MMRR in April

MMRR is my monthly wrap-up post inspired by a similar series of Lisa's. It's a fun way for me to look over the past months as well as look back to how it compared to past years.

Meals
I actually made an awesome baked ziti this past month that I've been meaning to blog about. But other than that I'm still slightly obsessed with this New Orleans Ice Cream Co. Praline Crunch.
They actually sell a ton of other flavors at our local grocery store, that I'm hoping to be able to try next.

Moments
I opened up my blog for sponsors this month, and gave away my first ad space as part Dara's 300 follower giveaway. Speaking of giveaways I also hosted one for a print from 80 Frames Around the World, which was won by Lexie of Tea and Crumpets. I can't wait to see how she likes her pint!

Reviews
I reviewed 7 books and 4 movies this month.
Requiem by Lauren Oliver
Bloom by Kelle Hamtpon
The Fifth Knight by E.M. Powell
Bringing up Bébé by Pamela Duckerman
Taking Chances by Molly McAdam
From Ashes by Molly McAdams
Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare
G.I. Joe Retaliation
The Host
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Oblivion
I actually reviewed a bunch of amazing books and movies this month. There's several that I'd love to read or watch again. But even so, without a doubt, my favorite this month was Clockwork Princess.

Remembering
In April 2009, I flew to California for less than 24 hours to spend Passover with my family.
Yes, it seems a little ridiculous to fly for such a short trip, but looking back I'm so glad I did it. It wound up being the last time I was able to spend Passover at home with my mom. And not only was she still with us at that point, but my grandfather was as well.

What are your meals, moments, reviews, and remember from this past April?

Meet the Meat

Growing up we had a Brazilian steakhouse near us. The type where there's all you can eat with a salad bar and where the waiters bring various meats to your table to try. I only remember going there a few times, but it definitely left an impression.

Which is why I was so excited when Texas de Brazil, a Brazilian steakhouse opened in Baton Rouge a few years ago. And while I've been wanting to go, it definitely isn't the type of place you go to on a whim. You definitely have to prepare yourself for it (for both the amount of food you'll be eating and the price). Recently though, we finally had the chance to go for my brother-in-law's birthday.

My plate filled mainly with the salad bar, and a the first few meat optionsThe restaurant I remember going to had only a so-so salad bar. The meat options were really where it was at. Except Texas de Brazil had a pretty awesome salad bar. Even the boy who isn't a salad bar person filled up his plate with some of their cheeses and cold meat options. (They actually even had a few sushi rolls to try.)

But while the salad bar was good the star of the meal was still meat. Not too much of a surprise considering my normal choices, but my favorites where the beef ribs and the lamb chops.

Now what do you do after you've eaten so much food you can barely move? Top it off with dessert of course!
I went with my normal stand-by of creme brulee. And while it wasn't necessarily the best I've ever had, it was a pretty well down version. (Not that you can really have bad creme brulee, but I have had some that weren't quite up to my high standards. Ha!)

Texas de Brazil definitely lived up to my expectations, and I'd love to go back. I just need to make sure I'm ready for it when I do.

Have you ever been to a Brazilian steakhouse? If so, do you think you managed to eat your money's worth?

Mailbox Monday (29)

Somehow I've managed to link up with Mailbox Monday for the past 4 weeks straight. And I have a feeling that I'll be linking up next week as well, since Tuesday is when the book my college roommate/ bridesmaid wrote comes out! Although next week we'll be with a different host, but today for the last week of April, we're linking up our new reads with MariReads.
Gifted
The Jewish Holiday Kitchen by Joan Nathan
This is actually part of a wedding present from my MOH's mom, who I consider my second mom. This was one of hers as well as my mom's favorite cookbooks. (It's actually where my mom's brisket recipe is from.) My brother actually has my mom's copy, but now I have own. And I'm pretty sure this version is updated from the one my mom had, which means even more recipes to try out!

For Review from Publisher
The Apple Orchard by Susan Wiggs
I've actually been seeing this on quite a few blogs lately. It's a romance that takes place in an apple orchard in California's wine country. And just in case you've been wanting to visit wine country, the author is actually giving away a trip for 2 to Sonoma to one person who preorders her book before May 1st. You can find out all the details at the author's website.

