Chilly weather = HOT breakfast
Breakfast
Good news for those of you who are sick of my cinnamon raisin and muenster cheese bagelwiches… I am now out of both muenster cheese and cinnamon raisin bagel thins. Boo!
This morning I used the last of my supplies to make a bagelwich with gooey cheese and warm Granny Smith apple slices. (I ate the remainder of the apple that didn’t make it into the bagelwich.)
Cheeeeez Fo' Me
So Good. Seriously.
Sadie wanted in on this hot fire after she shivered through our morning walk.
"Cheese?"
I wasn’t about to give up a bite of my breakfast, but I did give Sadie a piece of chicken jerky and played her new favorite song aloud on my phone for her.
Take it Away, Babe Mice!
Okay, so I played that song just as much for me as I did for her. It was mutually beneficial. 🙂
And before I forget… This morning’s workout included a BodyPump class followed by 20 minutes on the elliptical.
I spent my time on the elliptical reading Better Homes & Gardens. I naturally I skipped every single page about gardening because I kill any plant I come in contact with, but I lingered over the incredibly beautiful pictures of the homes in the magazine and daydreamed about the day when Ryan and I have a house of our own to decorate. I can’t wait!
Moving right along…
The Hunger Games
Thanks to the recommendations that I received from many of you, about a month ago, Ryan and I started reading The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins.
The Hunger Games
We finished the third and final book in the series, Mockingjay, over the weekend and now that we’re completely done with the series, here are my thoughts:
- First things first, The Hunger Games series are not non-fiction books about food as I originally thought. (Note: Do not judge a book by its title.)
- If you want to read a true page-turner, pick up any book in this series. Ryan and I both agreed that the books are captivating, exciting and fun to read.
- The series is not a “feel good” series. I went to bed at night feeling uneasy and had many restless nights which I can only attribute to these books. The books are not scary, but they are suspenseful.
- There is an underlying romance in the books, but they are not Twilight-esque in that the main character, Katniss, isn’t about to fall over and die for a boy (which made me like her a lot more than Bella the pansy).
- The ending of the final book was just okay. I would’ve appreciated a more finite ending… perhaps something a little more warm and fuzzy, but the books are still absolutely worth a read.
Now that we’ve wrapped up these books, we’re ready to start something new! You guys knocked it out of the park last time, so I’m hoping you may have some good suggestions for us again. Ryan and I are looking for a book to read together, so recommendations for books by Judy Blume or Nicholas Sparks may not be up our alley (though they’re totally up mine)!
Of Possible Interest
Health and Fitness-related Links:
- 12 Tips for Exercising on the Cheap (FitSugar.com)
- Video: Lauren Conrad’s Stay-Healthy Tips (ThatsFit.com)
- 8 Tricks to Add Years to Your Life (AOLHealth.com)
Fun and Totally Random Links:
- The Most Adorable Dog that Looks like a Build-a-Bear (Facebook.com/Boo)
- Awesomely Funny Responses to “Dark Chocolate as a Snack” Recipe (FoodNetworkHumor.com)
- Be Your Own Valentine (Aka: Why it’s important to love yourself!) (ColoradoBee.com)
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I always skip the gardening section of BHG as well – about 90% of the plants in my house are fake! I’m looking for a new book to read as well and one of my friends has suggested The Help. Think I’ll start there!
Aww I love that you played Babe to Sadie again! She must really love it by now! 😀
I got given the Hunger Games about a week ago to read, and I can’t wait to get stuck in! Glad to hear that the romance isn’t Twilight-esque!! 😛
Eye rolling over here 😉 haha just kidding 😀
I’m so glad you did an overview of that book – I’d like to get into a new book!
oh I need to pick up the second book- thanks for the reminder!
The Help is a really fun book to read… but maybe not for Ryan?
Where Men Win Glory is another pretty awesome book. It’s a non-fiction about Pat Tillman. I really enjoyed learning more about the middle east and the wars and the difference between al qaeda, the taliba, etc.
It’s not a warm a fuzzy, but wow, very interesting!
