tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323686042024-03-13T13:28:24.291-07:00Bringing Up BurnsErin Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378773945772061443noreply@blogger.comBlogger1198125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32368604.post-86738199784855515572019-12-31T17:23:00.000-08:002019-12-31T17:23:25.074-08:0026BOOKS Twenty-Twenty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Erin Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378773945772061443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32368604.post-23121843054753230432017-01-18T10:09:00.005-08:002017-01-18T10:19:09.458-08:00Ginger Miso Salad Dressing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o_bWRcCxyLg/WH-tbouhPYI/AAAAAAAAPoc/W3wKaS31S3gHNV-RvBEq3Wn_wAHRgPGRwCLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="636" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o_bWRcCxyLg/WH-tbouhPYI/AAAAAAAAPoc/W3wKaS31S3gHNV-RvBEq3Wn_wAHRgPGRwCLcB/s640/FullSizeRender%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We received a huge bunch of curly kale and about a pound of brussels sprouts in our CSA box last week, so I used those to make an Asian inspired salad with this dressing and it was really good! I was also making my <a href="http://burns-familyblog.blogspot.com/2008/10/teriyaki-sauce.html">Teriyaki Chicken</a> and cauliflower rice, so I didn't add any meat to the salad, but it would be great with shredded chicken or turkey. In the salad bowl I threw: shaved brussels sprouts, chopped kale, shredded carrots, chopped green onions, cilantro and mint, and one diced Serrano pepper. Right before I dressed + tossed the salad, I topped it with ginger wonton strips and sesame seeds. Looking back, I wish I would have also added red bell pepper and some purple cabbage...but this salad was a hit with the whole family so there will be a next time! </span></div>
<b><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">GINGER MISO DRESSING</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 tablespoons lime juice</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 tablespoons olive oil</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 tablespoon sesame oil</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 table spoon seasoned rice vinegar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 tablespoon Tamari (I use to be GF, but you could sub low sodium soy sauce)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 1/2 tablespoon miso paste (I used <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Genmai-Organic-Brown-Eden-Foods/dp/B0019JRIPG/ref=pd_sbs_325_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=G5KRTPSC830GXN49NG6T">THIS ONE</a>) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 tablespoons honey</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Combine everything in a bowl and whisk until smooth. ENJOY!</span></div>
Erin Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378773945772061443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32368604.post-70592950459368716692017-01-11T06:00:00.000-08:002017-01-11T06:00:24.169-08:00January Reads<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm going to try and post at the beginning of each month a handful of book releases I am looking forward to. (I know. I know. I said I was going to do this last year and I failed. Miserably!! But I aim to be better in 2017.) The hope is that I get around to reading these titles too. Maybe these posts will help you round out your TBR lists or fit a #26BOOKS prompt you have yet to fill.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BPZqETd0ILk/WHVz6bHpijI/AAAAAAAAPnU/UF2KGrROnM0-og3Y5wertgltKauzDhJDQCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-01-10%2Bat%2B3.50.24%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BPZqETd0ILk/WHVz6bHpijI/AAAAAAAAPnU/UF2KGrROnM0-og3Y5wertgltKauzDhJDQCLcB/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-01-10%2Bat%2B3.50.24%2BPM.png" width="212" /></a><br />
<a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Lucian-Divine-Renee-Carlino/dp/1539459845/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484089863&sr=8-1&keywords=lucian+divine" style="font-family: inherit;">Lucian Divine by Carlino</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> (Jan 7th) - </span>"Evelyn Casey's life is at a standstill. She's in her mid-twenties, struggling with the dating scene in San Francisco. Nothing seems to be working out, and she’s starting to think that she’ll live out her days in her crummy apartment with her overbearing roommate, Brooklyn. It's absurd, but sometimes Evey longs for a guardian angel to show up and save the day. And then he does." // <span style="font-family: inherit;">Carlino is a one-click author for me. I have loved every single one of her books. I will be devouring this read this week while it storms outside. My kind of Heaven! </span><br />
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<b>Could work for: Published this year, With an epic romance, You choose because of the cover, Reputation for being "un-put-down-able," You can finish in a day</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><br /></span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cMKnkBEnjTo/WHV4D9ITiQI/AAAAAAAAPng/C7yfFw0s8sky4pif9jWUta3LYrrQiGpRgCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-01-10%2Bat%2B4.09.14%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cMKnkBEnjTo/WHV4D9ITiQI/AAAAAAAAPng/C7yfFw0s8sky4pif9jWUta3LYrrQiGpRgCLcB/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-01-10%2Bat%2B4.09.14%2BPM.png" width="212" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Most-Dangerous-Place-Earth-Novel/dp/0812997271/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484093068&sr=8-1&keywords=the+most+dangerous+place+on+earth">The Most Dangerous Place on Earth by Johnson</a> (Jan 10th) - </span>"The wealthy enclaves north of San Francisco are not the paradise they appear to be, and nobody knows this better than the students of a local high school. Despite being raised with all the opportunities money can buy, these vulnerable kids are navigating a treacherous adolescence in which every action, every rumor, every feeling, is potentially postable, shareable, viral. Johnson’s kaleidoscopic narrative exposes at every turn the real human beings beneath the high school stereotypes." // My own children will be entering an environment very similar to this one soon and I am all too aware of the inescapable influence social media has (will have) on them. I am intrigued to see how it all plays out in this fictionalized form.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Could work for: With yellow on the cover, Published this year, Outside of your comfort zone, Reputation for being "un-put-down-able</b><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FVAeaaJd0bg/WHV7IdWlqmI/AAAAAAAAPns/JQqHGahmOe8TgKxS65HPLhx63uqUVlAXACLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-01-10%2Bat%2B4.23.34%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FVAeaaJd0bg/WHV7IdWlqmI/AAAAAAAAPns/JQqHGahmOe8TgKxS65HPLhx63uqUVlAXACLcB/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-01-10%2Bat%2B4.23.34%2BPM.png" width="215" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Carve-Mark-Veronica-Roth/dp/0062348639/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484093855&sr=8-1&keywords=carve+the+mark">Carve the Mark by Roth</a> (Jan 17th) -</span></span> "On a planet where violence and vengeance rule, in a galaxy where some are favored by fate, everyone develops a currentgift, a unique power meant to shape the future. While most benefit from their currentgifts, Akos and Cyra do not—their gifts make them vulnerable to others’ control. Can they reclaim their gifts, their fates, and their lives, and reset the balance of power in this world?" // <a href="http://burns-familyblog.blogspot.com/search?q=divergent">My admiration of Roth's Divergent series is no secret</a>. I absolutely fell in love with the reality she created and the characters she shared. And then she devastated me with the final book. So, while I am thoroughly excited to see where her creative mind takes me next, the Fangirl in me is proceeding with caution! <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Carve-Mark-Free-Chapter-First-ebook/dp/B01FQQPBAG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1484093855&sr=8-2&keywords=carve+the+mark">CLICK HERE</a> to read the first chapter for free.<br />
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<b>Could work for: About a place/time you wished you lived, Published this year, In a genre you generally avoid, Set in the future</b><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Djo7K68PbfM/WHV8vklCeUI/AAAAAAAAPn0/-6dDXA8CtJkW3KXDc4HbHImzE-V0sHFBwCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-01-10%2Bat%2B4.29.46%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Djo7K68PbfM/WHV8vklCeUI/AAAAAAAAPn0/-6dDXA8CtJkW3KXDc4HbHImzE-V0sHFBwCLcB/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-01-10%2Bat%2B4.29.46%2BPM.png" width="212" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Your-Side-Kasie-West/dp/0062455869/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484094447&sr=8-1&keywords=by+your+side">By Your Side by West</a> (31st) - "</span></span>When Autumn Collins finds herself accidentally locked in the library for an entire weekend, she doesn’t think things could get any worse. But that’s before she realizes that Dax Miller is locked in with her. Autumn doesn’t know much about Dax except that he’s trouble." // Booknerd gets locked in the library with hot jock for the weekend? This book is bound to be full of ridiculous stereotypes and cheesy moments and that is exactly why I want to read it.<br />
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<b>Could work for: You can finish in a day, Published this year, With an epic romance, Takes place someplace warm (they are bound to heat up that library, right?!) </b><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
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I hope you enjoy these titles! If you read any of them, please come back and leave a comment on your thoughts...I'd love to hear them. What books are you looking forward to reading soon?</div>
Erin Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378773945772061443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32368604.post-10188569300852968762017-01-10T06:00:00.000-08:002017-01-10T09:07:53.356-08:00Pressed Juicery 3-Day Cleanse<div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rhB2qUMDHME/WHA5E_g3y9I/AAAAAAAAPlo/0CwBUUuR_mE8obGQLyDQ8ci-bH_BtjRcwCLcB/s1600/Pressed1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rhB2qUMDHME/WHA5E_g3y9I/AAAAAAAAPlo/0CwBUUuR_mE8obGQLyDQ8ci-bH_BtjRcwCLcB/s640/Pressed1.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In August I made a major life change and went gluten free, sugar free, caffeine free and (except on special occasions like birthdays or holidays) alcohol free. What precipitated this change is a story for another post, but I have <i>never felt better</i>. It hasn't been easy, but the way I feel is reason enough to keep me on track...</span></span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">At least when it's not Christmas and New Year's!! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">The last two weeks of December I fell off the wagon with a thud. Cookies, cinnamon rolls, flour tortillas, soda, wine and gin. All the gluten-y, sugary, caffeinated, </span><span style="color: #666666;">alcoholic</span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> things! Within hours of eating gluten, I feel bloated and lethargic. If I don't immediately get back on track, within 48 hours, my joints ache, I have trouble sleeping and I get a persistent dull headache. You can imagine how I felt after 2 weeks of being off track! Compound that with the weight gain and energy loss that accompanies a diet of sugar and alcohol...I was desperate to feel better as quick as possible. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jan 2nd I marched into Press Juicery and bought three days worth of their Cleanse 1. I have never done a juice cleanse before, but did spend the better part of December learning about intermittent fasting and am used to drinking only liquids for an extended period of time.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ey_KlcS6ru4/WHA8KtalmxI/AAAAAAAAPl4/J-AvlhmeFh4_FT0NQjGj4ttv-7P2dfTOACLcB/s1600/pressed3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ey_KlcS6ru4/WHA8KtalmxI/AAAAAAAAPl4/J-AvlhmeFh4_FT0NQjGj4ttv-7P2dfTOACLcB/s640/pressed3.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What I liked about Pressed, is the accessibility. I appreciated being able to commit and implement without any prep or wait time! Knowing very little about what I wanted, other than to feel better, the girls at the shop were very helpful. They suggested I start with their cleanse for beginners and even offered to let me sample some of the cold-pressed juices I would be purchasing. If there was one I didn't like, they would switch it out for a comparable juice of a different flavor. Nice! I was sold. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cleanse 1 includes an almond milk in the morning, rich in proteins and complex carbohydrates to help keep first time cleansers feeling fuller longer. Cleanse 2 includes a juice in place of the morning almond milk and is marketed as their "most popular." Cleanse 3 is recommended for experienced cleansers, being their most intense and lowest calorie.</span></span></div>
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The juices that came in Cleanse 1 were:</div>
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#1 Vanilla Almond (almonds, dates, vanilla bean, sea salt)</div>
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#2 Greens 2 (kale, spinach, romaine, parsley, cucumber, celery, apple, lemon)</div>
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#3 Roots 2 (carrot, kale, romaine, spinach, parsley, apple, ginger) </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">#4 Citrus 2 (pineapple, apple, lemon, mint) </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">#5 Greens 3 (kale, spinach, romaine, parsley, cucumber, celery, apple, lemon, ginger)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">#6 Chocolate Almond (</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The cleanse also comes with aloe vera and chlorophyll waters. I had never tried either before, and honestly, these were the </span>hardest of the cleanse<span style="font-family: inherit;"> for me to drink! The aloe helps soothe your digestive system and you are are supposed to drink it each night before bed. I felt like I was drinking pool water. The chlorophyll helps keep you full while detoxing and while its taste is mild, I felt like it was something out of the City of Oz. It is BRIGHT EMERALD GREEN!</span></div>
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The juices themselves all tasted fantastic. We own a Breville juicer and I make several bottles of "Mean Green" on a weekly basis. Several of these juices were similar in flavor. I am not a fan of beets, and I was afraid I was going to have to "grin and bear it" for at least one bottle over the course of the day, but I didn't! The Citrus 2 downright tastes like candy.<br />
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<b>Day 1</b>, I was surprised that I didn't feel hungry. In fact, I had to make myself finish all 8 bottles of liquid. I didn't work out this day and went to bed a reasonable hour. I flooded myself with water, afraid of a detox headache...but it never came. All things considered, it was an uneventful, easy start to my first cleanse.</div>
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<b>Day 2</b>, I woke and went to my 5am crossfit class. I expected to have less stamina than normal but that was not the case. I was definitely more hungry by midday than I had been on Day 1. I am pretty good about drinking at least half my weight in water each day, but I found myself reaching for it more often to curb my hunger. When it came time to cook dinner for the family, I was ravenous and tired. I ate a 100 calorie pack of cashews and half a cucumber sliced up to satiate myself. </div>
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<b>Day 3</b>, it felt like I settled into a "new normal." I wasn't hungry. Perhaps because I knew real food was around the corner? I ran on the treadmill for 40 minutes in the late afternoon and it was laborious but doable. Interestingly - I began to crave the chlorophyll water. Enough so, that I went online and bought a bottle of chlorophyll drops for future consumption! </div>
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<b>Day after the Cleanse</b>, I woke and went to my 5am crossfit class and felt like I had rocks in my shoes. I was definitely dragging. I couldn't wait to get home and EAT REAL FOOD! I weighed myself and I had lost 8lbs in 3 days. That's kinda crazy. I had a poached egg over roasted cauliflower and kale for breakfast, veggies and baked chicken for lunch and another juice for dinner. I was so full within a few bites each meal. </div>
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Final Thoughts - within two days, I had gained back 4 of the 8lbs I had lost. Which is understandable. I didn't eat for three days! I think the cleanse was relatively easy for me because of the diet changes I had made prior to starting. Having already eliminated caffeine, gluten and refined sugars made it much more enjoyable! I think if you were used to your cup (or four) of coffee each morning, giving that up would be extremely hard. Regardless of the weight loss or gain, the cleanse was worth if for me because it was a legitimate restart for my system. I haven't felt any sugar or carb cravings since finishing and the bloat is GONE! Thank goodness. I am, once again, motivated to eat well and stay on track with my workouts. I am thinking about starting each month with a 3-day cleanse...it was that doable and beneficial.</div>
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MollyB LOVED the Vanilla Almond...so much so, I went and bought her her own on the final day of my cleanse. No way I was giving up my ONE taste of creamy goodness!!</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">These are the songs on my January17 Running Playlist...</span></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34Na4j8AVgA">Starboy</a></b> - What is this song even about? I'm scared to ask considering what The Weekend likes to lyric about. Even after googling the words I can't explain it you...all I know is that it makes me want to pop my shoulders mid run. And a well placed curse word every so often can be very energizing. // "Star Trek groove in that Wrath of Khan. Girls get loose when they hear this song." </div>
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<b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sm5xYDROj9o">Only One</a></b> - I am sucker for a song that has a strong beat and a builds to a pounding pace. This radio edit does not disappoint. // "We're moving fast, but time is slow...Baby you got me feeling like the Only One."</div>
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<b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJOqJ-RitOg">Just Hold On</a></b> - I blame this one on my shameless love of One Direction and going to high school with Steve Aoki. I had to buy it. It's actually pretty fetching. // "So what do you want them to say when you're gone? That you gave up or that you kept going on?"</div>
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<b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bgemCaaQkU">Fresh Eyes</a></b> - Running side by side (in life and on treadmills) with the same person for the last 21 years of my life...the <a href="http://These lyrics make my heart melt.">lyrics of this song</a> speak to my heart. May we all see our partners with fresh eyes. // "Appreciation, well it comes and it goes. But I'll ride this wave with you. It's human nature to miss what's under your nose."</div>
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<b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5qWnG5RQTk">Play That Song</a></b> - Because Chopsticks. And because we all have "that song" that makes us go all night long. // "Play that song...the one that makes me think of you."</div>
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<b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Qp5vcuMIlk">Castle On The Hill </a>- </b>whuuuuut? Ed Sheeran dropped two new singles yesterday and this one is all the heart eye emojis I can type. Driving beat + great hook + beautiful bridge = my new favorite. It's one of those life affirming power ballads that only Sheeran's raspy voice can lend legitimacy to. // "I'm on my way, driving at 90 down those country lanes. Singing to 'Tiny Dancer'...and I miss the way you make me feel, and it's real." </div>
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<b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANS9sSJA9Yc">Don't Wanna Know</a></b> - I. Can't. Stop. Singing. This. Song. What is about Levine?...every damn song is so damn catchy. It must be the repetition. And the tattoos. // "I don't wanna know, know, know who's taking you home, home home and loving you so, so, so the way I used to do, do, do."</div>
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<b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euCqAq6BRa4">Let Me Love You</a> </b>- because my 2016 Resolution was to never lose faith in The Biebs again and it's the only resolution I've ever managed to keep. "Don't fall asleep at the wheel. We've got a million miles ahead of us." </div>
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<b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euCqAq6BRa4">Water Under The Bridge</a></b> - When I wanna quit I turn this one up. Adele has a way of schooling her subject without sounding angry. She is woman hear her roar. It makes me squint my eyes and mouth the words and punch the air and push through those last 3 minutes at an 10% incline. "It's so cold out here in your wilderness. I want you to be my keeper, but not if you are so reckless." </div>
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Matt and I were on side by side treadmills yesterday at the gym, but he didn't want a picture with me. You think it was my attire? LOL Can Baby Girl release some new music please?</div>
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Erin Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378773945772061443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32368604.post-80997208186545255702017-01-05T06:00:00.000-08:002017-01-05T10:17:38.753-08:005 Resolutions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am always hesitant to make New Year's Resolutions because I literally NEVER keep them. So now they carry with them a weight of impending failure. Before I begin, I feel like I've already fallen behind. I have weird #issues, but, as I <strike>age</strike> mature, I've learned to just accept them and work WITH my quirks rather than fight against them. </div>
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In that fashion, I've been approaching my goals differently lately. Rather than set a date or finish line for myself, I've been doing my best to refocus my energy on the NOW. I still have end goals in terms of my weight, my book, what I feed my brain and mouth and heart...but they are no longer my motivation. They are just milestones I know I will eventually reach.</div>
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Those end goals, however are lofty and there is a heck of a whole lot I want to squeeze into and get out of 2017. In order to be successful, I've committed to keeping the following five sweeping "resolutions."</div>
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<b>Start Where You Are</b></div>
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I am pretty much never going to be ready for anything. Matt likes to joke that on nights when we go out and I holler from our bathroom that "I'm ready, let's go!" he knows he has at least another five to ten minutes before I am truly <i>ready</i>. His reply has come to be, "Is your hand on the door?" No. No it is not. My hand is never on the door. There is always one more thing I can squeeze in, put in place, or perfect before I am ready. What I've come to understand, however, is that when I approach my goals with this mentality, I waste a monster amount of time, energy and head space on "getting ready." I need to use this for getting it DONE instead.</div>
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Start Where You Are.</div>
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For me, that means, making it to the gym even when I am uncomfortable in my workout wear. </div>
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Writing the blog post even if I don't have the perfect pictures.</div>
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Reading the book even if it doesn't fit a prompt.</div>
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Calling my sister even if I only have 2 minutes to talk.</div>
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Authoring 1000 words a day even if I delete them all in the end.</div>
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Going out with my husband just because and with no plan. OMG.</div>
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<b>Enjoy the Journey</b></div>
