is National Coffee Day! Anyway, I hope you enjoyed your surprise second post of the day.

Until Next Time!

Tabby

#Bae Release

Hi Guys!

Well I told ya’ll that there would be more to come with Cambria Hebert’s newest book #Bae and here it is.  This book is the 8th and final in the #Hashtag series, one that all of us #Nerds have been asking for from her for quite a while.  Now for a bit of background on our wonderful and amazing author, she she has not only found the time to write this book for us, but she is also writing #Blur, the 4th book in the Gearshark series, but has also released two other books this year alone.  She has done all this and still has found the time for interacting with us on Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram. Cambria Hebert is incredible! Anyway, enough of my rambling.  Without further ado, here is the post on the Release on #BAE!

#Bae
Cambria Hebert
(Hashtag #8: Conclusion)
Publication date: September 16th 2016
Genres: New Adult College Romance

BEFORE ANYONE ELSE

The Hashtag Series #8

Happily-ever-after.

That’s what happens when you get married.

Right?

Turns out sparkly rings, cake and a fantastic wedding do not automatically grant you that, not even when it’s all you truly want.

I’m even starting to doubt the bottomless, unconditional love I share with the man I married will be enough.

I can’t have happily ever after, know why?

Because I can’t give Romeo what he truly wants. I’ve tried. So hard. I won’t be happy unless he is and something is missing. Someone.

Paparazzi are in my face. The flashing cameras and prying eyes are everywhere. My secret is getting harder to hide, and I know the second the scoop is dished the grip I have on the fraying rope of that happily ever after will snap right in my face.

In our face.

I can’t let that happen. No matter what.

Because with or without a happy ending, Romeo comes Before Anyone Else.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iBooks

—

 

Author Bio:

Cambria Hebert is an award winning, bestselling novelist of more than twenty books. She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair.

Besides writing, Cambria loves a caramel latte, staying up late, sleeping in, and watching movies. She considers math human torture and has an irrational fear of chickens (yes, chickens). You can often find her running on the treadmill (she’d rather be eating a donut), painting her toenails (because she bites her fingernails), or walking her chorkie (the real boss of the house).

Cambria has written within the young adult and new adult genres, penning many paranormal and contemporary titles. Her favorite genre to read and write is romantic suspense. A few of her most recognized titles are: The Hashtag Series, Text, Torch, and Tattoo.

Cambria Hebert owns and operates Cambria Hebert Books, LLC.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

GIVEAWAY!

Blitz-wide giveaway (US only)

A signed copy of #Bae

A Swag bag

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Tag

Hi Guys!

I grabbed this Book Tag from Bookish Things and Tea. I thought it would be a great addition to my Booksday! Wednesday.  I’ve been looking at it for a while and finally figured why not.  So without further ado:

HOW DO YOU FIND OUT ABOUT NEW BOOKS TO READ?

Now this is a loaded question. I find out about books from just about anywhere.  I’ve found new ones on Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram just as much as wandering and browsing the stores.  Something new to read is something that I’m always on the lookout for.  I’m also a big supporter of going to the Library.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO READING?

According to my mom I began reading at around 3 years old.  She said I just grabbed on and never let go.  I even remember packing for a trip and more than half of my suitcase was books… I’m like 2 pairs of pants, 2 pairs of shorts, 5 t-shirts, 2 dresses, socks, underwear, bras, my converse, flip flops, ballerina flats, and 45 books.  And that’s because I traveled light and only brought my favorites.

HOW HAS YOUR TASTE IN BOOKS CHANGED AS YOU’VE GOTTEN OLDER?

I’m not sure that my tastes have changed, but they have become extremely expanded.  I’m still one to decided on the fly that I want to read the Harry Potter series from start to finish and then turn around and read either a romance or a sci-fi book,  then turn back around and grab the Little house on the Prairie, or Percy Jackson books.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU BUY BOOKS?

It’s not unheard of for me to buy anywhere between 1-8 books every couple of weeks.  Especially in this age where the I can get ebooks that means I can carry thousands or more books with me at any one time.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO BOOK REVIEWING?

I tumbled in to it.  I’ve been looking at what direction to take my blog and decided that I would dedicate one of my blog posts a week to books.  Whether its reviewing or showing what new books I’m reading or even just what books I’ve bought.

HOW DO YOU REACT WHEN YOU DON’T LIKE THE END OF A BOOK?

I’m pretty sure I’ve cried when a book hasn’t turned out the way I wanted it to.  I’ve also been known to rant and rave to pretty much anyone who will listen to my ramblings.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU TAKE A SNEAK PEAK AT THE ENDING TO SEE IF THERE IS A HAPPY ENDING?

It’s been a while… Probably not since my teens have I done this.  Not because I don’t want to know right then and there, but because I hate not knowing how it happened.  I remember reading something and thinking that I’ll peak at the end, then getting confused on how the ending happened.

I TAG…

According to the blog that I got this Tag from it’s been around for a while.  And I’ve also have no Idea on how to tag or even who to tag.  So here’s an open tag for anyone who wants to do it.

I hope you enjoyed this weeks Booksday! post.

Until Next Time!

Tabby