What did you find in your mailbox this week? And do you own any of your mom's favorite cookbooks?

Project 365: Days 110 Through 116

Another Saturday, another week keeping up with my Project 365. Without anymore chatter, here's my photos from the last week.
April 20, 2013 - 110/365: Tickets to see Oblivion.
April 21, 2013 - 111/365: Praline Crunch ice cream from New Orleans Ice Cream Co.. So delicious! Just looking at the photo makes me want to scoop up a new bowl.
April 22, 2013 - 112/365: Aloe vera plants in the backyard.
April 23, 2013 - 113/365: Having a Greek salad from Zoe's while reading up on Kate's baby news.
April 24, 2013 - 114/365: Village Pizza on a sun-dried tomato bagel from New York Bagel.
April 25, 2013 - 115/365: Taking a Java Mama style photo of my Passion Sweet Tea Lemonade at Starbucks.
April 26, 2013 - 116/365: Sweet Italian sausage tortellini for dinner.

I'm linking this post up with Random-osity & Kleinworth & Co. for Project 52!

The End of the Devices

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare
I feel like every time I read one of Clare's books, I say this one is now my favorite. Except this time, seriously, this is my favorite and I don't think any book of hers can top this. (Although it does at least leave some clues and get me excited for both the last Mortal Instrument book and her new series The Dark Artifices.)

As I wrote in my last review of this series, it really is an amazing love trilogy. I will actually go as far as saying this is the best love triangle I can ever remember reading. You care about every character so much, and could legitimately argue for Tessa to end up with either one.

This will sound a little cliche, but there's no better way to describe the ending except that's it's beautiful. I don't ever remember crying reading one of Clare's books, but this one brought me to tears several times. (Even when I read while waiting at the DMV!)

I am still mildly upset about the spoilers in the family tree on the cover (although now that I've finished the book, love that it's there!). But on top of that after a big revelation, I google-d a character to see how they fit into the Mortal Instruments books, and basically ruined the epilogue. But even with the spoilers, I still loved the book, I just wish I had been a bit more surprised. (Although even with the spoilers I still was!)

I am a little, or maybe a lot, disappointed to see this series end. Although once she has all of the books published, I'd love to go back and read them all over. After all, I read the first in June 2010, almost 3 years ago, and know there's details I've forgotten. But first I guess I'll have to wait for Clare to finish writing all the shadowhunter books (and I guess see the movie while I'm waiting!).

5/5

Today I'm linking up with Blonde Undercover Blonde for Book Club Friday!

From Miss to Mrs: The Exchanges

After the boy and I shared a glass of wine, we continued the ceremony with our vows. Traditionally in Judaism, the vows are not the most important part of the ceremony (this instead is the ring exchange). Partly due this this reason, there isn't necessarily a required set of vows as you'd expect in for example, a Catholic ceremony.

Knowing we could choose our own vows, the boy was actually the one who made the decision. Our rabbi had given us a standard reform Judism wedding ceremony, which included 3 choices for the ring exchange. The one the boy told me he liked best is from the book of Hosea, and the same passage was actually used as an option for vows in Celebrating Interfaith Weddings. (As in my past ceremony post the majority of our ceremony is from that book or The New Jewish Wedding.) So while we didn't write our own vows, we did decide on them together.
Rabbi: Now that you're facing one another we're going to exchange your vows. Repeat after me.
The Boy: I, __ __ __, betroth you to me forever. I betroth you to me in righteousness, and in justice, and in loving kindness, and in compassion; and I betroth you to me in faithfulness.
Shoshanah: I, Shoshanah Ariel __, betroth you to me forever. I betroth you to me in righteousness, and in justice, and in loving kindness, and in compassion; and I betroth you to me in faithfulness.

Rabbi: Do you have the rings?
The boy had my ring in his pocket, but playfully patted a a few of them before "finding it". And since my dress had pockets, I carried his ring as well. I did keep it in the box so I wouldn't lose it, and had a bit of the trouble getting the box out of my dress. But both of us did manage to produce our rings.