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My love of Miley is no secret, so why has it taken me this long to figure out it's not about the destination, it's The Climb? It's true there is always gonna be another mountain. Life is a series of attempts and tries and then trying again. Even in success, there is so much more to be found, learned and appreciated in <i>what got you there</i> than the actual win. When I focus solely on the end goal, I easily get lost and discouraged. Finding joy and reward in the daily grind has made a huge difference in my energy and motivation to stay on track. Am I where I want to be? No. Is anyone? I imagine even when I get there, I will want to move again. Enjoying the journey helps me to stay focused on the moment.</div>
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Enjoy the Journey.</div>
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For me, that means, pushing myself physically and have it feel good rather than disappointing.</div>
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Being excited to try new foods rather than sorry I can't eat certain things I used to love.</div>
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Turning the music up real loud and singing along as I drive back and forth to kids sports and events.</div>
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Reading in the carpool line.</div>
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Appreciating all I have penned and allowing it to inspire me rather than contribute to my writer's block.</div>
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Turning another night at home into two steaks and a Redbox rather than me with a book and he with the remote.</div>
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Being happy with less. Inspired by the mundane. Fulfilled from within.</div>
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<b>Celebrate Small Victories</b></div>
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Rewards feel good. Rewards encourage behavior. Hello? I have a degree in Clinical Psychology...you think I would remember the general premise of Pavlov and his dogs even it's just my overactive Id at work. <i>Reward yourself and your good behavior and you will succeed. </i>I am impatient and I am not competitive. Two things I think work to my disadvantage when it comes to goal setting. If I waited to reward myself until I got to the <i>final</i> finish line...I'd never finish. I get distracted and discouraged and honestly, I just start a new race. I find a new finish line. This leads to too many balls in the air at once and nothing ever accomplished well. And that feels gross!! Small rewards for accomplishing micro-goals keep me motivated and focused on the macro-goal.</div>
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Celebrate Small Victories.</div>
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For me, that means, buying new running shoes because I've made it to the gym for the past month.</div>
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Ordering gluten free pizza and loving every bite after a successful two weeks of intermittent fasting. </div>
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Adding fresh flowers to the grocery cart after meal planning and shopping for the week.</div>
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Making dinner reservations because all the laundry is folded and the beds are made and TGIF!</div>
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<b>Get It Right, Right Now</b></div>
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"Get it right, Right Now" is actually a line from my book, and while it's really not all that original, the meaning of it between the two brothers and ultimately the entire story arc is what makes it so dear to me. I can't control much, but I can control the choices I make one by one. Maybe I didn't make the best choices yesterday, or this morning, or even 5 minutes ago. But <i>I can choose to make the right choice right now</i>. I don't need to get it right 100% of the time. I just need to get it right, right now. </div>
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Get It Right, Right Now. </div>
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For me, that means, ignoring the voice in my head every morning that says, "Hit snooze. You can work out extra hard tomorrow."</div>
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Choosing the healthy, green, gluten free thing to put in my mouth.</div>
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Writing, writing, writing.</div>
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Turning off the computer and putting down the phone and listening.</div>
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Staying connected to, praying for and making time to be with my girlfriends.</div>
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Supporting my Burns in the best way I know how - feeding their bodies, minds and souls.</div>
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Choosing LOVE every time.</div>
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<b>Love Yourself</b></div>
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"<i>Love yourself first, and everything else falls in line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.</i>" -Lucille Ball</div>
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It's seems so simple, but it's so hard. Why is that? Why are we always our own worst critic? I can have five people at a party tell me they love my top and I still think to myself, "But I need my roots done and I don't like my butt in these jeans and I wish I had gotten a manicure before tonight." STOP THE MADDNESS!!! This might be the hardest one for me because there are no clear boxes to check or "micro-goals" to reward myself for when I get it right. But I am working on changing the voice in my head. I like myself. I REALLY DO!! So I need to start talking to myself just as I would anyone else I love. Which is to say, "You're perfect to me."</div>
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Love Yourself. </div>
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For me, that means, Grace Grace Grace.</div>
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Finding more things I do like in the mirror than I don't.</div>
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Rejoicing that I have a body and heart that allow me to be move. </div>
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Giving myself hours of un-productivity without guilt.</div>
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Making the mammogram, dentist, and ophthalmologist appts I have been putting off.</div>
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Going to bed earlier.</div>
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<i>I am a priority and I am a better me when I believe this</i>.</div>
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Happy New Year, Friends! It is my prayer that 2017 surprises us all and is one of our best yet. Are you in the habit of making yearly resolutions? Are you good at keeping them? How do my 5 resonate with you?</div>
Erin Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378773945772061443noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32368604.post-14913243507035366972017-01-04T11:01:00.001-08:002017-01-04T11:01:11.958-08:00Life is GOOD<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cz8SXDvejhI/WG1Evwynl-I/AAAAAAAAPkE/CYjLm1cYtkErBc-ALiPjeWkI-8nhTsCKQCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-01-04%2Bat%2B10.53.04%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cz8SXDvejhI/WG1Evwynl-I/AAAAAAAAPkE/CYjLm1cYtkErBc-ALiPjeWkI-8nhTsCKQCLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-01-04%2Bat%2B10.53.04%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I came across <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/life-is-good-founders-say-this-question-inspired-their-business-2015-12">this article</a> and it gave me the chills. I don't know what started this habit in our family...but for as long as we've been sitting around a table with children that could carry a conversation we have asked the same question at dinnertime. </div>
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We call it "Share your Good" and as the kids have grown, Matt has also added the prompt (forever the teacher) "Share one thing you learned today." </div>
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I love how the brothers in the article said, <i>"As simple as mom's words were, they changed the energy in the room...before we knew it, we were all riffing on the best, funniest, or most bizarre part of our day."</i></div>
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This happens around our table too and it has allowed for some of our best times together as a family. The sharing what they have learned has also led Megan to help Molly with a report or Molly to help Wyatt with some Math problems. These conversations also make it much easier for the invariable fart or poop or Lake Titicaca comment that ALWAYS still seems to work it's way into our dinnertime roll of my back! </div>
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I don't know if our children will grow up to own their own $100 million companies someday, or if our dinnertime conversation will one day influence thousands of employees, but it is encouraging to know they are being raised in an environment that has fostered such things. </div>
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<b>"Optimism is a courageous choice you can make every day, especially in the face of adversity."</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 42px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 18px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 42px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 18px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span>Erin Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378773945772061443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32368604.post-56254969832312475662017-01-03T12:09:00.000-08:002017-01-03T12:09:35.443-08:00Savoring<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"Things will not always be as they are now - there will be new things, other things, good things. But I do not want to miss this, this right now, this <i>sacred everyday</i>. And I don't want to only see the surface. I want to see the depths - the work of God all around me...I forget so easily that there is a bigger picture. I am seduced by the bustle of the day...I forget that it's all held together by a holy, loving God." </span></div>
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I love the New Year because of the energy and sense of renewal it brings for me. A few things that are filling me up and helping me to start this year off right are...<div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L0qfxLAu154/WGv824pbwRI/AAAAAAAAPjM/m4UjUaPJ6mwxjDf-IW-FgEz_pftsp47egCLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L0qfxLAu154/WGv824pbwRI/AAAAAAAAPjM/m4UjUaPJ6mwxjDf-IW-FgEz_pftsp47egCLcB/s640/FullSizeRender%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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1) <a href="http://the12.com/">The 12</a>. My morning workout. I have to do it within minutes of putting my feet on the floor or it doesn't happen. 60 minutes of sweat and pushing myself and it's DONE. I am so much better at making positive, healthy decisions throughout the day if I start it this way.</div>
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2) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LE2YKKY/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1">My new daily devotional</a>. Savor by Shauna Niequist. I listen to it on audible in the mornings after I get home from the gym and it helps my focus to stay right where it should be! Like she says in the forward, I (can be) easily seduced by the bustle of the day.</div>
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3) Hot water with lemon and <a href="http://www.vitalproteins.com/featured/collagen-peptides.html">collagen</a>. I've been following an intermittent fasting schedule for about a month and I am loving it. (If you want to learn more about IF and it's awesome health benefits, check out my friend, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HausOfGirlsFitFamily/?fref=ts">Marta and her online courses</a>!) I've never been a hot beverage drinker...but ever since giving up diet coke and doing 18-24 hours fasts twice a week, this is my new go-to. </div>
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4) A new Planner. I am a list girl. I love to write it down and CHECK IT OFF! My desire is to be more intentional in my reading, my meal planning, my letter writing, and my book writing in 2017. I'm hoping these first few days of the year I've taken to get it all down on paper will help me execute.</div>
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5) The cotton I got to fill a seagrass basket that sits in our living room. </div>
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6) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sharpie-Permanent-Markers-Brush-Assorted/dp/B006W0HQ54">Rainbow Brush Sharpies</a>. Because rainbow. And Sharpies. </div>
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Do you love this time of year? What things are helping you start 2017 off with the best intentions? </div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #bd081c; background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 42px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 286px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #bd081c; background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 42px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 286px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #bd081c; background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 42px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 286px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #bd081c; background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 42px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 286px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span>Erin Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378773945772061443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32368604.post-64405776376208957162016-12-31T16:23:00.000-08:002016-12-31T16:24:34.653-08:0026BOOKS in 2016 WRAP UP<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mxPqtE-OYC0/WGbp-WRAi9I/AAAAAAAAPi8/89itHP50Xisd1WeIiKVSOcrX4z3Tf5J6wCLcB/s1600/2016completeSQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mxPqtE-OYC0/WGbp-WRAi9I/AAAAAAAAPi8/89itHP50Xisd1WeIiKVSOcrX4z3Tf5J6wCLcB/s640/2016completeSQ.jpg" width="436" /></a></div>
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I keep a list of the books I read all year in the "NOTES" on my phone. For the most part, I didn't chose books this year based on the challenge prompts (like I have in years past). I wasn't that organized in 2016! There were a few I knew I wouldn't just <i>happen</i> to complete without some forethought (decade I was born, favorite book from my childhood) and those I researched and planned. But the rest, I just sat down yesterday and went through my "2016 Books Read" note and fit titles to the prompts. I have been working under the assumption that I wasn't going to complete the challenge this year, since I hadn't been diligently keeping track. But to my surprise...I DID! One would <i>hope </i>that when you read upwards of 100 books over the year, you could find 26 that fit...but I tend to get caught up in series and am bad about breaking out of my typical genres, so I was pleasantly surprised to see it all come together. I hope to be more adventurous with my reading in 2017! With that being said...here are my 26 books. I starred my favorites above.</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Space-Between-Sisters-Butternut-Novel-ebook/dp/B015MOJ70C/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1483140231&sr=1-1&keywords=the+space+between+sisters+mary+mcnear">The Space Between Sisters by McNear</a></div>
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I initially chose this book simply because of the water on the cover and the general theme of sisters who are opposites. While not even close to the lengths that Win and Poppy are in the book, my own two daughters are similarly opposite - one is methodically organized while the other more laissez-faire. I ended up being pleasantly surprised by the emotive writing and relatable plot. The two sisters come together one summer on a lake after years of being distant. Secrets are revealed, relationships tested, and long standing family dichotomies are challenged. The summertime, small town vibe this book has lends itself to be a perfect "beach" or vacation read. It was a pleasant, easy escape!</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Swear-This-Life-Renee-Carlino-ebook/dp/B00P42WOI0/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1483140978&sr=1-1&keywords=swear+on+this+life+by+renee+carlino">Swear On This Life by Carlino</a></div>
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Carlino is a one-click author for me. I have loved everything she's written and eagerly await <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32027348-lucian-divine">her next publication</a>! Swear On This Life did not disappoint. The basic premise of the novel is a post-graduate student and struggling author who is comfortably numb in her long term, live-in relationship discovers the newest best selling novel all her friends are talking about is actually based on her early life and authored (under a pseudonym) by her lost love, forcing her to face her past, present and future all at once. What I loved most about this book is that it unfolds as a novel within a novel. The chapters flip back and forth between present day and the book the main character is reading. It was such fun to read!! And if you know Carlino, you know this book was witty and romantic without being sappy or unrealistic. It is one of my Top Five Favorite reads this year. </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_2_12?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=broken+grace+by+e.c.+diskin&sprefix=broken+grace%2Cstripbooks%2C319&crid=3269K02HA8CP7">Broken Grace by Diskin</a></div>
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This was the first book I read in 2016, having been my free, January Kindle First download. So I went into it knowing very little other than the 3 sentence synopsis Amazon gives you in an email. I am a sucker for an unreliable narrator however, so I really enjoyed this book. If you enjoyed Girl On The Train, Gone Girl or We Were Liars...then I would highly suggest this read! The main character, Grace, wakes up one snowy winter morning in the hospital. She has survived a car crash but can't remember anything that happened before it. She moves in with her sister in their old family farmhouse to recover and what unfolds is a long list of dark twists and suspenseful turns as Grace slowly begins to piece together her former life. I must say, this book was predictable, but even in the end...I had one of those, "NO WAY!" moments as all of the questions were answered.</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Behind-Closed-Doors-B-Paris-ebook/dp/B01CXO4VRI/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1483142234&sr=1-1&keywords=behind+closed+doors+by+b+a+paris">Behind Closed Doors by Paris</a></div>
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I received an ARC of this book from St. Martin's Press and knew nothing other than it was already a #1 bestseller in the UK. Within the very first paragraph of the book, you know something isn't right. From all outward appearances, Jack and Grace seem like the perfect couple. He's devilishly handsome. She is the picture of elegance and poise. They are educated, wealthy and throw beautiful dinner parties. One might not think twice that Jack and Grace are never apart, but behind closed doors there is more going on then newly wedded bliss. This book jumped the shark for me a little bit. I bent so dark, it wasn't probable. But I kept turning the pages because I couldn't believe what I was reading. I wish Grace had a little more gumption. An ounce more self-love.</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nightingale-Kristin-Hannah-ebook/dp/B00JO8PEN2/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1483167775&sr=1-1&keywords=the+nightingale">The Nightingale by Hannah</a></div>
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<b><i>"If I have learned anything in this long life of mine, it is this: In love we find our who we want to be; in war we find out who we are." </i></b></div>
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When the very first line of a book contains both an ellipses AND a semicolon. Help me, Rhonda. You are most likely in for the read of your life. I think what blows me away is the breadth of Hannah's ability. She writes chic lit as well as she writes historical fiction as well as she writes urban fantasy. You think you know what you are going to get with her, but you DON'T. And yet, you are never disappointed. I will admit I went into The Nightingale with some hesitation and even a bit of dread. It was a bookclub pick and as a group we had already read All the Light You Cannot See. I wasn't eager to pick up and discuss ANOTHER World War II novel. I could already taste the stale diatribe I would arrive with at our discussion on my lips. I will suffice my review to say these three things: there is no other bond like sisters, I am continually thankful I only have experienced war through novels, and I will NEVER balk at another Kristin Hannah novel, no matter the subject matter.</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ordinary-People-Judith-Guest-ebook/dp/B0023SDQF8/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1483229089&sr=1-1&keywords=ordinary+people+judith+guest">Ordinary People by Guest</a></div>
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I totally skimmed this book. I read it in high school and picked it up again knowing it was written in the 70's. I think what resonated with me the most, is when I read this book the first time, I thought the mother was horrible! I empathized with Conrad, the son left behind after his brother's death. This time around however, my heart broke for Beth. Her life was turned upside down and she wasn't strong enough to deal with it...but as a mother now, I can understand her pain, denial and desire to keep order and present a poised personae. Sometimes strength and weakness are one in the same. </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0176M3XWQ/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1">One True Loves by Reid</a></div>
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I almost used this book for "A book with a great first line." </div>
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<b><i>"I am finishing up dinner with my family and my fiancé when my husband calls." </i></b></div>
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Wait. WHUT?! This is a story of Emma. A girl who married her high school sweetheart, Jesse and together they move away from their Massachusetts home to California. On their first anniversary, however, Jesse goes missing while on a trip for work. Emma moves back home and attempts to rebuild her life once it is assumed Jesse is dead. Over time, she runs into Sam, an old friend and they start to fall in love. Then...Jesse is found. I read this book while stranded in the airport waiting on a flight to Miami and it was perfect. The plot is a little far-fetched, but it's not all fluff either. There are some delicate themes tackled and good, honest relationships developed. I liked that Reid adequately gives the reader time and experiences with both men. You end up liking both of them, on their own, and for Emma, for different reasons. If you read it, I'd love to hear who you were rooting for and if you were happy with the ending! </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/All-Ugly-Wonderful-Things-Novel-ebook/dp/B01ARRWOOU/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1483169347&sr=1-1&keywords=all+the+ugly+and+wonderful+things">All the Ugly and Wonderful Things by Greenwood</a></div>
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God bless, this book threw me for a loop. I just finished it a couple days ago and it is still ruminating in my brain. The plot controversial and redemptive, aggravating and healing, resilient and heartbreaking. I picked this book as the one that would "help me to grow" because I went into it knowing I probably wasn't going to like it. I read several reviews about the storyline before I started (which is the antithesis of how I like to start a book!) but EVERY REVIEW I READ came to the same conclusion. The reviewer was troubled, disturbed, triggered...and yet, they were so glad they read it. It was one of the best books they had read all year. WHUUUUUTTT? How could this be? I had to see for myself. This book is not for everyone. But it was for me. It is gritty and honest and moving and captivating from the very first page. It is fabulously well written, the story being told from multiple POVs. It does more than pull on your heartstrings. It makes you rethink how and why and IF you have a heart and what those strings really even mean at all. It is at once, Ugly and Wonderful and makes you feel that way too. It is one of my Top Five Favorite reads this year.</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Before-Goodbye-Mimi-Cross-ebook/dp/B00ZWWG712/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1483210925&sr=1-1&keywords=before+goodbye">Before Goodbye by Cross</a></div>
