You know, mornings are not my thing. I'd rather be up late. I'm a night owl. Now of course, that means since I'm not an early bird, I really don't go anywhere in the morning. Trust me, it's better for everyone! And when I say, "better for everyone," it works out to your advantage!
I thought it was time to give away a couple of breakfast cards again. I was surprised how popular it was last time! Clearly I'm in good company with everyone who wanted to eat at CFA. I try to share my love of all things Chick-fil-A as often as I can, and I always love when I see that I get people to try things for the first time! My love of Frosted Lemonades has made fans out of friends & family. It's just the best when they share it on social media say, "Look what I tried for the first time, Mimi! It's delicious!"
Even for Christmas, my mom gave me a gift card, which I promptly used to by my son a meal and a calendar! She also told me she had a chicken sandwich there for the first time!
When Fred and I went to see the new Star Wars movie about a week ago, we saw a preview for the new CARS 3 movie. We were both surprised at how pulled in we were by the trailer. We agreed that as soon as it comes out, we'll be seeing it!
Check out some of the new cast and of course the returning Lightening McQueen!
Lightning McQueen is world champion—a modern-day racing legend who’s riding high with five Piston-Cup wins under his hood. Suddenly, he finds himself faced with a new generation of racers who threaten not only his dominance in the sport—but the confidence that got him there. Determined to get back to the pole position, the #95 must decide if his love for racing is enough to fuel the comeback of his life.
Owen Wilson (“The Royal Tenenbaums,” upcoming “Wonder”) returns to the racetrack as the voice of the champion. Wilson stars in the upcoming Woody Harrelson-directed live film “Lost in London.”
Cruz Ramirez is a sunny-but-fierce unconventional trainer at the Rust-eze Racing Center. She expertly arms the team's talented rookies with cutting-edge tools to tear up the track—but she nearly stalls when her longtime idol Lightning McQueen shows up. While she’d love to help him find his way back to the top, she knows the competition is faster than ever, and victory is all about speed—or is it?
Cristela Alonzo (“The Angry Birds Movie”)was called on to help bring the character to life. Alonzo’s debut stand-up special for Netflix, “Lower Classy,” which debuts on Jan. 24, 2017, showcases the comedian’s life as a the daughter of an immigrant, touching on important issues like social class, breaking the glass ceiling and how she can’t get the hang of Zumba.
Jackson Storm is fast, sleek and ready to race. A frontrunner in the next generation of racers, Storm’s quiet confidence and cocky demeanor are off-putting—but his unmatched speed threatens to redefine the sport. Trained on high-tech simulators that are programmed to perfect technique and maximize velocity, Jackson Storm is literally built to be unbeatable—and he knows it.
Armie Hammer (“Birth of a Nation”) was tapped as the voice of Jackson Storm. Hammer recently appeared in Tom Ford’s “Nocturnal Animals.” He will next be seen starring in “Free Fire,” directed by Ben Wheatley; “Final Portrait,” directed by Stanley Tucci; and “Call Me by Your Name,” directed by Luca Guadagnino.
Check out this extended trailer in case you haven't seen it yet!
Not sure if you're anything like me I get around to things when I get around to them. Even if it's something I really want to do or I'm interested in. Hence these dryer balls finally being made! I've wanted to make them for ages, but for one reason or another never got around to making them.
There are things that I would like to do to make life "healthier" this year. Starting the new year off I figured on a snowy day would be the perfect day to get started with them. Thankfully the other day when we were out shopping I picked up a couple of skeins of wool.
Let's get started shall we? I used a worsted wool that's a cream color. I also got a heather gray skein. I might do that one tomorrow.
The first step was to wrap the yarn around my slightly V shaped fingers about 12 times.
After that you remove it from your fingers and wrap it around the middle about 12 times.
From there, you start wrapping around and around and around.
When I had the ball halfway rolled, about half the size of a tennis ball, I put a few drops of lavender essential oil on it.