Rabbi: These rings in their unbroken wholeness are tokens of your union and your love. They are symbols of the enduring trust and affection that you bring to one another. May they ever remind you that your lives are to be bound together by devotion and faithfulness. __, as you place your ring on Shoshanah's finger, repeat after me.
The Boy: By this ring you are consecrated to me as my wife according to our beliefs and in honor of ancient customs. I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine.
Shoshanah: By this ring you are consecrated to me as my husband according to our beliefs and in honor of ancient customs. I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine. Haray ata m'kudash li b'taba'at zu k'dat Moshe.
I found the idea of only the Jewish spouse saying the ring exchange in Hebrew in Celebrating Interfaith Weddings, and absolutely fell in love with it. It worked perfectly for us since the boy didn't want to say any Hebrew, and I didn't think I'd feel right without it. And while only one person speaking Hebrew a somewhat obvious choice, I never would have even thought of it as an option if I hadn't read it first.

Did you, or would you like to, write your own vows at your wedding? Or would you consider saying something different than the one you're marrying?

All photos in this post courtesy of Sabree Hill Photography.
Miss a Recap Post?
From Miss to Mrs: The Calm Before the Storm
From Miss to Mrs: There's a Hurricane Coming?
From Miss to Mrs: Here Comes Isaac
From Miss to Mrs: Weathering the Cane
From Miss to Mrs: After the Storm
From Miss to Mrs: Trials and Tribulations
From Miss to Mrs: The Last Errands
From Miss to Mrs: A Night on the Town
From Miss to Mrs: The Hangover
From Miss to Mrs: Rehearsing in the Heat
From Miss to Mrs: The Last Single Supper
From Miss to Mrs: Gifting the Girls
From Miss to Mrs: The Last Single Night
From Miss to Mrs: Oh What a Beautiful Morning
From Miss to Mrs: Getting Prettified
From Miss to Mrs: Prepping the Plantation
From Miss to Mrs: Turtle Time
From Miss to Mrs: The Photographer Has Arrived
From Miss to Mrs: Becoming the Bride
From Miss to Mrs: Dress Details
From Miss to Mrs: Ou Est le Groom?
From Miss to Mrs: A Bridge-y First Look
From Miss to Mrs: Couple Time
From Miss to Mrs: Just the Two of Us
From Miss to Mrs: Grouping the Girls
From Miss to Mrs: Ain't No Party Like a Bridal Party
From Miss to Mrs: Fun with Family
From Miss to Mrs: Making it Official
From Miss to Mrs: The Bedeken
From Miss to Mrs: The Final Minutes
From Miss to Mrs: Programming Break
From Miss to Mrs: The Processional
From Miss to Mrs: Walking the Walk
From Miss to Mrs: Circle to Ceremony
From Miss to Mrs: Remembrance to Kiddush

Let's Get Cracking

One of the reasons I added "Visit 10 new Baton Rouge Restaurants," to my 101 list is to force myself to finally visit the restaurants I've been wanting to try. Another Broken Egg Cafe is one of those places. Melissa always seems to be visiting, and every time I read one of her posts I always wish I was there with her. But finally, a few weeks ago I finally dragged the boy there for brunch.

My latte to start the mealWe did have to wait a while to get a table, but I'm pretty sure that's expected when you visit. Since we were awfully hungry by the time we sat down, the boy decided we needed an appetizer and placed an order for their Biscuit Beignets.
These were really good, and definitely hit the spot. Although I'd still prefer beignets from Cafe du Monde over these.

For my main meal, I had to make one of the hardest decisions ever, sweet or savory. If I had known the boy was planning on order the beignets, I would have gone savory (either with with a Smoked Salmon Benny or the the omelette with feta, otherwise know as Chez B's, but I guess I'll have to try them next time). Instead though I went with a Sweet Potato Pancake topped with whipped creak, spiced pecans, and cinnamon infused syrup. I did add a savory touch though with a side of their house made Breakfast Chorizo.
Both of these were really tasty, although I think the star of the whole meal was the chorizo. A little surprising especially considering, it doesn't look very pretty.

The meal was a little price-y, especially consider brunch isn't something we normally splurge on. Even so, I'd love to go back, and next time definitely want to go the savory route.

Do you have a favorite place you like to go for brunch? And are you more likely to choose sweet or savory?