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While this book is considered YA, it tackles a lot of heavy, emotional subjects - abuse, rape, suicide, drugs/alcohol and sex. The story is told in alternating POVs of two main characters who are both high-schoolers dealing with recent traumas in their lives. They choose to handle those feelings with destructive behavior. It is thoughtfully written with good character development and I appreciated the coming of age growth that both characters went through. The main character is a musician and there is a lot of the book that focuses on her talent and how she interprets and uses to music in her life. The music was almost a secondary character. This was interesting, but also seemed to draw out the book. The same story could have been told in 50 less pages. But even though the book was almost 400 pages, the ending felt too simply wrapped up for the breadth and weight of the story. </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Distance-Me-You-Marina-Gessner-ebook/dp/B00R3GAPGI/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1483212946&sr=1-1&keywords=the+distance+from+me+to+you">The Distance From Me to You by Gessner</a></div>
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This was the book I bought for my "Booknerds Blind Bookswap" last Christmas. Everyone brings a book they haven't read yet, wrapped in plain paper, with just a one sentence synopsis written on the front. We all exchange and open and then meet up again throughout the year to pass the books around. It is great fun!! Obviously I was eager to read this one, since I had been the one to purchase it. The synopsis I had written on the front was "WILD meets Endless Love." A college bound McKenna defers her acceptance for a year to hike the Appalachian Trail with her BFF (much to her parents chagrin) At the last minute, the BFF backs out of the adventure and McKenna goes it alone. On the trail she meets Sam, a drifter who has dropped out of school and left an abusive father behind. I think I especially enjoyed this book because my own brother had just completed hiking the John Muir Trail when I read it. It was refreshing that while there was a romance in the book, it took a less important role in the story than McKenna's growth, survival and self discovery. I liked the basic lesson it sends to college bound women everywhere: trust yourself and don't give up! </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Hummingbird-Celeste-Fletcher-McHale-ebook/dp/B010R53XRO">The Secret to Hummingbird Cake by McHale</a></div>
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I absolutely LOVED this book! It was a bookclub pick and the hostess made Hummingbird Cake. Let me just tell you...if you ever have a chance, EAT THAT CAKE!! It's a banana-pineapple-pecan-cream cheese frosting slice of bliss. The book was similarly satisfying. I laughed out loud so hard there were tears. More than once. And my heart broke to the point of tears. More than once. Often in the span of a few pages. This book is set in the South and the small town is as much a character in the book as the three best girlfriends. I loved the dynamic between these three friends and how each of their personailites were allowed to shine as they faced trials, triumphs and traumas together. I also enjoyed the honest glimpse this story gave into the ups and downs within a long term marriage. I thoroughly enjoyed every page and highly recommend! I've already pre-ordered McHale's <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Smell-Magnolias-Memories-ebook/dp/B01HAK32DO/ref=pd_sim_351_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=0F14VWZCDPYA1GACY52C">next release</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Girl-at-War-Sara-Novic-ebook/dp/B00NRQW84K/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1483215694&sr=1-1&keywords=girl+at+war+sara+novic">Girl at War by Novic</a></div>
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This was also a bookclub pick and we gave it mixed reviews. The story follows Ana, a Yugoslavian girl, and moves back and forth between 1991 Zagreb and 2001 Manhattan. You see first hand how history shapes a person and is something that can never be truly escaped. Ana's childhood was impacted by war and danger and even though she is now a young college student in New York, those experiences invade every relationship in her young adult life. She decides to return to her home country and face her demons. The book is gritty and honest and emotional, and I appreciated Ana's perseverance and desire to heal.</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0089EHWQE/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1">Me Before You by Moyes</a></div>
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This could have fit 2015's prompt "A book everyone has read but you." Haha! I can't believe it took me this long to tackle. I actually listened to this book on Audible, and I think it made me like it that much more. The actors who read Louisa and Will were superb and I enjoyed their British accents very much. It added an extra layer of authenticity to the story that I don't think I would have gotten had I read it inside my own head. You probably know all about this story already so I won't go into much of a synopsis. My favorite things about the book were Will and Louisa's witty banter, Louisa's quirkiness and the overriding theme that while love may not conquer all, it's worth the ride. (Also - I thought the movie was very well cast and loved that lines from the book were used verbatim in the screenplay.)</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wonder-R-J-Palacio-ebook/dp/B0051ANPZQ/ref=sr_1_1_ha?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1483216688&sr=1-1&keywords=wonder">Wonder by Palacio</a></div>
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Both my daughters had to read this book for school so I picked it up one night and read it from cover to cover. I loved the insight and compassion the various POVs leant to the story. Auggie is a young boy with a facial abnormality that has kept him from attending mainstream school. Wonder is the story of his inclusion and exclusion as he decides to join the classroom as a 5th Grader and how the people around him adjust to this change as well. I've never wanted a happy ending more than I wanted for Auggie. An excellent read and lesson on friendship, courage and kindness. I wish everyone would read this book!</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/F-ck-Love-Tarryn-Fisher-ebook/dp/B01A1NU9BU/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1483217149&sr=1-1&keywords=fck+love+tarryn+fisher">F*ck Love by Fisher</a></div>
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This book was a mind bend. I was thankful to read it with a friend because I was constantly texting her with my utter disbelief, confusion and shock. If you have read any Fisher in the past, then you know this is exactly what she goes for with her writing. She takes her readers out of the expected and drops them right in the middle of WTF. This story is about Helena and a vivid dream she has about a man, Kit. In her dream, she and Kit are wildly in love and full of happiness. Helena is so enraptured by this dream and her relationship with Kit in it, that she upends her life completely. She quits her job, breaks up with her boyfriend and moves cross country...all in the name of self-discovery and dream fulfillment. The main hiccup, however? Helena knows Kit in real life. He is her BFF's boyfriend. Whoops! While there were a few things about this book that I thought were unrealistic (Helena tracks down Kit's ex fiancee and moves in with her!) I really enjoyed this book. It was a great escape and I had a hard time understanding how Fisher was going to wrap it all up in a satisfactory way, but true to form, she did quite well. </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Garbage-Bag-Suitcase-Shenandoah-Chefalo-ebook/dp/B01BDXSXB0/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1483218239&sr=1-1&keywords=garbage+bag+suitcase+by+shenandoah+chefalo">Garbage Bag Suitcase by Chefalo</a></div>
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This memoir is one I picked up as research into the foster care system. It is an emotionally charged telling of a Native American girl's struggles as she navigated through life with neglectful and drug/alcohol addicted parents. At the age of 13, she ASKED to be put into foster care, thinking that would be her ticket out of her disappointing and depressing life. Sadly, it was not. This story is one of resilience and perseverance however, as Chefalo went on to graduate from college and is now a successful business women who is married with a daughter of her own. I was inspired by her unwillingness to give up on herself as well as her self-awareness and desire to give back to the foster care community as an adult. </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Moonshot-Alessandra-Torre-ebook/dp/B01HTWF1CI/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1483218995&sr=1-1&keywords=moonshot+torre">Moonshot by Torre</a></div>
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I blew through this book in 24 hours. It was a fun page turner. A Contemporary Sports Romantic Suspense story...Yes! That is a thing! haha. Which is basically all my favorites wrapped up in one, so it's no wonder I couldn't put it down. This story follows Ty, the daughter of a veteran baseball star, who has always travelled with her father's team (Yankees). When she is 17, a rookie named Chase Stern joins the team and Ty can't ignore their immediate connection. They end up secretly dating and true to romantic fiction form, drama breaks them apart. Neither can admit they were together, but neither can move on. Fast forward several years and Ty and Chase are thrust back into each other's lives, only now she is married and there is a serial killer on the loose who's victims are all young blondes in NYC that look just like Ty. I feel the need to note that there is cheating in this book, which never sits well with me. I don't mean to leave any huge SPOILERS in my reviews...but I know this is one subject that is a triggery no-go for many readers! In spite of this less than amour-able plot twist...I really enjoyed the book. And not that there is ever a justifiable "reason" for cheating, but the ending does take some of the edge off Ty's infidelity. </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Saint-Anything-Sarah-Dessen-ebook/dp/B00OZ0TNUO/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1483220018&sr=1-1&keywords=saint+anything+sarah+dessen">Saint Anything by Dessen</a></div>
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I started this book knowing nothing about it other than it had over 400 pages (which met one of the challenge prompts!) and I have enjoyed Dessen reads in the past. Come to find out, the plot mirrored my own life at the time I was reading it, in many ways, even though the main character was 23 years younger than me. Dessen has a knack for writing secondary characters that are as likable as they are intriguing. And her main characters always have a strong voice and complex relationships which I really enjoy. There is always great banter and difficult emotions and personal growth. Saint Anything didn't disappoint in any of these capacities! It was a very enjoyable read. </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Station-Eleven-Emily-John-Mandel-ebook/dp/B00J1IQUYM/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1483223429&sr=1-1&keywords=station+eleven">Station Eleven by St John Mandel</a></div>
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This book wasn't what I expected. I knew it was set in the future after a pandemic flu decimates life as we know it. I guess I was expecting a Hunger Games meets Fifth Wave sort of situation, but what I got was even better. More depth. More relational. I enjoyed how the plot jumped back and forth in time, spanning many years and was told from various POV's. In the end, the impact was similar to The Husband's Secret or the movie Traffic. There are twists of fate that wind each storyline together and allow them to connect and collide. One of the main characters sports a tattoo that says, "Survival is insufficient." And this is a theme that run throughout the entire novel. It is post-apocalyptic tale, but it focuses more on philosophical themes than science-fi ones, being a story of humanity, survival and how one learns to LIVE again after life altering trauma.</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bird-Sword-Amy-Harmon-ebook/dp/B01FIT5ITU/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1483220479&sr=1-1&keywords=the+bird+and+the+sword+amy+harmon">The Bird and the Sword by Harmon</a></div>
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When I picked up this book, I hadn't read fantasy in a long time...I purchased it because I've yet to meet an Amy Harmon book I didn't like! But it wasn't until I began it, that I realized I would be reading about a mystical land of kings and wars, curses and magic, Gods and monsters. The Bird and The Sword sucked me right in and I lived happily in the Land of Jeru for a weekend. Harmon's characters are always multi-layered and well developed and I love that her stories always have a deeper meaning/lesson to them. I enjoyed watching Lark and Tiras' relationship develop as well as witnessing Lark grow into a woman who took what once made her different and small and inadequate and embraced it as a gift that made her beautiful, powerful, and regal. Words are powerful, as the heart of this book demonstrates, and Harmon continues to command them. One of the best books I read all year!</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hard-Count-Ginger-Scott-ebook/dp/B01HSM221W/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1483224351&sr=1-1&keywords=the+hard+count+ginger+scott">The Hard Count by Scott</a></div>
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There were parts to this book that were a little like reading a biography that I wrote. My husband is a high school football coach and we live, eat and breath football in the Fall. Even some of the things the West End team did and said were identical to the mottos and routines my husband's team does. TRADITION. LEGACY. TEAM. I love Scott's writing and have enjoyed all her books, so I knew I would like this one too, but the football aspect of it made it especially endearing to me. This a YA romance story who's main focus is the football and how school/town politics play into that. It's also about the coach's daughter and the quarterback from the wrong side of the tracks and how they navigate their differences and the prejudices stacked against them as they fall in love. I really enjoyed it! It's chaste - if you're looking for a read acceptable for young teens. ;-)</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Love-Mix-Tape-Life-Loss-ebook/dp/B000N2HCMY/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1483225137&sr=1-1&keywords=love+is+a+mix+tape+by+rob+sheffield">Love is a Mix Tape by Sheffield</a></div>
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This book might as well be a love sonnet explained in the simplest of terms we all can relate to - song lyrics. Authored by a Rolling Stone editor who uses songs on various mix tapes to tell the story of his one true love, their unlikely coupling, and ultimately how he deals with loss after her sudden death. It is heartbreaking, funny, healing, witty and soulful all at once. It's a quick read, but an emotional one. I probably spent a good quarter of my high school and college years making mix tapes. So I can appreciate the thought and care that goes into the ordering and selection of songs. I loved how this story is told through them and because of them. </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Man-Called-Ove-Novel-ebook/dp/B00GEEB730/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1483226672&sr=1-1&keywords=a+man+called+ove+by+fredrik+backman">A Man Called Ove by Backman</a></div>
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This was a bookclub pick and the synopsis on Amazon called it "The most charming book of the year." So when I started it and it was kinda slow...I was confused. I didn't even finish it by the time we met to discuss (which is RARE for me!) But my group resoundingly LOVED it...so I went home determined to power through and discover what they all were so enamored about. In the end, I must agree. You fall in love with Ove and all his grouchiness. This book has some of the best character development I have read all year. From the young, voracious family that moves in next door to Ove himself - a widow who is having a hard time adjusting to being "alone and useless." It is a tender story which calls into question our blind assumptions and how kindness, patience and embracing life's ups and downs go a long way toward our happiness. </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Lower-Back-Tattoo-ebook/dp/B01CIM1L0U/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1483226408&sr=1-1&keywords=girl+with+the+lower+back">The Girl With the Lower Back Tattoo by Schumer</a></div>
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I listened to the book on Audible and it was a pleasant distraction from laundry, dishes or whatever other mundane task I was completing as I listened. Schumer is hysterical and hearing her words in her own voice leant a special understanding to how she wanted them delivered and received. The humor wasn't lost, but her sarcasm, satire and self-deprecation took on intensified levels of reliability. This book is politically charged and sexually explicit. It is also honest and unguarded in a way that makes you admire Schumer and re-examine your own story and if you are brave enough to tell it. </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/This-Present-Darkness-Frank-Peretti-ebook/dp/B005WK6JFI/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1483227296&sr=1-1&keywords=this+present+darkness+by+frank+peretti">This Present Darkness by Peretti</a></div>
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I first read this book in 8th grade. I remember being so enthralled with it, that I would read it during class under my desk. I was that kid. When I picked it up again, I wondered if it would capture my attention the way it did back then. It did! And I enjoyed every page. But now I am left wanting to finish out the trilogy again! Peretti is a Christian writer and in This Present Darkness a small, college town preacher and local newspaper reporter are at the center of a spiritual battle over mankind. It is the epitome of good VS evil, literal angels VS demons. The characters are relatable and faced with many intense experiences allowing for the reader to become invested. Peretti is a great story teller, weaving together the spiritual and the natural world in page turning fashion. It left me with a renewed passion for prayer and faith in The Creator's plan for my life. </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ends-Us-Novel-Colleen-Hoover-ebook/dp/B0176M3U10/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1483228142&sr=1-1&keywords=it+ends+with+us">It Ends With Us by Hoover</a></div>
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Hoover...Hoover...Hoover...what can I say? I always enjoy her books and this one was no exception. It just had a plot that pushed all my buttons, and even though I enjoyed it, left a sour taste in my mouth. I think that is what Hoover wanted, however. The best thing about Hoover's books is the banter. She can write a witty conversation better than anyone. The back and forth between Lily and Ryle was some of her best, which I why you fall in love with them. And why is hurts so bad when the red flags start to appear! But appear they do, and from the very first flash, I was done. OUT. NO GO. But Lily keeps going back. I think it is a testament to Hoover's writing and personal experience that she was able to passionately convey the struggle Lily had with her decisions and what allowed for her to keep giving Ryle second chances. For me, however, I could never get there. I loved Lily's relationship with Ryle's sister. And in the end, Lily's healing and healthy decisions were all her own - not because another man came and rescued her. Not because she had no other choice. I really appreciated that about the story.</div>
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That's a wrap on 2016!! I hope you found a few titles in here to add to your own TBR lists and look forward to another fun year of page turning and reading challenges! I'd love it if you left your favorite book in the comments...I'm always looking for suggestions! Happy New Year! xoxo -Erin</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My latest read, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/All-Ugly-Wonderful-Things-Novel/dp/1250074134">All The Ugly and Wonderful Things by Bryn Greenwood,</a> has me all over the place. I finished it last night, but wanted to digest for a few hours before writing my review. Let me start by saying it is beautifully and incredibly well written, but it isn't a book for everyone. I am thankful I read <a href="https://www.amazon.com/All-Ugly-Wonderful-Things-Novel/product-reviews/1250074134/ref=cm_cr_dp_qt_see_all_top?ie=UTF8&reviewerType=avp_only_reviews&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=helpful">several reviews</a> before starting this book so I knew what I was getting myself into.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The world Greenwood paints - the messes, drama, pain and incredibly flawed characters <span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">- is heartbreaking, challenging and I believe, meant to be disturbing. There were many times I didn't feel good reading this book. It pushed me out of my comfort zones and set off all sorts of triggers. But I also discovered compassion and grace and understanding in the most unlikely of places and for the most unlikely of characters.</span></span></div>
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Speaking of...it is incredible character development. The book is told from multiple POVs - mostly Wavy and Kellan's, the two main characters, but you also get glimpses into the old man at Kellan's shop, Wavy's mother, all her father's side girls, her Aunt, her mother, her brother, her two cousins, her teacher, the judge in her court case, her college roommate...and they all moved the story forward in such an organic way that even though the narrator was continually changing, you were never confused or bored. That is incredible writing IMO! </div>
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Ultimately, I think it was the multiple POVs that allowed for me to be okay with the redeeming and resilient love of Wavy & Kellan's relationship in the end. Seeing their relationship grow through other's eyes over the years, helped me understand that Kellan was a little bit of a simpleton and truly had honest intentions when he first took an interest in Wavy - like making sure she was fed and educated! It wasn't romantic then.</div>
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Getting past their age differences and how young she was when their relationship started (even if it did start innocently enough) was still something that nagged at me the entire book, however. But the multiple POV's also made it evident that Wavy's life circumstances had forced her to grow up waaaay beyond her 13 years by that point in her life. I kept trying to put myself in Wavy's shoes - being raised by a crazy mother and absentee father on a drug compound - basically told your whole life your are dirty and unworthy to be touched, talked to, or heard...but expected to care for yourself and your infant brother. No wonder she found solace in, and was more than ready for, Kellan. And in that sense, her mother was more at fault than anything/one else...Like I said, unlikely compassion and understanding!</div>