*talibaN
I picked up the first Hunger Games book solely because you had such good things to say about it. I read it in TWO DAYS!! Could hardly believe it! It’s been a long time since a books grabbed me like that. AND . . . I couldn’t agree more about Bella the pansey!!
totally old school, but have you and Ryan read The DaVinci Code and Angels & Demons?
The movies are awful, but the books are riveting. I couldn’t put them down!
yes! i’ve read every single book by dan brown. i LOVED every single one! have you read any of his other books?
I haven’t! BUT only because I was told NOT to read The Last Symbol.. apparently, the other ones are real duds.
Sad, because I loved the other two. But it sounds like The Hunger Games are the same kinda can’t-put-down kinda reads!
i honestly loved every single book i read by him. deception point was especially good!
Ah, I’m glad to hear it! I’ll have to check them out, after all.
Yesss i was going to suggest Angels & Demons (by far my fav!) and the Davinci Code, too!!! I haven’t read any of Dan Brown’s other books, though…
Although I kill houseplants, I’m hoping that I can make a garden grow since there will be food involved. What good are houseplants anyway? 😉
The Hangman’s Daughter by Oliver Pötzsch. I can’t put it down! 🙂
I just reserved the Hunger Games from my local library, can’t wait to start reading!
I highly recommend the Girl With The Dragon Tattoo series. Same as Hunger Games, very suspenful, couldn’t put the books down!
is it good for guys, too?
Yes, the Girl With The Dragon Tattoo Series (Millennium Series) is definitely for people of both sexes. My dad loved the books as much as I do. I highly recommend them, but they are also pretty creepy to read before bed…
I highly recommend this series too. I know a bunch of guys who have read it and enjoyed it. But be warned, the first book takes a little warming up (at least for me), but then it gets really good.
I was going to suggest this!!! I actually heard the good reviews about it from a guy in his thirties and he really, really liked them. I couldn’t put them down. So good!
I have to agree with the Girl With The Dragon Tattoo Series (Millennium Series). LOVED them. My mom did too. They aren’t girly books.
Also – all of Steve Martin’s books are good for guys. My husband actually read some of them before me.
Haven’t read them yet but I have also heard great things about The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and the other books in that series – from both men and women!
Babe is such a cute movie!
I love looking at decorating magazines and photos too. I did design7 build the house I am in now and I love it, cue kitchen pics here: http://thescenefromme.com/2011/02/06/where-i-bake-cook/
But the problem is now that I’ve designed one house, I want to move on to decorate another one too. I just have that decorating bug and every time I’m out at a store I see more cool stuff and envision more rooms to decorate!
Have you read Girl with the Dragon Tattoo? Its a great book for both genders! And its a trilogy so they’ll keep you entertained for a while.
another great one is Pillars of the Earth, its historical fiction and sooo good! full of battles and romance 🙂 I’ve read it at least 3 times
I second Pillars of the Earth is was SOOOO good, the whole series was great and it was my ex’s favorite series so it definitely appeals to both genders.
I don’t know if it would appeal to both of y’all but nate and I read Thr Shack together and it was amazing!
Hey Julie!
I have a good book recommendation for ya, and reading is one of my biggest loves! I worked in a book store all through college 😀
The book called the Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. I LOVED this book. My boyfriend and I read it together a couple years ago (a la you and Ryan style ;)) and I since reread it on my own I loved it so much. It’s a memoir, and it is not suspenseful, or at ALL like the Hunger Games, but I strongly recommend. I’ve lent it to all the book lovers I know and they all rave about it!
Here’s a link if you want to check it out: http://www.amazon.ca/Glass-Castle-Memoir-Jeannette-Walls/dp/074324754X
Oh I should have mentioned, it’s boy-friendly! My boyfriend loved it also.
My brother just read the Hunger Games and can’t stop raving about it! I think I need to pick it up 🙂 If lots and lots of pages don’t intimidate you, I’d definitely second Annie’s recommendation for Pillars of the Earth
That sandwich looks delish!
So glad you liked the books!!!!