The Song of the Phoenix

From Ashes by Molyy McAdams
I wasn't a huge fan of McAdams' Taking Chances, so was a little skeptical going into this. From the first few pages it seems like I had the right to be, since the same insta-love, where two characters are head over heels before they even speak, was there again. Except the more I got into the story, the more I found myself enjoying myself.

One of my frustrations with Taking Chances, was that every character seemed to make such stupid decisions. Thankfully this wasn't the case with this one. No the characters weren't perfect, but I could at least understand why they were making their choices, and in a lot of situations think I would have made similar ones.

My favorite aspect of the story was that it was a girl from Southern California falling for a guy from the South. Her being surprised when people said ma'am. Her being called a Yankee, even though no one from California thinks of themselves as Northern. Her not understanding just how big college football is. All things that reminded me of my own journeu from L.A. to LA. And since her love interest grew up on a cattle ranch, it feels like there's a bit of Pioneer Woman mixed into it all as well.

I can't necessarily say I fell in love with this book. But I can say by the end, I definitely had a lot of fun with it. And while I wouldn't have expected to say this, think I'd actually enjoy reading more of McAdams' books.

4/5

Disclosure: I was provided this book through TLC Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.

Take a Chance on Me

Taking Chances by Molly McAdams
I'm still trying to process my feelings about this book. It's titled Taking Chances, but I think a more appropriate description would be Making Stupid Decisions. I'm actually a little in disbelief that there's a person out there who would make such bad decision after bad decision. But even more, there was no one in her life that ever stopped or question one of Harper's decisions. Every enabled her, and the entire time I just wanted to shake some sense in her.

I've her people complain about insta-love before, but I've never read a book where it really bothered me. Except here it was so over the top, and with multiple guys, that I noticed it. But more than that, there was the insta-best friend, and the insta-new parents. All these relationships didn't feel believable.

The only thing I can compare this to is a soap opera, but some people love soap operas. And I've even been know to enjoy a few. Still it felt like drama just to create drama. But I will say, I don't remember the last time I got so worked up by a book that I was literary yelling out loud at it.

This is the first new adult book I've read, and the biggest difference I noticed between YA is that since they're adults they don't have anyone to answer to. Instead they can go party, hook up, and do whatever else they want because they're grown now, and no one can tell them what to do.

I wasn't sure what to expect with this, but in no way could I ever have seen this roller coaster coming. Part of me wants to hate it, and yet I can't quite hate a book that gets me so worked up.

3.5/5

Be sure to come back later today for my review of Molly McAdams second novel, From Ashes!

Disclosure: I was provided this book through TLC Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.

Monday Movie Review

Oblivion
I wasn't really sure what to think of the movie going in. I'm not the biggest Tom Cruise fan, but who is these days, so for me, he wasn't a reason to see this. But there's just something about the previews that really intrigued.

I actually wound up really enjoying this one. In a lot of way it was a really unique idea. And even a few days later I'm thinking about it. The was a bit of a twist in it, and I'm still trying to work out just how everything would continue in this world. And while the movie doesn't end open-ended, it definitely makes you wonder.

I won't go as far as saying, this is a movie you absolutely have to see now. But if you are looking for a movie to see now, this is probably what I'd recommend out of everything currently in theaters.

Mailbox Monday (28)

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for bloggers to share the books they've picked up over the week. Although of course, it completely addictive, and you wind up with far more books than you could ever hope to read, but it's part of the reason why it's so fun, right? The link-up travels each month, and for the month of April, our host is MariReads.
Purchased
Seating Arrangements by Maggie Shipstead
This is our book club book for the month. I believe it's a humorous story about wedding planning? I really don't know much about it, but hopefully it's one I enjoy.

For Review from TLC Book Tours
I Never Promised You a Goodie Bag by Jennifer Gilbert
This is a memoir written by the almost Real Housewife of NYC. I've heard good things about it, and am really excited to have the chance to read it. (My review will be up the second week of May.)

From Ashes by Molly McAdams
Taking Chances by Molly McAdams
I'm about halfway through Taking Chances and so far it's been a really crazy book. I'm not quite sure how to describe it, and think I'm going to need a while to collect my thoughts on it. But my review for both will be up on Tuesday, so I guess that means I need to get reading!