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I give this book 4.5 Stars for being gritty and honest and moving and captivating from the very first page. It does more than pull on your heartstrings. It makes you rethink how and why and if you have a heart and what its strings really mean at all. It's is at once, Ugly and Wonderful and makes you feel that way too.</div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #bd081c; background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 215px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 18px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #bd081c; background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 215px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 18px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span>Erin Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378773945772061443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32368604.post-43248871939586175252016-12-20T12:30:00.000-08:002017-01-12T09:31:10.174-08:0026 BOOKS in 2017<div style="color: #2a1f06; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The New Year is upon us and that means another NEW READING CHALLENGE!! I am overjoyed to be starting the THIRD year of this challenge and humbled to have so many of you join me on this adventure! Many of you have been here from the beginning and that means so much to me. Others of you are newbies and that warms my heart too - that means somehow you learned of this challenge and have made the commitment to READ MORE! I am excited by the number of people participating...it just keeps growing and that means more book/reading inspiration for ALL OF US! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I hope you enjoy the prompts I have chosen for 2017. Just like previous years, I have tried to choose ones that inspire you to read books you might not otherwise pick up, but will still <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.48px;">work for anyone, no matter what genre you like to read. Again - I made the decision NOT to number the prompts! I am too OCD for that. If they were numbered, I would HAVE to go in order than that would just stress me out and slow me down! (#issues) </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.48px;">I absolutely LOVE looking at the #26BOOKSwithBringingUpBurns hashtag on Instagram! There are literally THOUSANDS of posts. If is fun to see the books that pop up frequently (reading trends across the world) as well as spying new titles I have never heard of before. I also love jumping around each of your posts, reading your reviews and short synopses! </span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.48px;">(Remember, if you don't have IG - you can always post your book choice on the</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.48px;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/bringingupburns" style="background-color: white; color: #f6bc0c; line-height: 18.48px; text-decoration: none;">Bringing Up Burns Facebook page</a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.48px;">, too) </span></span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.08px;">Finally, I just want to reiterate, like I do every year - this challenge is supposed to be FUN! At the end of each year, as the Challenge begins to wrap up, I see several comments from people saying they've "FAILED" this year - and I just have to say, I ADAMANTLY DISAGREE! The main goal is to get you reading more as well as maybe add few books to your repertoire outside your usual genre. So as long as you picked up more books than last year - or even just one book out of your comfort zone, then I say the challenge was a SUCCESS for you! Going into 2017 - even if you don't think 26 books is a manageable number for you to complete...or even if some of the prompts don't interest you - give it a go! Once you get started, you might surprise yourself. No amount of reading is ever a FAILURE in my book.</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.08px;">OK - HERE are 2017's prompts!</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B4oLISytJn0/WGwJymN_KEI/AAAAAAAAPjk/byqYs1XGXdYGNBnaZr25p8UMt0pXRDD9ACLcB/s1600/2017challenge%2Bfinal1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B4oLISytJn0/WGwJymN_KEI/AAAAAAAAPjk/byqYs1XGXdYGNBnaZr25p8UMt0pXRDD9ACLcB/s640/2017challenge%2Bfinal1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And here is a printable version you can add your book titles to and check off as you work through the Challenge! </div>
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(Right Click and save. When you print, select "Scale to Fit")</div>
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Erin Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378773945772061443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32368604.post-10446908616815322852016-06-13T13:30:00.000-07:002016-06-13T16:29:29.537-07:00Kids READ with Bringing Up Burns<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7vcOu_ZBLlw/V18xzkVtVdI/AAAAAAAAPUQ/GElfDV3L09YoF94aoYIGjGfJ8bWCmiJXwCLcB/s1600/KidsRead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7vcOu_ZBLlw/V18xzkVtVdI/AAAAAAAAPUQ/GElfDV3L09YoF94aoYIGjGfJ8bWCmiJXwCLcB/s640/KidsRead.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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(<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-jDLUTFI6tVd1BEekVOdlJycms/view">CLICK HERE to DOWNLOAD</a>)</div>
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Our family doesn't do much in the way of "structured academics" during the months our kids are out of the classroom. I believe that they have the rest of their lives to study and work and compete. I like for summer to be about adventures and explorations, creativity and family, relaxing and enjoying! How fast the time flies when you can spend your hot, July days doing nothing but "silly" things like biking around the neighborhood, selling lemonade on the corner, swimming, traveling, barbecues and beach bonfires. Isn't that why we all have nostalgic feelings about summer as adults? We miss those times!</div>
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But for me, reading isn't a chore. Reading is a luxury. Books are relaxing! I want to foster these sentiments in my kids, so I do encourage them to read in the summer. Luckily, they all have found their own fondness for books, so it isn't too hard to convince them to pick one up. But it's always fun to have a goal or a challenge for encouragement, right? </div>
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With that in mind, I have created a <b>Summer Children's Reading Challenge</b>. I tried to make it so that it would work for kids at any grade level. Pre-readers to Young Adults. ("Real" adults are welcome to play along too! I plan to read the books my children pick along side them.) You can click on the image above to download the PDF version and print it out. I designed it so that the prompts could be a coloring page and also a bookmark! Your child can color in the book once they have finished that prompt and cut along the dotted line to create a bookmark to use and check-off as they progress through the challenge. </div>
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I picked 10 prompts since my kids are out of school for 10 weeks. Please feel free to have your kids complete them in any order they want! There is no right or wrong way to get it done. If you are on Instagram, you can post pics of the books your kids are reading using the hashtag #kidsREADwithBringingUpBurns so we can all discover new titles from each other! I absolutely LOVE finding new books to read from my #26BOOKSwithBringingUpBurns challenge, and hope this will do the same for children's titles. I would also LOVE to see some pics of the coloring pages being filled in, or bookmarks being checked off, as the summer goes on too! If you are not on Instagram, you can always post your titles and coloring page progress on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bringingupburns/">Bringing Up Burns Facebook page</a> too.<br />
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For fun, I asked my friends at <a href="http://www.islandtalesbookshop.com/">Island Tales Bookshop</a> to recommend some of their favorite children's books that go along with the challenge prompts. Here are the titles they suggested! (Click any image to purchase) </div>
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<b>A BOOK WITH ANIMALS</b></div>
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<a href="https://islandtalesbookshop.mybooksandmore.com/web1/actions/searchHandler.do?key=BTKEY0017577920&nextPage=booksDetails&parentNum=13189&itemNum=ITEM:1"><img alt="" border="0" height="350" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UCuWwIy971I/V18ZBMBge1I/AAAAAAAAPRk/mWgv36-0Oe0YY_ku_rvGGocNQr_rM8oIQCK4B/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-13%2Bat%2B1.34.43%2BPM.png" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>A BOOK WITH PICTURES</b></div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://islandtalesbookshop.mybooksandmore.com/web1/actions/searchHandler.do?key=BTKEY0015793446&nextPage=booksDetails&parentNum=13189&itemNum=ITEM:1"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ImrPTrC5viU/V18aMcciXKI/AAAAAAAAPRw/Ru6h77lwYGYJq2P4_vdQrslv-ufHQpmJACK4B/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-13%2Bat%2B1.39.46%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></span><br />
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<b>A BOOK YOU READ ALOUD (to or with) SOMEONE</b></div>
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<a href="https://islandtalesbookshop.mybooksandmore.com/web1/actions/searchHandler.do?key=BTKEY0018062917&nextPage=booksDetails&parentNum=13189&itemNum=ITEM:1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rY3oiFTWMLg/V18bB7iFbhI/AAAAAAAAPR8/3ZwnnrRwsY0kkPoKCKZL9nkqVjb59ZT7ACK4B/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-13%2Bat%2B1.43.34%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>A BOOK WITH YELLOW ON THE COVER</b></div>
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<a href="https://islandtalesbookshop.mybooksandmore.com/web1/actions/searchHandler.do?key=BTKEY0009142297&nextPage=booksDetails&parentNum=13189&itemNum=ITEM:5"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Orb6Sb1MSig/V18bfrdv9TI/AAAAAAAAPSE/O3ZwNspoYCU2yPAX96inyOLJiXtjCCIDwCK4B/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-13%2Bat%2B1.45.24%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://islandtalesbookshop.mybooksandmore.com/web1/actions/searchHandler.do?key=BTKEY0008168900&nextPage=booksDetails&parentNum=13189&itemNum=ITEM:2"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0rgg2tJOGcg/V18b24Y2DEI/AAAAAAAAPSQ/z0O_EoctjksWyA-qeUOYeKR7TSF6ZOiIACK4B/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-13%2Bat%2B1.46.55%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>A BOOK WITH A ONE WORD TITLE</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><a href="https://islandtalesbookshop.mybooksandmore.com/web1/actions/searchHandler.do?key=BTKEY0017409089&nextPage=booksDetails&parentNum=13189&itemNum=ITEM:11"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5djnmKKYrr8/V18cc0UEp5I/AAAAAAAAPSc/TgAFV-KiSGYM2mP3-4kgleay2EOmj8BpgCK4B/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-13%2Bat%2B1.49.24%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>A BOOK YOUR PARENTS READ WHEN THEY WERE YOUR AGE</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://islandtalesbookshop.mybooksandmore.com/web1/actions/searchHandler.do?key=BTKEY0004307101&nextPage=booksDetails&parentNum=13189&itemNum=ITEM:1"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JWCoByhM75Q/V18dHCOOMrI/AAAAAAAAPSo/8VZpMfHi1rwyzOgBZ00CZBBsdrduizt7ACK4B/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-13%2Bat%2B1.52.21%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></span><br />
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<b>A BOOK WITH A BEACH</b><br />
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<a href="https://islandtalesbookshop.mybooksandmore.com/web1/actions/searchHandler.do?key=BTKEY0013702819&nextPage=booksDetails&parentNum=13189&itemNum=ITEM:4"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ytf22nmJseA/V18djSI7fSI/AAAAAAAAPS0/Me8jx2151xgj5OjealKrBga10txco77TACK4B/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-13%2Bat%2B1.54.15%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 20.82666778564453px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="https://islandtalesbookshop.mybooksandmore.com/web1/actions/searchHandler.do?key=BTKEY0009915126&nextPage=booksDetails&parentNum=13189&itemNum=ITEM:1"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsKMzTM_ECM/V18fk4A4veI/AAAAAAAAPTY/elLzV0VEDKgiXZxDLzH2sxCzYThwFo8FwCK4B/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-13%2Bat%2B2.02.52%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 20.82666778564453px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://islandtalesbookshop.mybooksandmore.com/web1/actions/searchHandler.do?key=BTKEY0007629938&nextPage=booksDetails&parentNum=13189&itemNum=ITEM:3"><img border="0" height="338" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KNO9kxM6ffk/V18gL9LTjuI/AAAAAAAAPTg/MT2Ce70QSoEHymGXrHQwNwS0AWPFGiW8QCK4B/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-13%2Bat%2B2.05.23%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 20.82666778564453px;">A BOOK THAT IS A TRUE STORY</span></div>
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<a href="https://islandtalesbookshop.mybooksandmore.com/web1/actions/searchHandler.do?key=BTKEY0012870951&nextPage=booksDetails&parentNum=13189&itemNum=ITEM:2"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NRr52-uoekU/V18gxzGibYI/AAAAAAAAPT0/4ar55JZpC84BLX1RwGJdUkVpWAz1UMOpwCK4B/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-13%2Bat%2B2.08.01%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>A BOOK FROM THE LIBRARY</b></div>
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I love our local libraries! One of my favorite things to do in the summer is take the kids for an hour or two and let them pick out books. Also, check out the <a href="https://app.overdrive.com/">OVERDRIVE App</a> for digital access to thousands of eBooks, audiobooks and videos all from your local library. I love it! Works on iPhone, iPad, kindleFIRE and more. </div>
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<a href="https://app.overdrive.com/"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EOQN6wdDTdA/V18h-b-xNMI/AAAAAAAAPUE/iPKVFcM8s4sc1tuAxeXBOETeYBm2D2cLgCK4B/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-13%2Bat%2B2.13.05%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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I hope you and your kids enjoy this challenge! Looking forward to seeing lots of filled in coloring pages...HAPPY READING! ~erin</div>
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Erin Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378773945772061443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32368604.post-71305615199342542016-06-13T11:05:00.000-07:002016-06-13T11:05:11.817-07:00Inside Out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">I'm making an "Inside Out" cake for my nephew's birthday tomorrow. Focusing on these colors that represent emotions and thought processes and how we healthfully deal with our inner voices and demons has me all riled up. The horrific event in Orlando last night and today's varied response all over social media has me feeling saddened, confused, mortified, heartbroken, angry, desperate, determined, discouraged...so many emotions.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">Here's what I keep turning over in my head...I'm not</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"> against guns. We own guns, shoot guns, like guns. I agree that guns don't kill people, blah, blah, blah. BUT...after 9/11, no one can get through airport security with even a bottle of water or their shoes. Things like box cutters and nail files and knitting needles and liquids are banned. No one shouts, "Box cutters don't kill people! Wine openers don't kill people!" We understand the correlation, the connection, the A+B=C of inanimate things and the LOSS OF LIFE that has occurred.</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">While it may be annoying, NEVER ONCE, do I question if my "rights" are being stifled or taken away when I have to check my bag because I want to bring my own bottle of shampoo on my trip. IT'S FINE!! It's a very small sacrifice to make for the safety, the security, the serenity it allows for. So what I can't understand is, why now, why today after so many LIVES LOST, are we still arguing, still NOT GETTING, this same logic when it comes to ASSAULT RIFLES and mass shootings?? Banning assault rifles won't end mass shootings. Just like taking off my shoes doesn't end terrorism. But it sure as hell would HELP.</span></div>
</span><script src="http://connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"></script><fb:like font="" href="www.BringingUpBurns.com" show_faces="true" width="450"></fb:like>Erin Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378773945772061443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32368604.post-57004529641417026232016-06-11T14:38:00.000-07:002016-06-13T17:39:05.008-07:00Get UP, Girl!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='620' height='566' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwc2Lj73LxjHIQjf6fx4KxaJFakcUQY18LaEVYCkXFYpNxePB5Oj1Oxell9yJvSYoESQ8rgw0fd4ck' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Megan Juhl proving that good things come in small packages! </div>
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<span id="goog_1823212354"></span><span id="goog_1823212355"></span><script src="http://connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"></script><fb:like font="" href="www.BringingUpBurns.com" show_faces="true" width="450"></fb:like>Erin Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378773945772061443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32368604.post-60528964547362883182016-01-04T17:07:00.000-08:002016-01-04T17:07:13.620-08:00January Book Releases<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm going to try and post at the beginning of each month a handful of books who releases I am looking forward to. The hope is that I get around to reading them all too! But I don't know if I will be successful in that venture. Maybe these posts will help you round out your TBR lists or fit a 26BOOKS prompt you have yet to fill! </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A0geTbb_WEQ/VosL4iWAcpI/AAAAAAAAPO8/KIjmUzszpmE/s1600/the%2Bpast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A0geTbb_WEQ/VosL4iWAcpI/AAAAAAAAPO8/KIjmUzszpmE/s200/the%2Bpast.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Past-Novel-Tessa-Hadley/dp/0062270419/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1451953084&sr=1-1&keywords=the+past+tessa+hadley">The Past by Tessa Hadley</a> (Jan 5) - Adult s<span style="color: #010101; line-height: 20px;">iblings reunite one summer to sell their grandparents’ old house and, unsurprisingly, there are tensions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">“A fresh take on a familiar story of fractious family reunions where old resentments resurface, new alliances form, and long-buried secrets are uncovered. A great read whether at the cottage or just dreaming of one.” <b>(</b></span><b><i style="background-color: white;">Library Journal</i><span style="background-color: white;">, starred review)</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background-color: white;">Could work for: A book about siblings, A book you learned about because of this challenge, A book about a vacation or a road trip, A book that will make you laugh</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Adm7OtLJTBY/VosMF_oPo3I/AAAAAAAAPPE/799zIyU_6pM/s1600/good%2Bgoodbye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Adm7OtLJTBY/VosMF_oPo3I/AAAAAAAAPPE/799zIyU_6pM/s200/good%2Bgoodbye.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Good-Goodbye-A-Novel/dp/0553390589/ref=pd_sim_sbs_14_6?ie=UTF8&dpID=51R72mvZsnL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR105%2C160_&refRID=0A4PMP5RCNPNB8A8W3YV">The Good Goodbye by Carla Buckley</a> (Jan 12) - Two cousins are in a horrible accident. What proceeds is the uncovering of a tangled web of lies spurred on by family rivalry, debt, desire and the darkest of secrets.</div>
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"<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">Cousins as close as sisters, a mysterious fire, a tangled web of lies: It all adds up to a fluid, suspenseful story that keeps you turning the pages to find out what happened—and what will happen next. I devoured this novel.” -</span><b style="background-color: white;">Christina Baker Kline, #1 <i>New York Times</i> bestselling author of <i>Orphan Train</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>Could work for: A book with a murder or a mystery, A book about siblings, A book you learned about because of this challenge</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j0R6WysFCH8/VosLNdrkbzI/AAAAAAAAPO0/5jjBdgwHzRA/s1600/And%2BAgain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j0R6WysFCH8/VosLNdrkbzI/AAAAAAAAPO0/5jjBdgwHzRA/s200/And%2BAgain.jpg" width="134" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Again-Novel-Jessica-Chiarella/dp/150111610X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1451952539&sr=1-1&keywords=and+again+jessica+chiarella">And Again by Jessica Chiarella</a> (Jan 12) - <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #010101; line-height: 20px;"> F</span><span style="color: #010101; line-height: 20px;">our terminally ill patients are given new, genetically perfect cloned bodies, becoming both restored and unmade by this medical miracle. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">"</span><i style="background-color: white;">And Again</i><span style="background-color: white;"> was continually haunting me, and just when I thought I knew these characters, who are so vivid and singular in their desires and frailties, and yet so universal in their humanity, they surprised me once more until the pages were finished and I was left pondering our lives, our future, and how love still works."-</span></span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Susan Straight</b><b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">, author of </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Between Heaven and Here</i></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>Could work for: A book set in the future, A book you learned about because of this challenge</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--j6lQyY5Ya8/VosOMjZKF3I/AAAAAAAAPPQ/HdpX0Z1MM3c/s1600/smart%2Bgirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--j6lQyY5Ya8/VosOMjZKF3I/AAAAAAAAPPQ/HdpX0Z1MM3c/s200/smart%2Bgirl.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Smart-Girl-Rachel-Hollis/dp/1503953262/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1451953223&sr=1-1&keywords=smart+girl+rachel+hollis">Smart Girl by Rachel Hollis</a> (Jan 26) - The third book in Hollis' Girls series following Miko Jin, a hopeless romantic and proud booknerd who falls for her polar opposite - hot, smooth talking Liam Ashton.</div>
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"Hollis has the ability to craft characters that make me laugh, cry, and wonder if they are somehow living inside my head. If anyone deserves a 'Happily Ever After,' it's Miko!" <b>-Erin Burns, friend and fangirl of Rachel Hollis</b></div>
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<b>Could work for: A book you've been meaning to read, A book you read with a friend, A book that will make you laugh</b></div>
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I hope you enjoy these titles! If you read any of them, please come back and leave a comment on your thoughts...I'd love to hear them. What books are you looking forward to reading soon? </div>
Erin Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378773945772061443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32368604.post-80593985443379959342016-01-03T22:12:00.000-08:002016-01-03T22:30:48.008-08:00Rose Duel - FANTASY BACHELOR!! <div style="text-align: center;">
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Need we say more? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheBachelor?src=hash">#TheBachelor</a> premieres tomorrow at 8|7c on ABC! 🌹 <a href="https://t.co/6irplDr9Xq">pic.twitter.com/6irplDr9Xq</a></div>
— The Bachelor (@BachelorABC) <a href="https://twitter.com/BachelorABC/status/683806090132230144">January 4, 2016</a></blockquote>
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It's that time of year again!! It's no secret I am a proud member of #BachelorNation. I watch them all...Bachelor, Bachelorette, Bachelor In Paradise. (I've even been known to find myself <a href="http://burns-familyblog.blogspot.com/2015/03/erin-tells-all.html">on the set of The Women Tell All</a>) I do not discriminate in my train wreck watching! My favorite part of watching these shows is sharing the crazy with my girlfriends. We enjoy getting together on Monday night, usually with some form of cheese, a couple bottles of wine and LOTS OF CATTINESS. Meow.<br />
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The last few seasons, I have created <a href="http://burns-familyblog.blogspot.com/2015/01/prince-farming-bachelor-viewing-party.html">Bachelor Bingo</a> boards and we've had many laughs playing it. But this season, I wanted to do something different. Something that would keep us invested all season long. My husband is an avid Fantasy Football player and that got me to thinking...Why not Fantasy Bachelor? I took what I new about Fantasy from him, and ran the idea by a couple friends, and below is the game I came up with! My hope is that we can all have some competitive fun this season and work out the kinks in the game (I'm sure there will be some!) I've assigned arbitrary amounts to different "plays" your players can make - We'll have to see if the scoring really works with the numbers I've assigned in the end.<br />
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(Slide the bar on the right to see all three pages)<br />
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<iframe height="480px" src="https://docs.google.com/viewer?srcid=0B-jDLUTFI6tVRDQxcDRnbE85cFk&pid=explorer&efh=false&a=v&chrome=false&embedded=true" width="580px">
Here is the link to download
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-jDLUTFI6tVRDQxcDRnbE85cFk/view?usp=sharing">CLICK HERE</a> to download and print you Fantasy Score Sheets!<br />
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Here is how we are going to play this first season...<br />
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Before the Premiere begins:<br />
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1. Everyone decides on a name for their team. Mine is going to be:<br />
<b>BURNS' BANGING BRIDES for BEN</b> (or BBBB for short)<br />
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2. Everyone drafts 5 "Players" from the group of 28 Bachelorettes who they think will score a high number of points on Premiere night. <b>NO SPOILER or REALITY STEVE READING!!</b> You are allowed to watch official ABC previews of the show and read/watch all info on <a href="http://abc.go.com/shows/the-bachelor">ABC.com</a><br />
(I plan on drafting a few who I think will be ringers and a few who I'm guessing to be villains!)<br />
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3. At the end of the premiere episode, BUT BEFORE THE PREVIEW AIRS OF THE FULL SEASON AHEAD, everyone will draft 4 Players from the girls who are left after the First Rose Ceremony.<br />