So. . .I really dug into the first couple chapters of the Hunger Games last night! I couldn’t put it down! It gave me such an uneasy feeling. . .Collins is an excellent writer! I can’t wait to finish the book AND the series!
Sorry, I don’t have a good gender friendly read (i tend to go for chick books), but I’m just leaving a comment to say that Sadie is freaking adorable. Every time you put up a pic at her I wish I had a doggie just like her…her facial expressions are priceless! I think there’s a human inside that body 🙂
The Glass Castle was really good. The Art of Racing in the Rain is really good. The book is told from a dog’s point of view. Also Thirteen Reasons Why is really good as well.
I finished the last book of that series about a week and a half ago. I was so sad that I was done because all of the books were so good! I kind of liked the ending because it seemed more realistic. And I definitely loved this book wayyy more than Twilight. Did you know that the first movie based on this series is coming out March 23, 2012?? I can’t wait!
YES! I can’t wait!!
I read The Hunger Games a few weeks ago and could not put it down. Definitely suspenseful! I made a reserving for the next book through my city’s library, so when it’s available, I’ll be notified. I’m DYING to read it!!
*And by “reserving” I mean “reservation!”
Don’t give up on Girl with the Dragon Tattoo if you guys start that- it’s slow at the beginning…also I would recommend The Shack or 90 Minutes in Heaven- both intense and inspiring
ah, i have tried reading it so many time.. i cannot get into it!
I agree with everyone recommending The Help. I *think* Ryan would like it, too, just based on what I’ve seen of him on the blog. 🙂 I’ve heard the Girl with the Dragon Tatoo books are good, but disturbing, so I haven’t tried those yet. I just picked up Water for Elephants (I want to read it before the movie comes out!), so I’ll definitely let you know how it is!
I read all of the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo books and they were awesome. I’m actually reading Water for Elephants now and I can’t put it down! You’ll love it!!
i just bought hunger games! there were so many recommendations for it that i had to give it a try! you have GOT to read “pillars of the earth”, it is seriously amazing!!
Water for Elephants was a good book. It would be great for the both of you to read together. Girl With The Dragon Tatoo from what I heard is great, but I couldn’t get past the beginning of the first book. Moves slow. The Help is great, but I think maybe too girly for Ryan.
Have you read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo yet? I’ve heard the 3 books in that series are awesome!
Nothing too new to add, but I loved the Girl with the dragon Tattoo series and Like Water for Elephants. Both are gender nuetral and SO much fun to read. I am finishing up the third book in the Girl With series, and I don’t want it to end.
Millennium Trilogy by Steig Larsson (The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played With Fire, and The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets Nest).
You guys should read Water for Elephants! The premise doesn’t sound that interesting (at least it didn’t to me), but after a zillion people (male and female) recommended it to me I finally gave in and read it. The verdict? Could. not. put. it. down. One of my co-workers felt the same way (that a book about the circus couldn’t possible be good), but I assured her last week that was not the case. She started it on Friday and was almost done with it two days later. Plus the movie comes out in April and has a fabulous cast (unless you are anti-Robert Pattinson too due to his association with Twilight…). I saw that someone else recommended The Art of Racing in The Rain, which I loved as well. If you’re looking for an easier/faster read, that would be a good choice. It’s a tear-jerker though 🙁
You’re so right…it is chilly in Orlando! I’m at work and my nose is cold!!
I’m currently reading Harry Potter. I never read them as a middle-schooler, so I will do it now when I’m in my 20s. 🙂
Way to celebrate National Bagel Day in style! 🙂
After seeing The Hunger Games on your blog, I decided to wander on down to the public library and pick it up! I am in the midst of another book right now (Star Island by Carl Hiaasen) but hopefully I will start it by the end of the week!
LOL at Bella the Pansy. I truly do hate the Twilight series.
I loved Robert Pattison wayyyy more as Cedric Diggory than ~sparkly~ Edward Cullen. I read somewhere that “Cedric Diggory did not die, he became a vampire named Edward Cullen. He was last seen with an Animagus by the name of Jacob Black”
I can’t wait to start The Hunger Games! It’s sitting on my dresser just waiting to be read. I need to finish the book I am currently reading (Ultramarathon Man) before I can dive into my next book!