What did you find in your mailbox this week? And have you heard the story on how Jennifer Gilbert, was cut from RHONYC?

Sunday Social (13)

It's been a while since I've linked up with A Complete Waste of Makeup, but I'm happy to be back!
1. What is your shopping weakness?
I'm not really a huge shopper. If we're talking about clothing, it's probably Victoria's Secret underwear. But in reality, I probably spend the most amount on books, to the point it's gotten a little ridiculous. Just check out my Mailbox Monday posts as evidence.

2. What is your food weakness?
I have a few, but at the top of the list is creme brulee. The photo below was actually taken in Paris, the summer after my Junior year of college, where I made sure that the restaurant served creme brulee before we even sat down.
3. What is your go to movie to watch when nothing is on?
Again hard to choose here, but probably Seven Brides for Seven Brothers or A Little Princess.

4. What is your go to breakfast food?
If I'm in a sweet mood probably french toast. But for a more savory route, maybe lox and eggs. Although in general, I tend not to eat breakfast very often.

5. Do you drink coffee? If so how do you take it?
Definitely, yes! I actually picked up the habit on the previously mentioned trip to Paris. And really, unless I'm having a fancy drink at Starbucks, I just add a bunch of sugar.
If you're stopping by from Sunday Social, be sure to say hi in the comments. And if you haven't linked up, how would you answer these questions?

Project 365: Days 102 Through 109

Almost 1/3 of the way through the year, I'm still on track with my project 365! I am a little impressed that I've made it this far, and hope I keep the momentum for the rest of the year. For now though, here's the pictures of the past week.
April 12, 2013 - 102/365: The boy decided to make pad thai for dinner that turned out pretty delicious. This bowl is actually the leftovers, a night after the boy cooked.
April 13, 2013 - 103/365: I stumbled onto this Skybar at the grocery store and absolutely had to try it. Each square is filled with a different fillings (chocolate, vanilla, caramel, and peanut butter), and each one was delicious. Although I think my favorite was probably the vanilla.
April 14, 2013 - 104/365: They just opened a Rotolo's near our house which I'm so excited about, since not only does it mean a new quick, somewhat cheap, dinner choice, but it's Italian. I got their lasagna, which I'm a bit obsessed with in general, but I wasn't a huge fan of their version. I have had they calzones before, and think next time that's the direction I'll go.
April 15. 2013 - 105/365: Once again, another lunch from the Whole Foods salad bar.
April 16, 2013 - 106/365: Reading the last Infernal Devices book over lunch. (My review will be up on Friday!)
April 17, 2013 - 107/365: No idea the name of this plant, but it's a bush in our backyard.
April 18, 2013 - 108/365: S'more Luna Bar for breakfast.
April 19, 2013 - 109/365: Roses in the backyard.

Anyone have any idea the name of the mystery plant? Or in general, are you able to identify a good amount of plants?

I'm linking this post up with Random-osity & Kleinworth & Co. for Project 52!

One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting

Bringing up Bébé by Pamela Duckerman
I remember being intrigued by the book when it first came out. Yes, I might be a little baby obsessed, but I'm also a little France obsessed, so it seemed like a good fit. So even though I'm not pregnant and don't expect to by for a while, I somewhat guiltily picked up this French parenting book.

The book itself has somewhat of an unexpected format. Instead of reading as a parenting book, it reads more like a parenting book meets memoir meets cultural study. (And in fact reminded me of a lot of my favorite parts of Petite Anglais, an actually memoir about an Englishwoman raising a baby in Paris.) I'm not a mother, but in general, I do see a lot of her critiques of American parenting, and unfortunately could see myself doing them. But even so, I still think most her French tips seemed made a lot of common sense.

One section I found really interesting, was the section on creches, a French government run daycare system, and more specifically the lunches they serve. They're serving babies and toddlers a four course meal everyday! They start with a vegetable, then a protein as their main course. My favorite part was the next, a cheese course, and finally a dessert mainly made of fruit. I love that they are starting babies on exciting cheeses, to get them to truly appreciate them. At one point the author brings her toddler daughter back to America where her mother is excited to feed her granddaughter macaroni and cheese. Except her daughter refuses to eat it, saying, "That's not cheese!" I loved this, because that was me as a kid, and even now, since I've never liked macaroni and cheese. Instead I was the 6-year-old who suggested we serve a pear and blue cheese salad at our end of the year girl scout celebration.