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4. Before this "Full Season Draft" - everyone will draw straws or pull numbers out of a hat to determine a draft order.<br />
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5. Everyone takes turns drafting their "KEEPER" and their "SLEEPER" - once a Bachelorette is chosen for a team in these categories, <b><i>no one else may select them.</i></b> *The person who drew the longest straw (or highest number) drafts their Keeper first and so on down the draft order. Then, the person who drew the shortest straw (or lowest number) drafts their Sleeper first and so on back up the draft order. So the last person in the draft order will draft their Keeper and then immediately draft their Sleeper. Does that make sense?<br />
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The Keeper is the Bachelorette you think will be your strongest player - maybe she's the girl you think will stay around the longest. Or maybe she's the girl you think will get a lot of one on one dates...<br />
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The Sleeper is the Bachelorette who will sit on your "Bench" during the first half of the season and will be allowed to enter the game at EPISODE 6 (halfway to finale) should one of your original 5 girls get put on the Disabled List (voted out) before this time. Maybe your Sleeper is the girl you think will fly under the radar the first few weeks. Or maybe she's the girl you think will stick around the longest.<br />
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6. Finally, everyone will draft their final 2 Players to round out their teams from the remaining pool of Bachelorettes. (The remaining girls after everyone has chosen their Keeper & Sleeper) These girls can be chosen by more than one team.<br />
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In essence - two teams could have 2 identical players and then their own individual Keeper & Sleeper. Make sense?<br />
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7. Each week, Keep a tally (check marks in the column next to the plays) of how many times your Players perform each of the actions during the episode. You will be following 5 girls the first night, so stay on your toes! (aka - watch that wine drinking!) In all reality, it may prove to be impossible to keep track of how many times they say "AMAZING!" but just try... ;-)<br />
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After Premiere night, you will only follow up to 3 girls each episode. Your Keeper and your other 2 Players through Week 5. And then Week 6 on - Your Sleeper (if one of your original 3 has gone home) and whoever you still have left in the game.<br />
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8. Each week, at the end of the episode, total up your points for that episode. Add them to your previous Running Total Points to get a cumulative total. At the very end of the Finale - the person with the highest total points WINS!!<br />
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We are thinking of having a League Comissioner - someone everyone reports their running total to each week (as we don't always watch together.) And I want to come up with fun prizes for the Winner and the Runner Up! (I'm thinking a gift card for a date night out or something like that...) I'm also thinking of adding a "Weekly Bonus Prediction" for a set number of points each week - that way, even if all your girls are eliminated early on - you still have a way to play and earn some points each week! Check back later this week - when I get these ideas ironed out, I will post an update!<br />
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I hope you enjoy Rose Duel! I'm sure you may have some better ideas on how to draft or how to score or maybe weekly bonus rounds to come up with...if you do, leave them in the comments and I'll be sure and take them into consideration.</div>
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Protect your hearts, ladies. Tropical storm Ben is rolling in. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheBachelor?src=hash">#TheBachelor</a> <a href="https://t.co/QuMszmWPOr">https://t.co/QuMszmWPOr</a></div>
— The Bachelor (@BachelorABC) <a href="https://twitter.com/BachelorABC/status/682344667401318400">December 30, 2015</a></blockquote>
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HAVE FUN TOMORROW NIGHT!!!<br />
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Erin Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378773945772061443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32368604.post-27611914534475259612015-12-31T02:39:00.002-08:002015-12-31T02:58:22.151-08:0026 Books in 2015 WRAP UP<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's the final day of 2015! I've been meaning to post my 26 Books in 2015 wrap up this past week - but to be honest...I JUST STARTED my final book last night! I have always been a "by the seat of my pants" kinda girl. With that being said...here are my 26 books. I starred my new favorites above! </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Infinite-Sea-Second-Book-Wave/dp/1101996986/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1451514003&sr=1-1&keywords=the+infinite+sea">The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey</a> - This is the second book in a series. The first being The 5th Wave (which I loved!) I really enjoyed this continuation of the story. It's fast paced and original and there were some unexpected twists that kept me guessing. I also like the multiple POV's and the development of Ringer's character. Only downside is that this is a trilogy and the final installment doesn't come out until May 2016. The upside...the story is a modern, sci-fi funride complete with aliens, romance, action, and suspense. BONUS - the first movie is out in January! I bought The 5th Wave for Matt for Christmas because I know it is a story he will enjoy. </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/DUFF-Designated-Ugly-Fat-Friend/dp/0316084247/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1451514807&sr=8-3&keywords=the+duff">The DUFF by Kody Keplinger</a> - I have mixed feelings about this book. It was just so-so. I liked Bianca's strong voice and her loyalty to her friends. I did not like the body shaming undertones and it was hard for me to believe that Bianca would get involved with the guy who insulted her in the first place! In the end, Bianca and Wesley help each other through some obvious coming of age dilemmas - divorce, alcoholic parent, peer pressure and social expectations - and I appreciated that Bianca stayed true to herself. SIDE NOTE - the movie is horrendous! Huge script changes from the book. It was so bad, it made me grumpy.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mosquitoland-David-Arnold/dp/045147077X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451515444&sr=8-1&keywords=mosquitoland">Mosquitoland by David Arnold</a> - I loved this book. It (and Where the Moon Isn't) is what lead me to add the "siblings" prompt to next year's challenge. I love books with complicated family dynamics. Books that rearrange our thoughts about family and love and the lengths we will go to for both. Mosquitoland is one of those books! It's told from the POV of a teen girl who jumps on a Greyhound bus to locate and "save" her crazy mother. The people she meets along the way, the real-life, hard truths she confronts and the growth these two things bring about in her, are what I loved most about this book.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Girl-Train-Paula-Hawkins/dp/1594633665/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1451516874&sr=1-1&keywords=girl+on+the+train">Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins</a> - One of my favorite books of the year! I love an unreliable narrator and this book has THREE. It is dark and twisted and at times, I got a little annoyed with Rachel's drinking and wanted her to straighten herself out and make sense of her haunts...but her drinking adds to her jealousy and feelings of betrayal and the overall creepiness of the whole book! I loved how it all came together and how at the end, I didn't feel good, but I did feel extremely satisfied as a reader.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/November-9-Novel-Colleen-Hoover/dp/1501110349/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451517562&sr=8-1&keywords=november+9">November 9 by Colleen Hoover</a> - Hoover is a one-click author for me. She writes, I buy, I read. Like many, I got hooked by Slammed and then became unequivocally sold after Hopeless. But her last few books haven't been so great for me. Maybe Someday's plot turned me off (cheating makes my stomach turn) And Confess felt like it was rushed to me. (Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed both books and gobbled them up on release day, but they just didn't give the same Hoover FEELS that her early novels had given me.) November 9 is Hoover back at her best, IMO. Hoover, once again, excels at witty back and forth banter and the story is angsty and romantic and yet full of heartache. The plot is reminiscent of One Day (which I loved) and I liked the artistic theme of a book within the book. If anyone knows how to write a swoon worthy "Book Boyfriend," it's Hoover. And Benton James Kessler fits the bill perfectly.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Paper-Swan-Leylah-Attar/dp/0993752772/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1451531869&sr=1-1&keywords=the+paper+swan">The Paper Swan by Leylah Attar</a> - I went into this book knowing nothing other than my best friend (also an avid reader) had texted me saying, "You must read this book right now! I'm a few chapters in and I need to discuss it with someone." So I downloaded it and began without reading one review or even the synopsis. I'm so glad I did!! Because this is one of the most bizarre starts to a book I have ever read - and had I read the synopsis, I probably would have given it a pass. But after the first 50 pages, I couldn't put it down. It is gripping and thrilling and unique and unexpected and some of the prose is so thoughtfully written it's almost poetic at times. It's a story of love and betrayal and family and rage and vengeance and power and forgiveness and redemption. And it all starts with a gun pointed at the heroine's head. I promise you'll be thinking about it long after you finish.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Before-We-Were-Strangers-Story/dp/1501105779/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1451534615&sr=1-1&keywords=before+we+were+strangers">Before We Were Strangers by Renee Carlino</a> - There are so many good things I could say about this book, but I'll keep it to three. 1) It starts with a missed connection on the subway that leads to a letter posted on Craigslist! (Imagine the train pulling away as they press themselves up against opposite sides of the glass!! Hello - you want to read it now, don't you?!) 2) I love romance books, but rarely do I come across a good one that has main characters similar in age and experience to my own - this one DOES! It was refreshing to read. 3) Even with #2 being true, it's a story about first loves and all the magic and heartache that accompany that. It's a book about beginnings and endings and second chances and having faith enough to navigate the ups and downs of life so that you end up right where you were always meant to be. I texted my BFF as I turned the final page, saying "That's the best I've felt at the end of a book in a long time." </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/How-Deal-Gravity-Ginger-Scott/dp/0692238549/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1451535529&sr=1-1&keywords=how+we+deal+with+gravity">How We Deal With Gravity by Ginger Scott</a> - I really enjoyed this story, but when compared to some of the other books on this list - it was just okay. I enjoy Scott's writing for the simple reason that her stories include relatable characters and HEA's. How We Deal With Gravity is just this. It's the story of a young, single mother of an autistic boy and her second chance at love with a guy from her past. It's fast, light reading and I enjoyed how the music in the story brought the heroine's love interest and her son together. The whole instalove/reformed man-whore plot that is overplayed in NA books right now is present here, and there are parts of the story I feel could have been developed better - but it was still a fun read. </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Grey-Fifty-Shades-Told-Christian/dp/1101946342/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1451536328&sr=1-1&keywords=grey+el+james">Grey by EL James</a> - Before you read this, you might want to read <a href="http://burns-familyblog.blogspot.com/2015/02/fifty-for-fun.html">my take on 50 Shades in general</a>. It will help you understand why I even picked up this book. I had my misgivings, of course, but ended up being pleasantly surprised. Like I said in the linked post, I didn't like Christian in Fifty Shades of Grey. And that's probably because his growth didn't really occur until the middle of Book 2. But this retelling from his POV gave me some insight into his mannerisms and control freakerishness that was much appreciated. I liked seeing Ana through Christian's eyes and knowing his thoughts as he pursued her. What I really wanted at the end, however, was for EL James to write books 2&3 from Christians POV - like, what was he thinking as other people were bidding on Ana at the Masquerade? And what went through his head when he saw she had tossed her martini in Elena's face? Did his life flash before his eyes as Charlie Tango crashed? Come on, EL. Don't leave a girl tied up like this! </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chasing-River-Novel-Burying-Water/dp/1476774234/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1451538087&sr=1-1&keywords=chasing+river+by+k.a.+tucker">Chasing River by KA Tucker </a>- Tucker is another one-click author for me. I have read everything she's written and enjoyed them all! This book is the third in a 4 book series - but they are all stand alones that build on characters introduced in the first book (Burying Water.) This series was my first delve into a the "romantic suspense" genre, and I must say, I LOVE IT! Tucker's characters are always well written, but the added suspense of secrets and broken laws and forbidden relationships and foreign mafias really keep you turning the pages. This book is set in Ireland - a place I've always wanted to visit - and is a story about a badboy attempting to reform his ways while still embracing where he comes from and a girl who can't decide if she should fight for love or do the sensible thing and walk away. This book, and book 2 (Becoming Rain) were my favorite of the series.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sinner-Shiver-Maggie-Stiefvater/dp/0545654599/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1451538811&sr=1-1&keywords=sinner+maggie+stiefvater">Sinner by Maggie Stiefvater</a> - Shiver was my pick for book club around three years ago, I think. Sinner is the fourth and final book in this unique series about angsty teens in Mercy Falls who shape shift into WOLVES. I started it long ago - eager for Cole St.Clair's installment in this fun line of stories, but for reasons I can't remember, I never finished it. I picked it up again for this prompt knowing the desire to learn Cole and Isabel's fate still interested me. Stiefvater is a master storyteller and her characters (even the minor ones) are always well developed. Cole and Isabel are two of the strongest willed among the Mercy Falls bunch and their personalities, regardless of how attracted they are to each other, don't always mesh. With that being said - I really think you need to read the full series if you are going to enjoy this book. Unless you already have a love for these characters, you might not have the desire to push through their trials in order to discover their conclusion.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Discovery-Witches-All-Souls-Trilogy/dp/0143119680/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1451540167&sr=1-1&keywords=a+discovery+of+witches">A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness</a> - I've left this prompt for last! I started this book last night, but I can already tell you I'm going to enjoy it for two reasons. 1) My friend, Rachel loves it. 2) A witch falls in love with a vampire. Hello people, this book was made for me. I'll come back a write an update in a few days when I'm done! </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Girl-Rachel-Hollis/dp/1477829512/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1451540690&sr=1-1&keywords=sweet+girl+rachel+hollis">Sweet Girl by Rachel Hollis</a> - So that friend Rachel I was just talking about? She wrote a book. Actually, she's written THREE books!! (The GIRLS series - Party Girl, Sweet Girl and Smart Girl) But we're just talking about his one right now. I had the privilege of reading Sweet Girl before it went to print. (Fun shit like that happens when your friend is a legitimate author who knows how to make your year!) And let me just tell you, I read this entire book on my iPhone, in PDF format, in one sitting. Rachel's books are pure joy. With each one, there are parts that feel like she sat down and wrote them just for me. But you know what? I bet if you read her books, you'll feel the same. Her "Girls" are lovable and relatable and so very much fun. Sweet Girl holds a special place in my heart because I feel like I relate most to Max out of all of the girls - she's rough around the edges and a bit of a tomboy. She has a potty mouth and always seems a little bit in a bad mood. Don't ask her to talk feelings and don't you dare give her a hug! Furthermore, Max is a baker - the fast-paced scenes and tough-love relationships that happen in the "back of the house" where she works were so nostalgic for me. My career before children was managing a restaurant and baking their desserts, so you can see why Max's story got me all feel-y. But then Rachel goes and adds in Bennett TAYLOR and his tattoos and his "working oven," and his not giving up attitude where Max is concerned and....SWOON. I flove Sweet Girl. It's bigger than your average "beach read," in that it deals with very real life issues in a very honest and responsible way. But it's just as fun. There's a pan of potato chip brownies and a visit to a Renaissance Faire and a Bingo game that had me kicking my feet and squealing out loud it was so good. I chose this book for this prompt because of the growth Max goes through. It's a journey all women can relate to, and I really appreciate that Rachel has Max do the work to find herself, and get to a good place, on her own. Not for a boy or because of a boy, but yes, with the support of a boy and some very good girlfriends. I love that Max follows her dreams even when they scare the shit out of her. And I love that Max faces her demons even when it's the most painful road to travel. She's my perfect, imperfect heroine. I really hope you take the chance to meet the GIRLS and fall in love with them the way I have! <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Smart-Girl-Rachel-Hollis/dp/1503953262/ref=pd_sim_14_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=51P9S-B5uzL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR107%2C160_&refRID=0QTF4NH2KXA9KECVYTBW">Smart Girl</a> is out January 26th!!!</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bittersweet-Novel-Miranda-Beverly-Whittemore/dp/0804138583/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1451542170&sr=1-1&keywords=bittersweet+miranda+beverly+whittemore">Bittersweet by Miranda Beverly Whitmore</a> - This NYT Bestseller and "Summer's Hottest Fiction" pick did not disappoint. It was one of my book club reads (in the Summer, no less) and I was pleasantly surprised with how fun it was while still being well written, unpredictable and page turning. It's a story of wealth and privilege and finally becoming "one of them" and then finding out that with all the luxuries this entails...you are also privy to debilitating, dark, dangerous secrets. It paints the picture of two unlikely friends. One mousey and shy. The other glamorous and flirty. I enjoyed Whitmore's ability to make Genevra's lakeside retreat in Vermont feel like a fairy tale...that turns Grimm. And I especially enjoyed the mystery of Mabel's choices. I so wanted her to make the right ones and kept turning the pages to see if she did.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Selected-Poems-E-Cummings/dp/0871401541/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1451543462&sr=1-1&keywords=selected+poems+ee+cummings">Selected Poems by ee cummings</a> - My parents both love to read. I have them to thank for books being in my blood. I can remember, at a young age, thumbing through my Dad's dogeared, underlined books of poetry. I may not have understood them all at the time, But what I did grasp, was that the words were special, lyrical, and heavy with meaning. Poetry, for me, is like therapy. It makes me slow down. It makes me step back. For these reasons, and many more that can be found within ee cummings' words, I really enjoyed this book. His poems are as much art as they are literature. Their non-traditional form and eccentrically placed words intrigue me. This was my favorite...I imagine whispering it into the silky crown of my tiny babe's head as I rock him/her to sleep.</div>
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<div class="poem-part poem-title l" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: 24px; line-height: 29px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;">
<a class="nocolor" href="http://hellopoetry.com/poem/1603/in-the-rain-/" style="background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51) !important; text-decoration: none;">In The Rain</a></div>
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in the rain-</div>
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darkness, the sunset</div>
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being sheathed i sit and</div>
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think of you</div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; line-height: 24px;">the holy</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; line-height: 24px;">city which is your face</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; line-height: 24px;">your little cheeks the streets</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; line-height: 24px;">of smiles</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; line-height: 24px;">your eyes half-</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; line-height: 24px;">thrush</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; line-height: 24px;">half-angel and your drowsy</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; line-height: 24px;">lips where float flowers of kiss</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; line-height: 24px;">and</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; line-height: 24px;">there is the sweet shy pirouette</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; line-height: 24px;">your hair</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; line-height: 24px;">and then</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; line-height: 24px;">your dancesong</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; line-height: 24px;">soul. rarely-beloved</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; line-height: 24px;">a single star is</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; line-height: 24px;">uttered,and i</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; line-height: 24px;">think</span></div>