I continued rolling until it was the "right" size, and then threaded the end through the ball several times.
After getting all 3 balls rolled, I used a pair of crazy, old socks that are like stockings to knot the dryer balls up in. I haven't had nylons since the early 90s and knew these socks would do in a pinch.
I washed them in a hot water cycle several times to get them felted. They turned out perfect! I'm looking forward to making another set. They're extremely relaxing to make.
Let me know if you've done this before! Have you used roving wool? That looks like it would be fun to use! I may try that at some point after I've tried my hand at these enough times! And what tricks have you used to keep the static down?
What ways are you making "healthier" changes in your home?
I don't know about you, but around this house, we're excited for the movies coming out this year! The line up from disney is spectacular! Check out what 2017 has to offer:
March 17, 2017 –BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Walt Disney Studios)
#BeautyAndTheBeast
#BeOurGuest
The story and characters audiences know and love come to spectacular life in the live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic “Beauty and the Beast,” a stunning, cinematic event celebrating one of the most beloved tales ever told. “Beauty and the Beast” is the fantastic journey of Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman who is taken prisoner by a Beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast’s hideous exterior and realize the kind heart of the true Prince within. The film stars: Emma Watson as Belle; Dan Stevens as the Beast; Luke Evans as Gaston, the handsome, but shallow villager who woos Belle; Kevin Kline as Maurice, Belle’s father; Josh Gad as LeFou, Gaston’s long-suffering aide-de-camp; Ewan McGregor as Lumière, the candelabra; Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza, the harpsichord; Audra McDonald as Madame de Garderobe, the wardrobe; Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette, the feather duster; Hattie Morahan as the enchantress; and Nathan Mack as Chip, the teacup; with Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, the mantel clock; and Emma Thompson as the teapot, Mrs. Potts.
Directed by Bill Condon based on the 1991 animated film, “Beauty and the Beast,” the screenplay is written by Stephen Chbosky and Evan Spiliotopoulos and produced by Mandeville Films’ David Hoberman, p.g.a. and Todd Lieberman, p.g.a. with Jeffrey Silver, Thomas Schumacher and Don Hahn serving as executive producers. Alan Menken, who won two Academy Awards® (Best Original Score and Best Song) for the animated film, provides the score, which includes new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and Howard Ashman, as well as three new songs written by Menken and Tim Rice. “Beauty and the Beast” will be released in U.S. theaters on March 17, 2017.
April 21, 2017 – BORN IN CHINA (Disneynature)
#BornInChina
Narrated by John Krasinski (“13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi,” NBC’s “The Office,” “Amazon’s “Jack Ryan”), Disneynature's new True Life Adventure film “Born In China” takes an epic journey into the wilds of China where few people have ever ventured. Following the stories of three animal families, the film transports audiences to some of the most extreme environments on Earth to witness some of the most intimate moments ever captured in a nature film. A doting panda bear mother guides her growing baby as she begins to explore and seek independence. A two-year-old golden monkey who feels displaced by his new baby sister joins up with a group of free-spirited outcasts. And a mother snow leopard—an elusive animal rarely caught on camera—faces the very real drama of raising her two cubs in one of the harshest and most unforgiving environments on the planet. Featuring stunning, never-before-seen imagery, the film navigates China’s vast terrain—from the frigid mountains to the heart of the bamboo forest—on the wings of red-crowned cranes, seamlessly tying the extraordinary tales together. Opening in U.S. theaters on Earth Day 2017, “Born in China” is directed by accomplished Chinese filmmaker Lu Chuan, and produced by Disney’s Roy Conli and renowned nature filmmakers Brian Leith and Phil Chapman.
May 5, 2017 – GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 (Marvel Studios)
#GotGVol2
Set to the all-new sonic backdrop of Awesome Mixtape #2, Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” continues the team’s adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill’s true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes’ aid as the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand.
Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” is directed by James Gunn and stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, featuring Vin Diesel as Groot, Bradley Cooper as Rocket, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Elizabeth Debicki, Chris Sullivan, Sean Gunn, Tommy Flanagan, Laura Haddock and Kurt Russell. Kevin Feige is producing, and Louis D’Esposito, Jonathan Schwartz, Victoria Alonso, Nik Korda and Stan Lee are the executive producers. The screenplay is by James Gunn. Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” blasts into theaters on May 5, 2017.
May 26, 2017 – PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES (Walt Disney Studios)
#PiratesOfTheCaribbean
#APiratesDeathForMe
Johnny Depp returns to the big screen as the iconic, swashbuckling anti-hero Jack Sparrow in the all-new “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.” The rip-roaring adventure finds down-on-his-luck Captain Jack feeling the winds of ill-fortune blowing strongly his way when deadly ghost sailors, led by the terrifying Captain Salazar (Javier Bardem), escape from the Devil's Triangle bent on killing every pirate at sea—notably Jack. Jack's only hope of survival lies in the legendary Trident of Poseidon, but to find it he must forge an uneasy alliance with Carina Smyth (Kaya Scodelario), a brilliant and beautiful astronomer, and Henry (Brenton Thwaites), a headstrong young sailor in the Royal Navy. At the helm of the Dying Gull, his pitifully small and shabby ship, Captain Jack seeks not only to reverse his recent spate of ill fortune, but to save his very life from the most formidable and malicious foe he has ever faced.
“Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” also stars Kevin R. McNally as Joshamee Gibbs, Golshifteh Farahani as the sea-witch Shansa, David Wenham as Scarfield, Stephen Graham as Scrum, and Geoffrey Rush as Captain Hector Barbossa.
Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg are directing “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” with Jerry Bruckheimer producing. The executive producers are Mike Stenson, Chad Oman, Joe Caracciolo, Jr., Terry Rossio and Brigham Taylor. Jeff Nathanson wrote the screenplay. “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” drops anchor in U.S. theaters on May 26, 2017.
June 16, 2017 – CARS 3 (Disney / Pixar)
#Cars3
Blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers, the legendary Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) is suddenly pushed out of the sport he loves. To get back in the game, he will need the help of an eager young race technician, Cruz Ramirez (voice of Cristela Alonzo), with her own plan to win, plus inspiration from the late Fabulous Hudson Hornet and a few unexpected turns. Proving that #95 isn’t through yet will test the heart of a champion on Piston Cup Racing’s biggest stage!
Directed by Brian Fee (storyboard artist “Cars,” “Cars 2“) and produced by Kevin Reher (“A Bug’s Life,” “La Luna” short), “Cars 3” cruises into theaters on June 16, 2017.
November 3, 2017 – THOR: RAGNAROK (Marvel Studios)
#ThorRagnarok
In Marvel Studios’ “Thor: Ragnarok,” Thor is imprisoned on the other side of the universe without his mighty hammer and finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok—the destruction of his homeworld and the end of Asgardian civilization—at the hands of an all-powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela. But first he must survive a deadly gladiatorial contest that pits him against his
former ally and fellow Avenger—the Incredible Hulk!
“Thor: Ragnarok” is directed by Taika Waititi and returns Chris Hemsworth starring as Thor and Tom Hiddleston reprising his role as Loki. They are joined by Cate Blanchett, Idris Elba, Jeff Goldblum, Tessa Thompson and Karl Urban, with Mark Ruffalo and Anthony Hopkins.
Kevin Feige is producing with Louis D’Esposito, Brad Winderbaum, Victoria Alonso, Thomas M. Hammel and Stan Lee serving as executive producers. The story is byCraig Kyle & Christopher Yost and Stephany Folsom, and the screenplay is by Eric Pearson. “Thor: Ragnarok” thunders into U.S. theaters on November 3, 2017.
Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel (voice of newcomer Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (voice of Benjamin Bratt). Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector (voice of Gael GarcÃa Bernal), and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel's family history. Directed by Lee Unkrich (“Toy Story 3”), co-directed by Adrian Molina (story artist “Monsters University”) and produced by Darla K. Anderson (“Toy Story 3”), Disney•Pixar’s “Coco” opens in U.S. theaters on Nov. 22, 2017.
December 15, 2017 - STAR WARS: EPISODE VIII (Lucasfilm)
One of my favorite author's is Julie Klassen! She wrights regency novels with the best of them. To find out she's written the first book in her first series made me ecstatic! I was also thrilled to find out I was going to be able to review it for Bethany House Publishers!
I'm sure I've mentioned it before, but Julie Klassen is an author who, I don't care if she were to write about jelly beans, I'd pick up her book sight unseen! Yes, I love her as an author that much.
Book Summary:
Welcome to the English village of Ivy Hill, where friendships thrive, romance blossoms, and mysteries await. . . . The lifeblood of the village of Ivy Hill is its coaching inn, The Bell. When the innkeeper dies suddenly, his genteel wife, Jane Bell, becomes the reluctant landlady. Jane has no idea how to manage a business, but with the town's livelihood at stake and a large loan due, she must quickly find a way to save the inn.
Despite their strained relationship, Jane turns to her resentful mother-in-law, Thora, for help. Formerly mistress of The Bell, Thora is struggling to overcome her losses and find purpose for the future. As she works with Jane, two men from her past vie for her attention, but Thora has promised herself never to marry again. Will one of them convince her to embrace a second chance at love?
As pressure mounts from the bank, Jane employs new methods, and puzzles over the intentions of several men who seem to have a vested interest in the place, including a mysterious newcomer with secret plans of his own. With the help of friends old and new, can Jane restore life to the inn, and to her empty heart as well?
My Review:
We're introduced to Jane and her MIL, Thora, right away in the story. We also get to know quite a few other characters as well such as Mercy, Rachel, Gabriel Locke, Sir Timothy, and Mr. Drake. The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill lends the reader the opportunity to get to know the cast of characters. I like this in that, I feel like I get to know the town instead of just focusing on a few people. In a way the town comes alive before our eyes.
Thora is the matriarch who is critical of everyone. Jane, the new owner of the inn, isn't sure if she's up for the task of running the in, and with a loan due, she has to decide if she wants to keep it running or bail out. Her mother-in-law as well as her recently returned brother-in-law don't give her much confidence in her ability to run The Bell or that it's able to even be saved.
One of the aspects of this book that I enjoyed is that the reader is brought into a maze of relationships. There are friendships that have been around since Jane was a child and some are new. No clear cut romantic relationships are spelled out throughout the story, which kind of made me crazy, but in a good way. It kept me reading and trying to figure out who I'd want Jane, Thora, or even Rachel to end up with. I'm hoping Rachel plays a bigger part in the next book and we learn more about the history between her and Jane!
I also like the men in the story as well. They each brought a different personality to the storylines, all except Sir Timothy who we didn't get to know as much as the other men. Patrick I couldn't peg very well. I think I was biased based on the history he'd had with the other characters. Hopefully we'll see some redeeming qualities in the next book.
The story itself pulls the reader along as we get to know the town and the characters. As with any town, there are a lot of intricacies with people who have grown up together, and been in different social statuses. I didn't read this novel like I typically do with Julie's stories. This one took a bit longer. I think because she had to define so many characters in the story it was a longer novel. There was some mystery involving Jane's husband's passing that keeps the reader wondering about his death.
As I got towards the end of the book, with say 3-4 chapters left I told myself to slow down my reading because I was going to have to wait months before the next book comes out. Unfortunately, I finished it quicker than I wanted, but was happy with the ending knowing more was to come!
What book really excited you for the next one to come out?