I second Water for Elephants and The Art of Racing in the Rain! And I have another to add to the list… Little Bee. So good, and different. It’s night a light, fun read, though. There are definitely some serious, dark moments, but it’s worth reading, and would appeal to both guys and girls.
I really love your blog, by the way! You’ve inspired me to switch to morning workouts…now if only I could be as dedicated as you are. haha!
**not, instead of night. oops!
Hi Julie!
I would completely recommend The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown for you & Ryan. If you loved the other books written by Dan Brown, you will not be disappointed, this one blows the other out of the water. I stayed up late many nights reading because I could NOT put it down!
Also, I’m sure you have seen the movie ‘Catch Me if You Can’ with Leo starring but you should consider reading the book. Much more detail, more events that they don’t include in the movie, very riviting, and both you & Ryan would love it as my boyfriend read it first and then suggested I do the same 🙂
i’ve read the lost symbol (& all of dan brown’s books) and thought they were all phenomenal!
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen is a must!!!! Like everyone said, it doesn’t sound all that great just reading the dust jacket but I could not put it down!!! My best friend (who is male) recommended it to me – him and his wife had both read it – and it’s the best book I’ve read lately! Definitely gender neutral! I promise you will love it!!!
I’m going to try Hunger Games next! 🙂
If you liked The Hunger game you might also Like “The Uglies” series by Scott Westerfeld. I loved them just as much a I loved The Hunger games. I also have to agree with you, I was not very happy with the Mockingjay ending. Another good book would be ‘Zoo Story”. It is written about Lawry Park zoo in Tampa and My aunt is the Head curator there and is mentioned throughout the book, but that is not the only reason I thought it was good.
I read two good non-fiction books: Undress Me in the Temple of Heaven and The Lost City of Z (the second interested me and the guy I gifted it to).
I also just read Same Kind of Different as Me, which I enjoyed.
And for fiction, Amazonia was a fun read, lots of adventure. or Shutter Island – if you haven’t already seen the movie.
I loved your analysis of The Hunger Games – I agree on all points.
My husband and I read Born to Run together – if you’re looking for some non-fiction.
We also read Shit my Dad Says together – hilarious! (and short)
i follow that guy on twitter. so funny!
The Shack is an amazing book, it’s even a feel good book. You and your hubby could read that one together!
Hi Kelly … I’m interested in the George Bush bio .. what’s the title? Thanks!!
It is called Decision Points….it is really good and it makes you realize how hard it would be to actually be president. You are always torn and no matter what you do it seems like someone will always be angry. Have fun!
Thank you!! Off to check it out now, it sounds fab. Damned if you do and damned if you don’t. 🙂
Keith and I read every night together too (we have for years) and we read a lot of biographies. We have such different interests in fiction that biographies are great for us. We are currently in the middle of George Bush’s book. No matter your polticial affliation I think it is just interesting in how he made decisicions especially on the more controversial issues such as stem cell research and 911. Plus it is extremely interesting to get a look at the behind the scenes of the Whitehouse.
oops, wrong button! Hey Kelly, what’s the title of the Bush bio? Thanks!
I just started book 2 of the Hunger Games, and love it so far. I wasn’t sure if I would since usually I read girly/romance books, like Twilight or thw Shopaholic series. I also love that you anr Ryan read together!
i’ve read the entire shopaholic series. 🙂 i love becky!
i could honestly read Food Network Humor all day!!!! i was actually laughing out loud reading the comments about the dark chocolate as a snack!!!
If you like suspense definitely check out the Pretty Little Liars series. Ryan might not be down with it, but even if you just read them by yourself they are addictive!
I absolutely loved the book Room. I definitely think both you and Ryan would like it. I am not a huge reader but I finished it in a day!!! It inspired me to actually make a goal to read more books!
Glad that I’m not alone in the plant killing! I really wish that I had more of a green thumb. Some books that may be worth trying out that you both may enjoy are:
The Book Thief
The Road
The Shadow of the Wind