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of you</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Volition-Lily-Paradis/dp/0990716031/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1451544824&sr=1-1&keywords=volition">Volition by Lily Paradis</a> - ugh. This book is hard for me to write about. I wanted to love it. And there were parts that I enjoyed. But in the end, it fell flat for me. Which is unique - because my best friend super-loved it! And we very rarely disagree. Maybe I was expecting too much...or trying to read too much into it...but I had unanswered questions at the end and there were whole scenes that didn't add up. Furthermore - the author starts out by writing her readers a letter letting you know you might HATE this book and she doesn't care. She didn't write this book for you. (CRINGE) Finally - this book has been widely accused of plagiarism. (DOUBLE CRINGE) I haven't read the books Paradis supposedly "stole" from - but to people who have, it is apparently pretty obvious. There are a ton of 1 star reviews on Amazon stating this very fact - to the point that Paradis herself has admitted that she might pull Volition because she thinks she "accidentally did something. I would NEVER, EVER copy another author on purpose, but I did write Volition in the wee hours of the night and sometimes I read it back and think "I wrote that?" (TRIPLE CRINGE) Read at your own risk.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Thug-Kitchen-Official-Cookbook-Like/dp/1623363586/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1451550459&sr=1-1&keywords=thug+kitchen+cookbook">Thug Kitchen Cookbook by Thug Kitchen</a> - you might think it's weird or cheating to include a cookbook as a part of this challenge, but not for ME! And I think, if you read this book, you'd agree with me. The recipes (and the bonus material) are HYSTERICAL. And if I have to grab a cookbook to make dinner at the end of a long day - laughter is exactly what I need to go with it! That, and a beer and few swear words. Those are in here too! The recipes are all delectable. I have made about half of them and enjoyed every one. The kids however...it's been hit or miss. Like when I made the Lentil Tacos. They thought I was downright insane to replace ground beef with LENTILS...but Matt and I loved them - so much so we ate the leftovers with poached eggs the next morning! All the recipes are meat and dairy free (which is new for me) and use fresh ingredients you can readily find at your local grocery store (save for a few they happily list direct links for where to buy!) For a sneak peek into the awesome hilarity that is this book, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ar7g_26QWu0">WATCH THIS</a>. They also just came out with a "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Thug-Kitchen-Party-Grub-Motherf/dp/1623366321/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1451550459&sr=1-2&keywords=thug+kitchen+cookbook">Party Grub</a>" cookbook - it's what I gave as my "Favorite Thing" at our annual Christmas party! </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Beginning-Everything-Robyn-Schneider/dp/0062217143/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1451547958&sr=1-1&keywords=the+beginning+of+everything">The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider</a> - This is another book I went into blind. I bought it for the blue cover and because the title reminded me of one of my favorite Gatsby quotes - <i>"I love her, and that's the beginning and end of everything."</i> BAM! I open the book and what do you think is the epigraph? That was enough to sell me. What was eerie - was that once I started reading, the story is set in a fictional town that is basically Irvine, CA (a hop, skip and a jump from me.) There are schools, streets, housing developments, beaches, strawberry fields, outdoor malls and restaurants referenced in the book and I KNEW EXACTLY WHAT SHE WAS DESCRIBING because I had been there. That gave me sense of ownership over this book, that I think if wasn't there, I wouldn't have liked this book as much. The story is similar to John Green's Paper Towns in that you are pulling for a couple the entire time that doesn't end up together, but in the end, you still feel oddly satisfied. The story has a familiar feel to it (even if you've never been to Irvine) and the continual Gatsby references/comparisons had me smiling. I also ALMOST used this book for the "Book With A Great First Line" prompt! ---><i> "Sometimes I think that everyone has a tragedy waiting for them, that the people buying milk in their pajamas or picking their noses at stoplights could be only moments away from disaster."</i></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Crime-Punishment-Fyodor-Dostoyevsky/dp/0486415872/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1451550553&sr=1-1&keywords=crime+and+punishment">Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky</a> - I tried people. I really did. But I just couldn't. It's so dark and loooooong and ugh, I think I just still have deep scars from senior year AP English over this book. I wanted to be the "Good Girl" who finished EVERY. SINGLE. PROMPT. I wanted to find the epiphany within the pages I had missed at 18...but I have to admit - 150 pages into this thing and I never picked it up again. Crime and Punishment is the literary equivalent to beets in my life. I've roasted them, stewed them, mixed them in a salad, slathered them with goat cheese, blended them with carrots...AND ALL I TASTE IS DIRT. I've given them a good go. I'm okay with never attempting to eat beets again. </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/All-Light-We-Cannot-See/dp/1476746583/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1451551004&sr=1-1&keywords=all+the+light+we+cannot+see">All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr</a> - Ok. I'll admit. When this book was chosen by my book club I wasn't excited. I'm one of those people that tends to push back against the books that "everyone" is reading. I don't know why. Did I really want to spend my precious book reading time on another dry book about WWII and Nazi Germany? No. I did not. But that's where I was wrong. This wasn't a book about Nazis or even war really. It's beautiful. And sweeping. And full of emotion and personal strife and the unavoidable undercurrent of what it means to be human. It was one of the "meatier" books I read this year and I am glad I did.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Martian-Andy-Weir/dp/0553418025/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1451551909&sr=1-1&keywords=the+martian+andy+weir">The Martian by Andy Weir</a> - SUCH A GOOD BOOK! I chose it for this prompt because the very first line made me laugh out loud and set up the book perfectly. With four words, you adequately understand Mark Watney's predicament as well as his personality. <i>"I'm pretty much fucked."</i> is how this book begins. The man has been left behind on Mars and presumed dead. He's not exaggerating! The events of this book were equal parts science and survival. I loved the "man against the odds" story line and enjoyed turning the descriptive full pages to see how he was going to make it work, even in the face of extreme difficulty! It's not a touchy-feely book (which, you can tell by now, I gravitate towards) but in the end, I did feel. I wanted so badly for Mark to get home. When his potato field is compromised, I cried. I won't ruin it for those of you who haven't read it yet. But if you are like me, and shy away from Science Fiction, this just might be the book to change your mind. BONUS - the movie is downright fabulous. </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Confess-A-Novel-Colleen-Hoover/product-reviews/1476791457/ref=cm_cr_dp_qt_hist_three?ie=UTF8&filterBy=addThreeStar&showViewpoints=0">Confess by Colleen Hoover</a> - I can't very well rip this book apart seeing as Hoover is the only author who has made this list TWICE. There is obviously something about her writing that I love. When it comes to creative plots and memorable dialogue - Hoover is Queen. But this book fell a little flat for me. It was the first Hoover book, where I liked the plot, but finished feeling a bit unsatisfied. I needed a little bit more. It's hard for me to explain - but it's almost like she got too many things going at once and then didn't wrap them all up well. The whole thing felt rushed to me. The glory that is Hoover however, is that even tho this book wasn't my favorite - there were still many things I loved about it. For one, it's uniqueness - the idea of the confessions is brilliant and awkward at the same time. You feel like you are trespassing on someone's soul. And the ARTWORK. The art is breathtaking. Don't buy this on your kindle, unless you have a full color one. You will lose some of the magic. Finally the emotion and the banter. Colleen is triumphantly consistent in these two things. There is loss, love, and legal battles...secrets, seduction and shady cops. It might not have been Hoover's best, but it was still a damn good read. (It has over 1000 5 star reviews on Amazon...so obviously, I'm not the norm!)</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Where-Moon-Isnt-Nathan-Filer/dp/1250026989/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1451509459&sr=1-1&keywords=where+the+moon+isn%27t">Where The Moon Isn't by Nathan Filer</a> - Like I said earlier, this is one of the books that lead me to include the "siblings" prompt in next year's challenge. It is also a book I don't know if I will ever stop thinking about. It's told by a 19 year old boy from his room in a psych ward. He is schizophrenic and constantly replays a night from 10 years earlier that left his brother (2 years his senior with Downs Syndrome) dead. He blames himself for his brother's death and this guilt is compounded by his metal illness. It's a book that you aren't quite sure what to do with when you are done, other than maybe read it again, in order to fully soak up it's hope-filled prose and heartrending humanity.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sea-Tranquility-Novel-Katja-Millay/dp/1476730946/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1451554399&sr=1-1&keywords=the+sea+of+tranquility">Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay</a> - If you've asked for a book recommendation from me in the last two years, then I have undoubtedly told you to read this. I can't even tell you how many times I have read it - save for it's more than I can count on one hand. I check Millay's Amazon page at least once am month hoping to find she's written another book. But no. Not yet. So I keep reading this one. I could write forever about my love for this book, but I'm trying to wrap this post up...so here are some of my absolute favorite things: 1) There is no Instalove. As a matter of fact, Nastya makes herself very hard to like at all. Oddly enough, you do. 2) The secondary characters are just as good at the primary ones. I might like Drew as much as I like Josh Bennett - and I like Drew's family even more. 3) Josh Bennett. If ever there was a book boyfriend for me, he is the one. He's brooding and tortured and works with his hands. And he does this thing with a bucket of pennies that pretty much made me want to wrap him up in a tiny little ball and carry him around in my pocket forever. Oh, and he gives Nastya the most unexpected, but perfect nickname. 4) The mystery. Nastya has experienced a great trauma - one that has made her go mute and give up her life long dream. Even if there was no swoon worthy romance going on - learning what caused this, would keep you turning the pages. 5) Nastya's redemption - it's written in a way that is respectful of her pain and yet empowering in her growth. 6) The final few lines of this book are hands down one of the best endings to a book you can experience. I gasped out loud the first time I read them. </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Looking-Alaska-John-Green/dp/0142402516/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1451555248&sr=1-1&keywords=looking+for+alaska">Looking for Alaska by John Green</a> - Green is so fucking good at dealing with the big things. Love. Loss. Suffering. Grief. Loneliness. Joy. and doing so in a way that there is no such thing as a happy ending. Just the end. Which is also the beginning. And you turn the last page 100% okay with that. It trips me out. Looking For Alaska is quintessential John Green. You fall in love with it's characters -especially Miles and Alaksa - and their struggles while laughing along side their witty quips and double entendres. You simultaneously rejoice and sympathize with the hard and fast ,coming-of-age (albeit timeless) lessons they must learn. You laugh and you cry - sometimes withing the spans of the same page because the story is as hilarious as it is heartbreaking. There were times that I found Alaska a little whiny - but I just had to remind myself she was a tormented teenager for her voice to ring true. The fact that it was written 10 years ago made me feel old. But then again, so was Harry Potter, and that is just mind-blowing!</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Boys-Boat-Americans-Berlin-Olympics/dp/0143125478/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1451557890&sr=1-1&keywords=the+boys+in+the+boat">The Boys In The Boat by Daniel James Brown</a> - this was a book club pick for me as well. I say that because I probably wouldn't have chosen it on my own. Which is precisely why I love book club...it gets me out of my box! For someone who rarely reads non-fiction or memoirs or even historical fiction...this book was surprisingly enjoyable. There were some pages that I skimmed, when it got overly descriptive for me. But overall, I enjoyed the story of perseverance and unlikely heroes made of hard work and teamwork. It was inspiring and patriotic and once again - waaaay more than just a book about sports or WWII and the Natzis. The feel and scope of it reminded me of Unbroken. If you liked that book, I'd venture to say you'll like this one too. </div>
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AND THAT'S ALL SHE WROTE, FOLKS...or read. OR maybe read and wrote! I hope my reviews were helpful and you found a new title or two to add to your list! HAPPY NEW YEAR! </div>
<script src="http://connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"></script><fb:like font="" href="www.BringingUpBurns.com" show_faces="true" width="450"></fb:like>Erin Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378773945772061443noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32368604.post-88895079833220093582015-12-30T10:57:00.000-08:002015-12-30T11:24:43.955-08:0026 Books in 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The New Year is upon us and that means a NEW READING CHALLENGE!! I am so honored and flattered and EXCITED by the number of you who joined in 2015's challenge. Fellow book lovers from all over - The US, Australia, Germany, Thailand, Great Britain, and more. It has been a true joy to see everyone's posts and so much fun finding new titles to read. I am looking forward to a second year of this challenge. To new reads, new friends, new adventures! </div>
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I hope you enjoy the prompts I have chosen for 2016. Just like last year, I worked to choose ones that will <span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 18.48px;">work for anyone, no matter what genre you like to read. And I chose 26 for the year estimating I'll check one prompt off the list about every two weeks. As people join the challenge and post their pics, it will hopefully spark lots of conversation and lead to many new book recommendations for all of us!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.48px;">I LOVED looking at the #26BOOKSwithBringingUpBurns hashtag on Instagram last year! There are literally THOUSANDS of posts. I loved seeing the books that popped up frequently (reading trends across the world) as well as spying a new title I had never heard of before. I also loved jumping around each of your posts, reading your reviews and short synopses! </span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.48px;">(Remember, if you don't have IG - you can always post your book choice on the</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.48px;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/bringingupburns" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.48px; text-decoration: none;">Bringing Up Burns Facebook page</a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.48px;">, too) </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.08px;">I have made a few changes from last year. First, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.08px;">I decided not to number the prompts - so no one</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.08px;"> feels the need to go in order (HELLO - OCD ME!) And I added one free "SWAP OUT" - if you find that one of the 26 prompts is something you aren't able to (or just don't want to) complete, then SWAP it out!</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.08px;">Finally, I just want to reiterate, this challenge is supposed to be FUN! As the 2015 Challenge wraps up, I've seen several comments from people saying they've "FAILED" this year - and I just have to say, I ADAMANTLY DISAGREE! The main goal is to get you reading more as well as maybe add few books to your repertoire outside your usual genre. So as long as you picked up more books than last year - or even just one book out of your comfort zone, then I say the challenge was a SUCCESS for you! Going into 2016 - even if you don't think 26 books is a manageable number for you to complete...or even if some of the prompts don't interest you - give it a go! Once you get started, you might surprise yourself! No amount of reading is ever a FAILURE in my book.</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.08px;">OK - HERE are 2016's prompts!! </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.08px;">I am so excited to see what you are reading, and what prompts people start with! If you are on Instagram - follow me @bringingupburns and check the<a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/26bookswithbringingupburns?source=feed_text&story_id=10205197196279309" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl">#</span><span class="_58cm">26BOOKSwithBringingUpBurns</span></a> hashtag often! There are thousands of posts! Please feel free to share with your friends and repost. And if you blog about your reads, please come back and comment with the link so I can come read! xoxo, Erin</span></div>
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Erin Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378773945772061443noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32368604.post-34178179825393907602015-06-23T19:38:00.001-07:002016-06-13T17:20:54.744-07:00Molly's Boho Chic 10th Birthday<div style="text-align: center;">
I really had fun planning this party. Molly helped me with a lot of it and once it all came together it was perfect for our little free spirit! </div>
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I FLOVE this kid. </div>
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I made the invitations and we hand delivered them to her friends. </div>
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The week of her party we happened to be getting our backyard fence replaced. (It had blown over in a storm!) So I saved a few pieces knowing I wanted to paint something to go by our front door. </div>
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I also lined our front walkway with some whimsical, birch pole candle luminarias. </div>
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Once you came inside, many fun "boho" elements greeted the girls!<br />
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The dining room table was set for dinner. I shared my vision with my friend Courtney, of 5 Wildflowers, and she outdid herself with the centerpiece!</div>
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For dinner, I made all of Molly's favorite things. She is my "foodie" and I wasn't sure how well received her menu would be by her friends, but surprisingly, they ate it all quite well! Sophisticated palates on these girls...</div>
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After dinner, it was time to make Dream Catchers!</div>
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Next we opened presents and had cake! I always make the kid's birthday cakes. I like doing it. This one ended up being one of my all time favorites of all the cakes I have made. </div>
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Erin Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378773945772061443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32368604.post-78607278138788667872015-03-02T20:03:00.000-08:002016-01-03T22:37:45.324-08:00Erin TELLS ALL!<div style="text-align: center;">
**** KEEP HITTING REFRESH TO BE SURE YOU ARE SEEING MY LATEST UPDATES!***</div>
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Are you ready for the crazy??! I was lucky enough to be a part of the live audience for the taping of The Bachelor Women Tell All special that airs tonight. I'll be watching the show in real time and blogging my thoughts from that day, as well as from tonight, as we go....<br />
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8PM - ok...first off, if it's even possible, I think every single girl was prettier in real life than on TV. And they are ALL SO TINY!! Even the ones I thought were the "bigger" girls this season...Um, no. They are all rinky dink.<br />
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8:04PM - Chris Harrison is HILARIOUS!!! I was lucky enough to be in the Green Room for the first part of the taping. Not only did this mean I was able to enjoy bathroom breaks anytime I wanted and hot food from craft services...but I got to hear all the under his breath comments Chris was making between takes. His mic stayed on, and was fed into the Green Room live feed...but if you were in the studio you wouldn't have heard what he was saying.<br />
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8:06PM - I feel like I could easily be one of those girls chasing after Chris' bus, drunk on whiskey, if I wasn't careful. The crazy mom who just walked up and kissed him? Hilarious.<br />
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8:12PM - It took THREE TAKES to get that "Best of Times...Worst of Times" thing right.<br />
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8:13PM - CAN YOU SEE ME!!! HAHAHAHAHA! That's my head. Very top row, behind the girls. Far left corner. First in the row.<br />
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8:14PM - Jillian NEVER STOPPED LAUGHING. The entire 9 hours we were taping. She was annoying as hell and kept asking producers for vodka. They'd bring her a red cup, she'd smell it, and pass it off (I assume it wasn't what she was asking for!) My least favorite of all the girls there.<br />
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8:16PM - BRIT IS A HUGE ACTRESS!!! She can turn those water works ON and OFF with less than a bat of one single fake eyelash.<br />
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8:17PM - Chris interviewed her for well over an HOUR. She was laughing and crying and laughing and crying. Whatever fit best at the time. She's beautiful. And she was under a lot of scrutiny. But I didn't buy it.<br />
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8:18PM - How freaking cute is Kaitlyn??? Who else can pull off a skin tight, all white, crop top outfit?! She was the classiest of all the girls there that day, IMO.<br />
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8:20PM - Jillian. Back off the roids. CHILL OUT.<br />
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8:20PM - hahaha!! "You're a little jacked up!" Told you he was funny.<br />
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8:22PM - How crazy is this?? Every girl agreed that Ashley I. ("Kardashley") was the sweetest, most genuine girl of the group!!! MIND BLOWN. But at the end of taping, I could see it too.<br />
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8:24PM - Why is that girl who went home the first two episodes even talking?? YOU WEREN'T THERE. Just sit there and look pretty.<br />
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8:26PM - Ashley I's dress is gorgeous. Carly's rose ring is atrocious. Side note - Carly is Zach Waddell's sister!!! (bachelor from Desiree's season...remember him?!) Mandy - DID YOU KNOW THIS???<br />
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8:28PM - "Would you honestly, have moved to Arlington? Would that be something you would ever do?" (YOUR FACE SAID IT ALL BRIT. Don't try to back pedal now.)<br />
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8:30PM - Are you buying what Brit is saying?? Do you think Carly tanked Brit's relationship with Chris?? I DO NOT. But her, "you pretty much narrated my entire love story" line was freaking GOOD!!! I wanted to Z Snap.<br />
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8:31PM - If Brit plays with her hair one more time. I'm going to stab someone.<br />
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8:32PM - Next up!! Amazing Amy....errrr, I mean Gone Girl....errr, I mean Kelsey!!<br />
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8:36PM - that ENTIRE commercial break Brit whined to Chris Harrison. YadaYadaYada....TearsTearsTears....GET THE GIRL A TISSUE!<br />
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8:36PM - I mean, Mackenzie. Can you do your hair for the live show? No? Okay. Worth a try.<br />
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8:37PM - I will admit, Brit has gorgeous skin. After crying for an hour straight and wiping tears from her face, she still looked flawless.<br />
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8:39PM - You guys. Kelsey CREEPS ME OUT!!! I was really hoping I would feel differently after seeing her in real life. But I do not. There is just something OFF about her. I'm sure going through this experience on live television isn't for everyone...but it was weird.<br />
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8:40PM - that "Panic Attack" was sooooo fake, don't you think?!<br />
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8:41PM - That's gotta suck to see all the girls jumping on couches and popping champagne upon your departure...Carly's face when they pour the champagne was classic.<br />
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8:42PM - Kelsey asks for a tissue after Brit just sat there for an hour and wasn't offered one. The entire audience laughed at her. DID YOU SEE HER SNOT? Gross.<br />
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8:42PM - That's right Kelsey. Blow your nose into another person's pocket square so that I can have a legitimate reason to never think of you again. Ashley I's face upon seeing the snot = My Face.<br />
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8:44PM - Someone start a Kickstarter for Harrison to get a new pocket square.<br />
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8:45PM - "I use big words"....OMG. SHUT UP!!!<br />
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8:46PM - All the girls wanted to jump in soooo bad!!! And Chris knew it. He kept holding them off. I DID NOT buy her apology to Ashley I. one bit.<br />
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8:47PM - Thank God for commercials, my wine glass is empty.<br />
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8:49PM - I mean for JULIA to say that Kelsey is "calculated and fake".... that confirmed it for me.<br />