I thought this book was really enjoyable. And while there's a few practices I would love to use with my someday kids-to-be, I didn't just enjoy this as a parenting book. I think even if you're not thinking about kids anytime soon, but instead are curious about the culture in which the French raise their children, you'd appreciate this.

4.5/5

Today I'm linking up with Blonde Undercover Blonde for Book Club Friday!

The Year of Jackie Robinson

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I'm not quite sure this movie was what I expected. Yey I'm not sure I can put my finger on why. Overall I did enjoy the movie, although it was at times a bit slow, but there was just something that didn't quite fit for me.

There was a ton of big name actors in this, although somewhat surprising not Jackie Robinson himself. You've probably noticed a few from the previews, but a short list of the big names includes Harrison Ford, Christopher Meloni, T.R. Knight, James Pickens Jr., John C. McGinley, and I'm sure I'm missing a few.

The boy complained that it hasn't very historically accurate, but I think that's something you have to expect in a movie like this. I'm just surprised his complaint was there wasn't enough baseball, but maybe he figured going into it there wouldn't be a ton of actual baseball scenes.

I did like the movie, and overall would recommend it. But I also think this is one most people could easily wait and see it once its released on dvd.

Saturday at the Box

Two weekends ago the boy and I went to Alex Box Stadium to watch our first LSU baseball game of the season.
I've written about our trips to see LSU basebal each of the last four years, so I'll try to avoid exact same post as years past. Although we did take our standard picture together, and as normal the boy managed to hide.
They did finally open the Hall of Fame in the stadium, so for the first time got to go inside and view a ton of LSU baseball memorabilia. And speaking of new, they also had a new food vendor.
I had a crawfish pie with a side of jambalaya. Both were good, although the jambalaya wasn't as good as it used to be, and next time I'd rather try the meat or mushroom pie. But still an awesome baseball meal!
The Tigers won the game over Kentucky, 9-1, and not only that, with their win improved their record 29-2 gaving them the best record of any LSU baseball team in the school's history. Since then they did loose a game to break their 15 game winning streak, but they are still 34-3 and hopefully that continues and brings LSU their 7th world series title win!

Have you been to a baseball game yet this year? And any opinions as to whether you can buy a crawfish pie at any baseball stadium in the world beside Alex Box?

Introducing...

A few weeks ago, I participated in Dara's 300 follower giveaway, and one item I included (on top of a Starbucks gift card) was blog ad space. Which leads me to introduce Alex of Munchkins and the Military, my first blog sponsor!

Hey everyone! I'm Alejandra, or Alex for short. I am a stay at home mom of two toddler girls and military wife. I'm originally from Miami, but after meeting my husband in college, the Army has brought us to Savannah, Georgia. We're getting ready to make another to Missouri soon. On my blog I talk about life with my kids, and how we handle everything that the military tosses our way.

In addition, here are a few of my favorites from Alex's posts in the last month.
Flower Girl Practice

How she created fake flowers for her daughter to use as practice for being a flower girl in an upcoming wedding.

An Excerpt:
"I've probably mentioned the fact that we're going to a wedding this weekend a thousand times. I don't know if I've mentioned that V is going to be a flower girl though. I've taken it upon myself to do some practice rounds in our living room so that V doesn't run through the church aimlessly come Saturday..."

It's Taco Tuesday

Her recipe for Taco Pie.

Farwell
Her last post before moving From GA to MO.

An Excerpt:
"I have to admit, although I'm excited to start our next adventure in Missouri, it was sad to see the truck pull away with all of our belongings yesterday. Even though most of our friends have left the area, and one of our best friends is even going to Missouri with us, I'm going to miss living in Georgia..."

If you'd also like to join Alex on the left side bar with your own sponsor ad, you can! (This information will always be available on my Reviews Policy & Sponsors page under my About Me on the right.)

Don't forget you still have a few hours to enter my giveaway for an 8x10 travel print from Melissa etsy shop, Around the World in 80 Frames. Coincidentally, both Melissa and Alex are Military Wives, so it's a little fitting that they both made it into this same post!