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8:51PM - How GORGEOUS is Sammy? Her dress was to. die. for. And I totally agree with her statement that Kelsey's fake panic attack resulted in Sammy going home.<br />
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8:52PM - During the commercial breaks, Kelsey would look out at the group of girls from the couch and stare them down with a cold, empty expression. Literally - Lauren and I were like, "OMG!! She's going to kill them all."<br />
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8:53PM - They cut it, but there was a point where Chris asked Kaitlyn what she thought of Kelsey. She was very careful with her words. It seemed like she didn't want to be too damning...but she recalled Kelsey calling herself a "woman among children" and saying Kaitlyn's tattoos made her look "needy."<br />
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8:54PM - Those 4 candles between Chris and the couch for the Bachelorettes are fake flames...but the rest were real! Producers walked around every commercial break and relit the ones that had gone out.<br />
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8:57PM - They had to prompt us to clap for Kelsey. No one was doing it on their own.<br />
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9:00PM - OK...are you ready for the SHOCK OF THE CENTURY???!!!<br />
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9:01PM - Ashley S. is TOTALLY NORMAL. I swear.<br />
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9:02PM - OK, maybe not totally normal...but she was hilarious, well spoken, and all the girls LOVED her. She definitely has a "persona" that she slips into when she wants to be funny or steal the show...she slipped into it a bit that day. But when it came time to be serious, she was. She said she knew she didn't have a connection with Chris early on, and was bored most of the time...so she entertained herself by messing around while on camera.<br />
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9:03PM - She gave Chris an onion. (or is it a pomegranate?) BEST. EVER. I mean the pomegranate has to be the best moment of the first four episodes. Hands down.<br />
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9:04PM - Riding bikes and talking to trees is the new black.<br />
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9:06PM - YAAAAASSSS!!!! Please. Ashley S. on Bachelor in Paradise. GIMME!! That's me you hear cheering my head off at Chris' ask. DO IT, DO IT, DO IT!!!!!<br />
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9:08PM - commercial. Can we discuss HOW HORRENDOUS Carly's eyebrows are? I couldn't stop staring at them. Here. Fixed them for her....I feel better now.<br />
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9:16PM - Jade. Poor Jade. She is a sweet girl. But I googled those pics. Cringe. </div>
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9:17PM - I think all things considered equal - if you still have three other girls to choose from who HAVEN'T shared their most intimate bits with the world, you're gonna go with the "devil" you know (but no one else does!) Right??!! </div>
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9:19PM - Jade on the couch with Chris watching herself on the big screen...sitting on a couch with (a different) Chris, watching herself on a little screen. The Bachelor just got waaaaay Meta. </div>
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9:21PM - Jade is the first girl in the history of time to get dumped because she got nude too early in the relationship. </div>
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9:24PM - YAAAAAS. Bring on Kaitlyn. My favorite. I love hearing hints of her Canadian accent. </div>
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9:26PM - "You can plow the fu$k outta my field anyday." That first night I thought she was batshit crazy for saying that!!! But it ended up being hilarious and just the first glimpse at this girl's humor and ability to throw herself under the bus for the sake of breaking the ice and having fun. </div>
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9:27PM - so...I read <a href="http://realitysteve.com/">Reality Steve</a>. I went to the taping expecting Kaitlyn to be there. Even tho the episode where Chris sends her home hadn't aired yet. Whey they showed us the episode...it still made me gasp out loud.</div>
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9:30PM - How cute are those fuchsia lips? She's so pretty. </div>
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9:33PM - ok...commercial, so I'm setting you up!! When Chris comes out, and Kaitlyn has a chance to talk to him...there is a moment when she says to him something along the lines of "why didn't you take me aside and let me know I wasn't the one? Why did you make me go through a rose ceremony? Andi gave you that courtesy so I thought you would have given it to me..." And then the audience claps.... I WAS THE ONE WHO STARTED THAT CLAPPING!!! What she says was what Lauren and I had been saying to each other ever since we watched him send her home. When it came out of her mouth, I couldn't help myself....everyone in the rows in front of me, turned around at my clapping AND THEN JOINED IN!! It was a pathetically proud moment in my life. ;-) </div>
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9:35PM - Basically Chris should just come out and say, "Kaitlyn...you're too hot for me. And Iowa." But he doesn't. What he says is ATROCIOUS. </div>
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9:37PM - He was shorter than I imagined. </div>
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9:38PM - "I already see Brit is emotional" .... and bears shit in the woods. The Pope is Catholic. Mackenzie believes in aliens. </div>
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9:39PM - Brit makes it about her again. Kaitlyn should have talked to him first, IMO. And asking to join him on the couch? GAG. </div>
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9:40PM - BRIT...he is engaged. He didn't pick you. Get over yourself and LET GO OF HIS HAND!! You're making this painfully awkward! </div>
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9:41PM - Buh Bye, Brit. </div>
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9:42PM - I love how Kaitlyn doesn't ask to join him on the couch. Doesn't go up and hug him!!! Girl, let him know he isn't good enough for you. YAAAASSS! </div>
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9:43PM - THROWING DARTS?? IN THE DARK?? Is he fu$king serious??? Does he think he is helping himself out? Making her feel better?? Um, No. Just no. Chris. Stop talking.</div>
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9:43PM - BRING ON THE CLAPS!!! You go, Kaitlyn. </div>
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9:44PM - More commercials. Imagine Jillian getting up and running about the audience. Doing squats. Dry humping other Bachelorettes on the risers. Asking for vodka really loud. Me wanting to punch her in the face. Yep. That's what's happening right now. </div>
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9:45PM - Anyone else notice how Chris' face twitches every time ish gets awkward? </div>
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9:46PM - Can you imagine being his fiance watching this right now?? "oh, I was in love with all three of you and basically just flipped a coin..." GTFO. </div>
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9:50PM - ANNNND another scorned Bachelorette takes the couch. (cough, cough...thinly veiled excuse to get your hands on Chris' body one last time)</div>
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9:51PM - "Wild Mustang" needs to be Playboy's new centerfold title. Like next month. </div>
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9:54PM - The Dolphin Laugh reel is coming up....wait for it!! </div>
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9:56PM - Ok - time to wrap up....</div>
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9:59PM - In all honesty, we have girls wearing eyelashes made in Taiwan accusing each other of being FAKE. Let's take this show for what it is...</div>
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10PM - I hope Chris finds an everlasting love. But I'm not holding my breath. The final two girls bore me. Becca is just Becca. She is beautiful, but she is such a baby. She says she's never been in love and wants to wait to have sex until she's married. But two seconds alone with Chris in a private room and she's admitting to having "feelings" she's never had before and can see how being intimate would be exciting. WHAT???? Girl. Don't make me head desk this late at night. </div>
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10:03PM - Whitney is a "Yes Girl" - I feel like she's been planning her wedding with every single egg she has inseminated. It doesn't matter who the Groom is. YAWN....</div>
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10:05PM - But you can bet your bottom dollar I'll be here, next Monday night, with red roses and champagne, watching this train wreck with shameless abandon. If I were a betting woman, (which I am, but I never pay up when I lose, so don't bet with me...I think I owe Mateo at least $150 and a good 20 backrubs.) I'd put my red roses on Whitney.<br />
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10:08PM - And I'm 99.9% sure Kaitlyn is the next Bachelorette. That's just my guess. But basically, it's happening. And I'm 99.9% sure she'll end up somewhere way cooler than Arlington. With someone way doper than Chris. (Is doper a word?)<br />
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10:10PM - This was fun!!! Thanks for playing along and letting me know I'm not alone in my crazy. ;-) Who wants to watch the Finale together??<br />
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10:11PM - My final, final thoughts...I say "OK" and "I mean," waaaaaay too much!!Erin Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378773945772061443noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32368604.post-50607480819035915382015-02-12T14:30:00.000-08:002015-02-12T18:39:20.596-08:00Fifty, FOR FUN. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HWh5B8OSFCk/VN00o2zQIgI/AAAAAAAAO7E/TtWts8sCt0g/s1600/photo%2B(7).PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HWh5B8OSFCk/VN00o2zQIgI/AAAAAAAAO7E/TtWts8sCt0g/s1600/photo%2B(7).PNG" height="626" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've started to write this post several times and every time I sit down to do so...I get tired. Just knowing the Judgey McJudgersons these books seem to attract - it exhausts me to think about dealing with any of that should I ever hit "publish" on my thoughts. After all, <i><b>we aim to please</b></i>. Not rock the boat.</div>
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But the movie comes out this weekend and I have happily pre-ordered my tickets. I will be in those seats tonight, with my girlfriends, eagerly awaiting the big screen adaption. I have my reservations of course, but none of them have to do with overarching themes or the sex I will or will not see. None of them have to do with setting feminism back or encouraging sexual violence. My reservations are more character driven...I'm not convinced Dornan is going to amount to more than a pretty face, and that has me verklempt!! </div>
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But I digress - today the movie premieres, so I figure, today is as good a day as any (if not better than most!) to "untie" if you will, my 50 Shades ramblings. So here we go...</div>
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I finally picked up this book after about 6 months of hearing the wild buzz that was going around. To be honest, what tipped the scales, was when I heard the story was first published online as Twilight Fan Fiction. Help me, Rhonda! A sexed up Edward and Bella? We all know I suffer from a severe predilection for vampires and <strike>awkward, shy, clumsy females</strike> KRISTEN.</div>
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So I started reading.</div>
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And the writing was horrendous!!</div>
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The repetition alone almost did me in. If I read the phrase "mecurial" (he's unpredictable and hard to read, ok, I get it) or "foil packet" (props for practicing safe sex kids, but I don't need the play by play every. single. time.) or "stop biting your lip" (I can't bite my lip now without thinking of Ana, which was probably James' idea all along, but it makes me want to facepunch myself) one more time, my head would have exploded. But even as I found the writing cringe inducing - the Twilight Matchups were enough to keep me snickering and turning the pages.</div>
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<strike>Bella</strike> Anastasia is a shy, clumsy girl who grew up in <strike>Arizona</strike> Nevada with her mother, then moves to <strike>Forks</strike> Vancouver, Washington where her <strike>dad</strike> stepdad lives, while her mother lives with her new husband in <strike>Florida</strike> Georgia. She has a younger male friend named <strike>Jacob </strike>Jose who has a crush on her, and whose dad is friends with her dad, because they are fishing partners and <strike>police force</strike> army buddies. <strike>Jacob</strike> Jose's dad gave <strike>Bella</strike> Anastasia his old <strike>truck</strike> VW beetle.</div>
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<strike>Edward</strike> Christian is other wordly gorgeous and insanely rich. He is adopted and has a sibling named <strike>Emmett</strike> Elliott and a sister named <strike>Alice</strike> Mia, also adopted, who live with their parents <strike>Carlisle</strike> Carrick (really? CARRICK? We couldn't even change the first three letters?) and <strike>Esme</strike> Grace. Their <strike>father</strike> mother is a doctor. </div>
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<strike>Edward</strike> Christian rescues <strike>Bella</strike> Ana from a near death <strike>car</strike> bike collision in the street with his bare arms. <strike>Edward</strike> Christian "dazzles" <strike>Bella</strike> Ana while his inability to know/control her thoughts drives him crazy. He has long fingers that she notices every other page. He watches her sleep. He plays the piano. He is obsessed with what she eats and keeping her safe. He warns her he is the bad guy and to stay away. He buys her a car. He goes mad with jealousy whenever she so much as mentions <strike>Jacob</strike> Jose. She fights the pull she feels towards him, but eventually can't deny she wants to be a part of "his world." THE LIST GOES ON AND ON. By book three, the major "twist" is anything but shocking (Hello, Reneseme!) </div>
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So you can see why it was only a matter of time until I fell in love with these books. But it did take time. All the way until the middle of book two I would say. (The "Lipstick Body Map" was the scene in Fifty Shades Darker that did me in. I was like "Ok, I'm done. I love these two. 50 Shades obsessed. Get me a contract. I will sign!!") But in all honesty - I didn't like Fifty Shades of Grey. It was the series/story as a whole that I grew to love.</div>
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Fifty Shades of Grey is completely, and almost inarguably ridiculous. (And yes, I understand the same can be said of Twilight.) I feel like Dior Homme's recent cologne campaign sustained more depth and story arc in a 45 second clip than this book did in 380 pages.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The fact that Christian Grey is a perpetually single, wildly unattainable bachelor with a need for control and a predilection for pain is ridiculous enough. Now add in he also has his own penthouse, a garage full of expensive vehicles with a bodyguard/chauffeur to drive them, a helicopter AND private jet. Oh yes, and he's acquired all this wealth by the ripe old age 27.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Stop laughing. This is serious business. This is where the plot almost happens...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ana is a 22 year old virgin. Who agrees to have sex on the first date with less than the bat of one eyelash. And orgasms three times on her first introduction to the sport.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">BWHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Wait. There's more. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Christian is haunted and can't be tamed. Ana yearns to tame him and even though she knows he is dangerous, she can't stay away. They make out in elevators. Ana talks about her inner goddess. Christian's eyes widen in alarm every other page. There is talk of contracts, but none are ever signed. There is talk of ball gags and butt plugs (GASP!) but none are ever used. Christian claims he's not into "Hearts and Flowers" and doesn't do relationships. Ana claims she's not into being tied up or being told what to do and wants "More." Christian ends up being romantic. Ana ends up loving being tied up. Their pull towards one another is great. Ana runs. Christian follows. They have some laughs in a glider. A few sweet exchanges while dancing. One wild orgasm on top of a piano (yawn, Pretty Woman)...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For reals, people!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Why did I read this novel, and go on to read two more, even though they have NO LITERARY VALUE whatsoever??!! Why will I be front and center tonight with my girlfriends as Ana and Christian get it on on the big screen even though I'm pretty sure it's going to be terrible??!! Why have I read the magazine articles and downloaded the soundtrack??!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I really only have one answer for you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">FOR FUN.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's similar to watching The Bachelor.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Or similar to writing this blog post.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You don't go into it thinking you'll come out the other side smarter, more enlightened, a deeper thinker. You don't expect to change anyone's mind or have your mind changed. You know it's rubbish and ridiculous!! And that's the point. It's something you can have fun with, make fun of, simultaneously trash and cherish, all while laughing at yourself and the pursuit of your own guilty pleasures. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">While there is much I could say, I'm not even going to get into my thoughts on the sex. Or the traditional gender roles. Obviously neither shocked or bothered me too much if I read all three books and plan to watch it on screen. <i>I wasn't taking any of it seriously enough to be shocked or bothered.</i> I will say, however, I think you can find GOOD in everything and BAD in everything. It's just a matter of what you choose to focus on. I hope the movie will eliminate some of the bad parts (My subconscious crosses her eyes and sticks index finger down her throat at Ana's continuous inner monologue of her multiple personalities!) and maximize the good parts (My inner goddess sighs and swoons as both Ana and Christian struggle with changing, through their intimacy, to be more like the other.) And I hope the movie ends differently - or at least in a different place! - than the book.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">THE BOOK ENDS ATROCIOUSLY!! So bad, I ran straight to the store to buy book two. Falling right into the trap EL James set for silly fools like me. But really, if the movie ends like the book, I can't see people (who haven't read the books) being eager to see the next installment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But maybe they will be eager to go<i> read</i> the next installment - and that is the franchise's hope. Who knows?? All I can say, is that for those of you who read these books and didn't like them, I know why. And I agree with you. For those of you who read these books and enjoyed them, I know why. And I agree with you. And for those of you who didn't read these books but have much to say about them - no matter how much you want to punish me, I wont be listening. Or responding. <i><b>Laters, Baby. </b></i></span></div>
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Erin Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378773945772061443noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32368604.post-76081113378336187372015-02-05T09:30:00.000-08:002015-02-05T10:07:08.173-08:00Will ZOO Be My Valentine? <div style="text-align: center;">
I'm a sucker for a good pun. Especially when it comes to cards and gift giving. I designed these Valentine's for Wyatt to pass out to his classmates this year.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xaaBwkBJe88/VNOp3T3ij-I/AAAAAAAAO58/-WTZqCkIEns/s1600/Zoo%2BValentines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xaaBwkBJe88/VNOp3T3ij-I/AAAAAAAAO58/-WTZqCkIEns/s1600/Zoo%2BValentines.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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EASY and cost effective and great coming from a BOY...he didn't want any hearts or flowers! </div>
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I printed them out at my local 1 hour photo store for $.19 each and then hot glued a little plastic wild animal (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/US-Toy-Mini-Wild-Animals/dp/B002YR0IMM/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1423157855&sr=1-1&keywords=mini+wild+animals">found HERE on Amazon Prime</a>) to each card.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jz4cNcpUA9I/VNOqPXmRHOI/AAAAAAAAO6I/PSmwz9I20oM/s1600/Zoo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jz4cNcpUA9I/VNOqPXmRHOI/AAAAAAAAO6I/PSmwz9I20oM/s1600/Zoo2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QcF0EDrHrB0/VNOqO6Rs3rI/AAAAAAAAO6E/_f7AL6f1DU8/s1600/Zoo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QcF0EDrHrB0/VNOqO6Rs3rI/AAAAAAAAO6E/_f7AL6f1DU8/s1600/Zoo1.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
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Feed your Valentine's inner Wild Animal with these cute cards!</div>
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I've included the designs below if you want to right click, save and print for yourself.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ivvvz2qv2jQ/VNOrdVz9C_I/AAAAAAAAO6w/vjDRXLxINEE/s1600/Zoo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ivvvz2qv2jQ/VNOrdVz9C_I/AAAAAAAAO6w/vjDRXLxINEE/s1600/Zoo1.jpg" height="262" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CcjUBRpW4QM/VNOrdEivYQI/AAAAAAAAO6Y/zm4Ck5VFilo/s1600/Zoo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CcjUBRpW4QM/VNOrdEivYQI/AAAAAAAAO6Y/zm4Ck5VFilo/s1600/Zoo2.jpg" height="262" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VLuyOWOalQM/VNOrdp77W4I/AAAAAAAAO6c/Qsk3QIFOeRU/s1600/Zoo3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VLuyOWOalQM/VNOrdp77W4I/AAAAAAAAO6c/Qsk3QIFOeRU/s1600/Zoo3.jpg" height="262" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pt1KU3-m67Q/VNOrekMwq2I/AAAAAAAAO6g/B0AE8bqcZZc/s1600/Zoo4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pt1KU3-m67Q/VNOrekMwq2I/AAAAAAAAO6g/B0AE8bqcZZc/s1600/Zoo4.jpg" height="262" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you end up using these designs, let me know. I'd love to see!!</div>
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I also designed some Taylor Swift Lyric valentines for the girls.</div>
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You can get the free downloads <a href="http://burns-familyblog.blogspot.com/2015/02/taylor-swift-lyric-valentines-free.html">HERE</a>!</div>
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Erin Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378773945772061443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32368604.post-57060899493946913412015-02-04T15:38:00.003-08:002015-02-05T10:05:50.915-08:00Taylor Swift Lyric Valentines - Free Printables<div style="text-align: center;">
My daughters are 10 and 11 and while they love Valentine's Day - they have outgrown the "cutesy" of it. Valentine cards with silly puns or cuddly animals get big eye rolls. I always design the kids Valentine's (because that's just something I like to do!) and this year I was at a loss of what to do for the girls. </div>
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<a href="http://burns-familyblog.blogspot.com/2015/02/will-zoo-be-my-valentine.html">Wyatt's are adorable and punny</a> - my favorite! But I knew I needed to come up with something a little more sophisticated for the girls to be happy. I often listen to my iPod when I'm designing and Taylor Swift happen to come on. My daughters are IN LOVE with her and know every word to every song on her new CD...</div>
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Suddenly, inspiration struck!! </div>
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I knew I wanted to create lyric valentines...and I made the Blank Space one before the idea of designing them to look like a Polaroid picture came to me. Once I framed the design as a Polaroid, I got excited and made went on to make four different ones.</div>
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I printed them out at my local pharmacy as 4X6 photos (19 cents each!) so they would look like actual Polaroid pictures and then cut them to size. </div>
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The girls added their initials and year with a black Sharpie to look like Taylor's on her 1989 CD cover.</div>
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This morning I went to Michael's to look for pencils for the Blank Space one...and I found the lipstick pens and "shakeable" mazes on sale 40% off! I guess it was meant to be.</div>
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I'm super happy with how they turned out...not only were they cost effective (each one ended up being about 50 cents) but best of all, my girls LOVE them!</div>
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I've included the images below if you want to send some TSwift love to your Valentine. Be sure and send one to your ex-man and his new girlfriend too! ;-) Just right click and save the images you like best to your computer then upload and print at home or at your local photo printing store.</div>
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Let me know if you end up using them! I'd love to see your finished product.</div>
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Wyatt wanted nothing to do with Taylor Swift Valentines...so I designed a fun Wild Animal print valentine for him instead. You can get the downloads <a href="http://burns-familyblog.blogspot.com/2015/02/will-zoo-be-my-valentine.html">HERE</a>!</div>
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Erin Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378773945772061443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32368604.post-73623580008584932002015-02-03T20:51:00.000-08:002015-02-03T21:40:26.638-08:0015 FOR 15 - Books Hitting the Big Screen This Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: center;">The second prompt in my #26BOOKSwithBringingUpBurns Challenge is A Book That Has Been Made Into A Movie. This prompt can be met by an abundance of titles!! But selfishly, I added this to the list because I flove movies. Almost as much as books. And if I know that something was a book first, then I HAVE TO read it before seeing it. And I see a lot of movies - so that means I have to read a lot of books! There are several movies coming out in 2015 that I am looking forward to seeing...so that means each of these books, is also on my list.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1. Still Alice, Lisa Genova</b></span></div>
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I start with this one, because I've already seen the movie! My bookclub read this book about three years ago, and, while it wasn't a happy story, it was an enjoyable book. I am an avid Kristen Stewart fan (understatement of the year) so when I saw this would be screening at AFI Film Fest last Fall, I went on their website every morning until I was lucky enough to score two free tickets! It was a night I won't forget for many reasons, mainly - Kristen was there for a Q&A panel afterwards with Julieanne and Maria Shriver (producer) - but also because the movie was so well done! The energy, emotion, and brave deterioration that Julieanne brings to life in Alice's character is heart wrenching to watch. I am not surprised she has already won the Golden Globe and SAG award for Best Actress for her portrayal. She is nominated for the Oscar as well, and I hope she wins! If you get a chance to see this movie, you wont be disappointed. There are slight changes from the book, but nothing off putting as someone who enjoyed the read. </div>
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You can watch the trailer <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrXrZ5iiR0o">HERE</a>.<br />
Release Date: January 16th <br />
Starring: Julianne Moore, Alec Baldwin, Kate Bosworth, Kristen Stewart</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2. Where Rainbows End (Love, Rosie), Cecelia Ahern</b></span></div>
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I've heard great things about this book but have yet to pick it up. I better get cracking, however, because the movie comes out this Friday! I like both Lily Collins and Sam Cauflin and I am a fan of stories that span several years. I have no idea if I'm correct, but I get the feeling this story will be a bit like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/One-Day-David-Nicholls-ebook/dp/B0036S4CTS/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1423024432&sr=1-1&keywords=one+day">One Day by David Nicholls</a>, and I really enjoyed that book. Also - it's from the same author as P.S. I Love You, so it's made my list for several reasons.</div>
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<b>What it’s about:</b> Rosie and Alex, best friends since childhood, are the type of people who should be together, even if they don’t realize it. Despite being separated as teenagers, they are inseparable via email and letters, and are constantly on the rise of a potential romance. This story comes from the same author as P.S. I Love You.<br />
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You can watch the trailer <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zL3YJKygd4">HERE</a>.</div>
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Release date: February 6th</div>
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Starring: Lily Collins, Sam Claflin, Suki Waterhouse</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. Fifty Shades of Grey, EL James</b></span></div>
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Oh, the controversy!! I initially picked up this book to see what all the fuss was about after six months of non-stop buzz. I knew the books were supposed to be sexy and had seen them called "Mommy Porn" a few times, but other than that, I had no idea what the story was about. When someone told me the story started out as Twilight Fan Fiction...well, that did it. I had to read. Help me, Rhonda! I read all three books in 2 days. The paperbacks were for sale at my local grocery store and when I stopped in to buy the second one later the same day I had bought the first one, the checkout girl chuckled at me and said, <i>"You should probably just grab the third one right now too, don't you think?"</i> Without going into too much detail, (I'll save that for next week when I blog my movie premiere pre-party ideas - we all know I love a good movie party!) I am interested to see this story brought to the screen. Yes, it was very sexy. And yes, it was utterly unrealistic, cliche, repetitive...all those things. But it was also a fun love story. This first book was my least favorite of the trilogy, however. The ending is ATROCIOUS!!! So I am very interested to see what Hollywood does different - will there be a re-write? Or will they end it at a different place in the stories? </div>
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<b>What it’s about:</b> An innocent girl named Anastasia Steele falls for a rich, powerful, and dominant man named Christian Grey. Their newly developed romance brings out the dark side in Ana and a very unusual side of Christian. The book is 530 pages of sex and BDSM with a little bit of plot in between. (The real plot - if you can call it that - doesn't start until book 2!) With over 100 million copies sold, there's no doubt the theaters will be packed.</div>
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You can watch the trailer <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FDTMRK7-24">HERE</a></div>
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(incedently, the more trailers and clips I watch, the more Dakota Johnson grows on me as Ana. My verdict is still out on Jamie Dornan. No question he is good looking, but he is not the Christian I read...another reason I'm interested to see the movie!)</div>
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Release date: February 13th</div>
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Starring: Jamie Dornan, Dakota Johnson, Rita Ora, Luke Grimes</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>4. The DUFF, Kody Keplinger</b></span></div>
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I just bought this book this week. I saw a blip about the movie on Buzzfeed and I happen to love Mae Whitman. She was the little girl in Hope Floats...and she was perfect as Mary Elizabeth in Perks of Being a Wallflower. Add in the angsty, YA plotline and I was sold.</div>
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<b>What it’s about:</b> Bianca Piper is somewhat of an outcast, but she has a gorgeous group of loyal friends to keep her company. When man-whore Wesley Rush calls her the DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend), Bianca adds him to the top of her enemy list. As things turn bad at home however, Bianca develops a friends-with-benefits relationship with Wesley, and worse, falls for him the more they hang out.</div>
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You can watch the trailer <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cISh0wmeZBQ">HERE</a></div>
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Release date: February 20th</div>
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Starring: Mae Whitman, Bella Thorne, Allison Janey, Robbie Amell</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>5. Insurgent, Veronica Roth</b></span></div>
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Ok - I should warn you. If you're not already aware...I'm a little obsessed with this trilogy (second understatement of the year.) I read Divergent early on. I saw an article about it on a movie website saying Summit had just bought the rights to make it into a movie and was banking on it being their next "Twlight/Hunger Games" type blockbuster and that led me to pick it up. I loved the book, partly because I have a soft spot for Chicago, but also because of the characters. I loved that for the first time, in a long time, it was a fast, action packed YA read that didn't have a love triangle at the center of it! I've been telling everyone to read these books for almost 4 years. Insurgent is my favorite of the three books and I am beyond excited to see it come to life (even if I can't stand Shailene's horrible 80's dye job!) I threw a huge party last year for the premiere. This year...Matt and I will be in Hawaii when Insurgent comes out. I'm trying to convince him that one night in a theater is not a waste of our precious tropical vacation!</div>
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<b>What it’s about:</b> The second book in the Divergent series, Insurgent continues Tris’ fight against Jeanine Matthews and her brutal agenda that threatens to tear society apart and kill Divergents. The book is exciting and hard to put down, and hopefully the movie will follow the novel more than the previews <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1Ok1tzdQMQ">imply</a>. Roth has mentioned that "The Box" is a way to bring many of her scenes from the book together into one place...but I'm a little nervous...</div>
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You can watch the trailer <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suZcGoRLXkU">HERE</a></div>
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Release date: March 20th</div>
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Starring: Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Ansel Elgort, Kate Winslet</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>6. Serena, Ron Rash</b></span></div>
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I don't know much about this book other than where it's set (North Carolina mountains) and that two of my favorites are playing the main characters (Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper.) I am thinking of using it for prompt #10 - A Book Set Somewhere You've Always Wanted To Visit. JLaw and Cooper killed it before with the book to movie adaptation of Silver Linings Playbook, so hopefully we're in for a repeat treat with this one! </div>
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<b>What it’s about:</b> The book is a thrilling story that follows newlyweds George and Serena Pemberton on their journey to create a timber empire and ruthlessly kill all who fall out of favor. When Serena finds out she can’t bear children, she seeks to murder the illegitimate child she believes George is trying to protect. </div>
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You can watch the trailer <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lITvFNhoxek">HERE</a></div>
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Release date: March 27th</div>
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Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>7. The Longest Ride, Nicholas Sparks</b></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">HoHum...that's usually how I feel about Nicholas Sparks. His books are pretty predicable, if not completely formulaic. But when I'm up for a mindless read that usually has some angst, a few secrets, swoony romance and a twist...then Sparks can be a great choice. Perfect for poolside with a wide hat and a cold drink. Perhaps I will pack this one for Hawaii. The main reason I'm looking forward to this movie (and so must read the book!) is Britt Robertson. I fell in love with her in</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1763303/" style="text-align: center;">The First Time</a><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">and have followed her career ever since. Also - say HELLLLLO! to Clint Eastwood's hot son. </span></div>
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<b>What it’s about:</b> Like any other Nicholas Sparks book, this story involves romance and scenes that will make you cry. The Longest Ride is a story of two couples whose lives intersect in profound ways. If you’ve read or seen any other Sparks creations and loved them, I'm guessing this one will be no different.</div>
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You can watch the trailer <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUS_Q7FsfqU">HERE</a></div>
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Release date: April 10th</div>
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Starring: Scott Eastwood, Britt Robertson</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">8. Far From the Maddening Town, Thomas Hardy</span></b></div>
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I'm thinking this will be my #19 - A book you were supposed to read in school, but didn't. Somehow, a Victorian England set story of a strong willed girl named Bathsheba didn't appeal to me Freshman year in college. But now, a novel about an independent woman with the surname Everdene (!!) who bounces back from hardships seems to ring familiar...and enticing. Furthermore, after Gatsby, I have trouble resisting anything Carey Mulligan. </div>
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<b>What it’s about:</b> A classic love story, Far from the Madding Crowd is about a beautiful woman who attracts three very different suitors: a shepherd, a sergeant, and a rich bachelor. The novel is about tough choices, the nature of relationships, and pressing on in the face of hardship.</div>
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You can watch the trailer <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCm1XNVD_0c">HERE</a></div>
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Release date: May 1st</div>
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Starring: Carey Mulligan, Michael Sheen, Matthias Schoenaerts, Tom Sturridge</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>9. Paper Towns, John Green</b></span></div>
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If Looking for Alaska and The Fault In Our Stars are any indication, I am assuming this book is right up my alley. I already know I love Nat Wolff (check him out in <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2205697/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_10">Stuck In Love</a>,) so I am assuming I will enjoy the movie adaptation as well. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What it’s about:</b> Margo Roth Spiegelman, the unattainable girl next door, convinces Quentin to embark on a journey of revenge, but come the next morning, Margo has gone missing and has left clues for Q. He and his friends go on a road trip in search of M, unsure if they will find her dead or alive. </span></div>
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Release date: June 19th</div>
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Starring: Cara Delevingne, Nat Wolff</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>10. The Scorch Trials, James Dashner</b></span></div>
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The Maze Runner was the only movie I saw last year without reading the book first...and it grated on me the entire time! I broke my own cardinal rule because it was a movie the whole family could enjoy (we found ourselves at the movie theater on a whim) and I love Dylan O'Brien (again, I reference Britt Robertson - his IRL girlfriend - and The First Time, in which he also stars.) With that being said, I left the theater and knew I wanted to know the rest of this story. The movie ends in such a cliffhanger! So this book will definitely be consumed before September this year. </div>
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<b>What it’s about:</b> The second book in the Maze Runner series, Thomas and the Gladers are entering phase two of their “trials” and race to earn a cure for the Flare virus. Chased by Cranks and facing a series of dangerous weather conditions, the boys attempt to complete their mission. </div>
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Release date: September 18th</div>
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Starring: Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Thomas Brodie-Sangster</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>11. Mockingjay, Suzanne Collins</b></span></div>
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I feel like this makes my list by default. I enjoyed the books and I've seen all the movies up until this point - so of course I will see it through. But I have several reservations. By some sort of movie magic - I pray they redeem Peeta from his scary Gollum status he had at the end of Part 1. And I pray it moves 9000 times faster than Part 1. The last movie felt like a huge 2 hour preview of what's to come...which I guess that's the point, but I was bored. In contrast, this final book annoyed me in that I felt it wrapped up too fast! The final 100 pages could have easily been expanded to an entire fourth book. So I pray this final installment of the movies does that justice and really tells Katniss' story to it's fullest. </div>
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<b>What it’s about:</b> The last book of the Hunger Games series, Mockingjay is the completion of Katniss Everdeen’s rebellion against the Capital and her fight to bring President Snow down.</div>
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Release date: November 20th</div>
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Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, <a href="http://burns-familyblog.blogspot.com/p/the-lingo.html">The Leprechaun</a>, <a href="http://burns-familyblog.blogspot.com/p/the-lingo.html">Sex For Dinner</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>12. The Martian, Andy Weir</b></span></div>
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This book has been showing up in my Instagram feed NON STOP the past few weeks. So far, I haven't seen anyone not like it. People are calling it a cross between Gravity and Castaway - that's hard to resist! Matt Damon is set to star and the ensemble cast is fab. I was depressed when The Newsroom ended...so any way I can get more Jeff Daniels, the better! It's bound to be another stressful, but entertaining two hours in the theater.</div>
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<b>What it’s about:</b> In this fictional book, Astronaut Mark Watney is one of the first people to land on Mars, and he’s sure to be the first person to die there. After his crew believes Mark died from a dust storm, he’s stranded and completely alone with no way to signal Earth. </div>
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Release date: November 27th</div>
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Starring: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Jeff Daniels, Kristen Wiig</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>13. Dark Places, Gillian Flynn</b></span></div>
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Gone Girl was a thrill to read, but I have yet to explore any of Flynn's other books. I'm excited to add this one to my list. I was told by a good friend however, not to read it when I'm home alone or late at night. I'm not one to be easily spooked, but that advice freaked me out! I'm a fan of many people in the cast and anything scary or anything starring Theron is sure to be an easy sell to my husband. </div>
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<b>What it's about:</b> This thriller of a story is about Libby Day, a girl whose mother and sisters were murdered at the family's farmhouse when she was only 7. Her testimony sent her older brother, Ben, to prison for life, and 25 years later, Libby decides to meet with the Kill Club, a group of crime enthusiasts who investigate the case and force her to rethink what really happened.</div>
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Release Date: Late 2015</div>
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Starring: Charlize Theron (also producing), Nicholas Hoult, Christina Hendricks, and Chloë Grace Moretz</div>
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14. The Light Between Oceans, ML Stedman</div>
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This book has been on my list for awhile. I'm thinking it will be my #18 - A book with a Blue cover. I am intrigued by the wife's story and can't wait to see how it unfolds and effects those around her. The movie is from Spielberg's Dreamworks so I'm sure it wont disappoint.</div>
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<b>What it's about:</b> Tom, a lighthouse keeper, and his wife Isabel, who has suffered two miscarriages and one stillbirth, discover a boat washed up onshore near their home on an island off the coast of Australia after WWI. Inside the boat are a living baby and a dead body. Isabel insists the baby is a "gift from God," and against Tom's better judgment, they take her in and name her Lucy. Two years later, Tom and Isabel return to the mainland and are reminded there are other people in the world who have been devastated by their choices.</div>
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Release Date: Late 2015</div>
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Starring: Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, and Rachel Weisz</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>15. Room, Emma Donoghue</b></span></div>
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Oh goodness, this book tore at my heartstrings. My bookclub read it when it was released in 2010 and it has haunted me ever since! I found the POV of Jack, a 5 year old boy who has never known anything other then the inside of the room he and his mother are held captive in, extremely disturbing and yet unputdownable. </div>
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<b>What it's about:</b> A 5-year-old boy grows up in a small shed, which becomes the only world he knows because his mother hides the truth — she was abducted and has been kept prisoner for years. His father is their captor. </div>
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Release Date: Late 2015</div>
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Starring: Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay, William H. Macy, and Sean Bridgers </div>
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Have you read any of these books yet? Are you excited to see the movies? Have you decided what book you will chose for #2 in the 26BOOKS Challenge? Leave a comment and let me know! </div>
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"https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Fs3-ec.buzzfed.com%2Fstatic%2F2015-01%2F5%2F11%2Fenhanced%2Fwebdr03%2Fgrid-cell-15726-1420476502-10.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/kWxoIDFWRiGXDbORi_7TEXHxGH106mC8gwbr-X_HCu1vJRzQS2Iv8Vce0j-7TtR_egVzPotF1Ez-2TN1kkBV0nYgN2BZOjQCt4DoIAx9e6Dra0ff4b5gwQxj8DdVKxt9CocuOB0wxRd7ue-B47JSFk1qMQ" -->Erin Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378773945772061443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32368604.post-17089865620649048622015-02-01T07:00:00.000-08:002015-02-01T07:00:02.944-08:00My So Called Life Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FB_AMs6a3zE/VLhbWYlY_XI/AAAAAAAAO2k/vGco3x466QE/s1600/MSCL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FB_AMs6a3zE/VLhbWYlY_XI/AAAAAAAAO2k/vGco3x466QE/s1600/MSCL.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a1f06; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">(What is <a href="http://burns-familyblog.blogspot.com/search/label/My%20So%20Called%20Life">My So Called Life Sunday</a>, anyhow?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a1f06; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Go </span><a href="http://burns-familyblog.blogspot.com/2009/12/my-so-called-life-sundays.html">HERE</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a1f06; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> to find out. Go <a href="http://burns-familyblog.blogspot.com/search/label/My%20So%20Called%20Life">HERE</a> to see past ones!)</span></span></div>
<script src="http://connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"></script><fb:like font="" href="www.BringingUpBurns.com" show_faces="true" width="450"></fb:like>Erin Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378773945772061443noreply@blogger.com0