Categories
Entertainment

Book Round-Up (3)

books in shelf
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Raise your hand if you are a bonafide bookworm!

I spent the last month and a half checking out a new author, Wilbur Smith. My husband is a longtime fan and has been ‘suggesting’ that I read the books. And, I should have known that he was going to be right… I LOVED them!

Smith has several series: The Courtney Series, The Ballantyne Series and the Ancient Egypt Series.

I started with The Courtney Series; there are a couple ways to read these novels. They can be read in order of publishing date or in terms of the historical eras. I chose the historical era route; which is broken down into THREE parts. The order of the parts is as follows: Part 3, Part 1 and Part 2.

Part 2 (1917-1987)

1. Burning Shore
This novel follows Sean Courtney’s first son Michael, who meets and impregnates Centaine, however, tragedy strikes and Michael dies on their wedding day. Sean Courtney steps in and sends Centaine and her entourage to South Africa but she becomes shipwrecked after her ship is sunk by the Germans. Through sheer will and determination Centaine survives and even gives birth in the wilderness. Eventually, she is tracked down by an outlaw named Lothar De La Rey; whom she falls in love with and has a child with. Their relationship dissolves after Centaine discovers Lothar killed the San people who helped her. She leaves Lothar and abandons their son, Manfred. Centaine becomes a wealthy woman after opening up a mine at the “Place of All Life,” a special place the San showed her. She is also reunited with the rest of the Courtney family.

2. Power of the Sword
The Depression has hit hard and Centaine’s mine is struggling against De Beers. Her two sons Michael Shasa and Manfred De La Rey, do not know they are half brothers, find themselves on opposing sides continually throughout their lives. Manfred struggles while Michael tends to prosper. Manfred becomes a boxer and member of a pro-Afrikaner group. Both men compete in the 1936 Olympics for South Africa. While in Germany, Manfred falls in love with Heidi and becomes “The White Sword,” his mission is to kill the Prime Minister of South Africa as a way to destabilize the country. When the plan hits a snag, Manfred and Michael meet again; while their saga continues –dissatisfaction is spreading among the black workers, leading to the rise of Mandela, Botha and the African National Congress.

3. Rage
Following WW2, anti-Apartheid rage is growing. Michael and Manfred discover their true familial connection. Michael is lured by the National Party with the promise of power and position. The ANC’s military wing (The Spear of the Nation) under the control of Gama and Tabaka seek vengeance against the very base of Apartheid. Gama usings Michael’s wife, Tara against him after seducing her and having a son with her. Gama plots to take down the government brutally. Manfred and Michael form an alliance to stop Gama and prevent a bloody revolution; however it is too late… the “rage burns brightly.” Michael also discovers that Manfred killed his uncle.

4. Golden Fox
Michael and Tara’s youngest daughter, Isabella is the protagonist of this novel. She lives in London with her father who is now the South African Ambassador. Cunning Ramon, lures Isabella into Operation Golden Fox. Ramon is not who he appears to be. He is not a Spanish noble, but a KGB agent who is also related to Fidel Castro. Isabella gives birth to a son named Nicholas; Ramon and the baby disappear. Nicholas is tortured as a way to convince Isabella to betray her country and her father. On behalf of the KGB she spies on Armscor to obtain information on how the nuclear weapons will be used in the South African Border War. Once her espionage is discovered; the Courtney’s embark on a mission to resume Nicholas and unite him with Centaine, his great grandmother.  

5. Time to Die
Isabella’s brother, Sean Jr was a high ranking Rhodesian Army commander; he has since turned his efforts and occupation to hunting. He is prompted to find a legendary elephant upon the detah of one of his clients. On his journey he is accompanied by Claudia; the beautiful daughter of his friend. Unfortunately, she is abducted by anti-government forces, Renamo. To save her, Sean Jr is forced to work with Renamo. Sean has to steal missiles for General China, so they can be used to take for the Hind Helicopter fleet –the major obstacle in the way of General China’s goal of decimating the Frelimo government. Sean and Claudia must try to escape South Africa amidst a bloody war between the Renamo and Frelimo.

Next up, the Ballantyne Series…

Stay tuned!

Categories
Travel

Packing for Houston, TX

Just got back from a lovely trip to Sacramento; now we are gearing up to hit Houston, TX! So excited; it is my first time! 

Although it’s not my first rodeo flying during a pandemic, it is still pretty overwhelming. The masking and sanitizing are just part of our everyday lives so I don’t bat an eye over it.  But, the testing prior to departure/arrival and the anxious wait for results is the worst part. Don’t get me wrong, I understand the importance of testing!

I figured I’d share a few of my favourite travel items that make my journey better.

1. BEIS Weekend Bag


2. Love & Lore Avion Travel Wallet


3. Sephora Collection Reusable Travel Containers


4. VITAL Super Slim Portable Charger

5. JLab GO AIR True Wireless Earbuds

6. FIGS Compression Socks

I am looking forward to checking out the great food at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen and going to the Museum of Natural Science! Check back next month for my “Must See/Must Eat” feature!

Categories
Travel

Sacramento!

Finally heading back to Sacramento, CA! There is a lot to see and do and great food too! 

What to do/see…
1. Crocker Art Museum
*It houses an incredible collection of Californian Art and is the OLDEST art museum west of the Mississippi.

2. Old Sacramento
*Step back in time by touring this historic riverside area complete with cobblestone streets; it boasts a ton of attractions like the Schoolhouse Museum, the Automobile Museum; you can even take a tour underground and enjoy a carriage ride.

3. Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park
*Built as a farming and trade colony by John Sutter in 1839; it draws visitors because of its connection to not only the founding of Sacramento but also the Donner Party and the California Gold Rush.

4. Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park
*This beautiful home with its stunning grounds was finished in 1857 and was home to Stanford, the renowned railway founder and president who also went on to become the eighth governor of California.

Where to eat…
1. Bacon & Butter
*Breakfast/Brunch Recommendation: Grilled Cheese Benedict & Prickly Pearmosa

2. Tres Hermanas
*Lunch Recommendation: Ceviche Cocktel, Soft Taco Lunch, Flan

3. The Waterboy
*Dinner Recommendation: Frito Misto, Emigh Ranch Lamb Shank, Carrot Cake & Singapore Sling

4. Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates
*Sweet Treat Recommendations: Salty Caramel Macarons, Candied Coconut & Makrut Lime Chocolate Bar, Cinnamon Roll, Everything Bagel Croissant

Categories
Food & Drink

Favourite Trifle Recipes

ice cream with strawberry in clear glass
Photo by Anastasia Belousova on Pexels.com

1. Traditional
*Having a paternal English grandmother meant that a trifle was always on the menu for dessert at family gatherings! I unfortunately never had a chance to get the recipe, however, this one from allrecipes.com, comes extremely close.

2. Taste of Home Trifle
*Valerie Bertinelli isn’t the only one who LOVES lemon, I do too! This recipe has a bright, fresh springtime vibe.

3. Chocolate Lovers
*Swapping sponge cake for brownies and fruit for candy bar bites makes this version oh so decadent!

Categories
Fashion

Dress Like: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge

This classy lady is known for her coat dresses, pussy bow blouses, wide leg trousers and beautiful gowns (to name a few of her signature fashion pieces). I am hard pressed to find an outfit of her’s that I don’t like. Her ensembles stand the test of time. Taking inspiration from the Duchess, I put together a look.

Dress: Poetic Floral Smocked Dress in tamarillo from Kate Spade
Shoes: Madison 12 Hour Pump in camel from Banana Republic
Purse: Darcy Small Satchel in saddle from Kate Spade
Earrings: Organic Pearl Hoops from Mejuri

Categories
Reflections & Lifestyle

Teacher Musings

Being a teacher is challenging and amazing at the same time! I am sharing some teacher musings with you today.

Stuff My Students Say…

1. “I feel bad for your husband… you nag an awful lot!”
(I asked him twice to put his phone away)

2.  “You know, I think we should have another PD Day, who can I talk to about that?”
(Sometimes you just need a four day week, right?)

3.  S1: “So you’re telling me, that you had to write when you were in school –by like hand, with like paper and a pen??”

S2: “No, she had to use a stone tablet and chisel, like on the Flinstones!”
(Partial commentary in class to my request to take out a pen and paper for the lesson because the chromebooks weren’t charged)

Hacks…

1. Dollar Store shower curtains (or table clothes) as bulletin board covers
–>
I love this because they are inexpensive so you can cover large areas and change them up frequently without depleting your classroom decor budget. Since plastic shower curtains/ tablecloths are more durable than paper lining they can be re-used and of course are so easy to wipe down when things get messy.

2. New Spin on Exit Slips
–>Teenagers are tricky; communicating can be difficult. Typically “exit slips” have focused on lesson content, but this new version broadens the scope: “I WISH MY TEACHER KNEW…” Students can and will tell you so much –it is a great way for them to vent, ask questions, tell you information you need to know, ask for help, etc.

3. Chromebook Colour Coding
–>Our chromebook cart can look like an octopus lives in it; the cords are EVERYWHERE; it’s annoying for kids and teachers. Putting a bit of coloured tape on the chromebook, slot and cord can ensure that the right cord goes to the right chromebook and that the right chromebook goes in the right spot. And let’s face it, life is better with colour!

Latest TPT Buy…
Colour Theory Collaborative Monet Inspired Mural
*My students (junior & senior high) love colouring; it’s fun and relaxing; they enjoy putting the finished sheets together into the mural format to decorate our classroom.

Rewarding Story…
We did our Parent-Teacher Interviews (PTIs) by phone this year because of COVID. I had so many booked and I was just really exhausted; pandemic teaching is really tough! We seemed to be getting dealt a lot of blows; a lot of additional traumas leading up to the PTIs. Midway through the evening of making calls, I was really starting to feel like I just couldn’t do it any more –I just wanted to have a bit of a cry and take a nap. I pushed through because rescheduling the ones I had left would have taken me longer than just simply making the calls. I dialed the number of, let’s call her, Mrs. Smith….

Me: Hi Mrs. Smith, I’m calling from the school; you requested an interview with me. So I am just touching base with you.

Mrs. Smith: Hi! You’re on speaker by the way. I only requested this interview to tell you that I appreciate everything you are doing for the boys and to thank you for all your hard work –it hasn’t been easy but I see you, I see all the work you do. I hope you have a wonderful evening.

That phone call filled my “bucket” and allowed me to be a better teacher because I was renewed. I wasn’t expecting that. I also noticed that her kids were making an effort in class to “see” and acknowledge their peers; spreading kindness in the classroom.

Categories
Food & Drink

Must Make Dinner Recipe: Buffalo Ranch Chicken Bake

We eat this at least once a month; and how could we not? The ingredients are always in our fridge/pantry, it’s super easy and incredibly tasty. This recipe is even husband approved. Simply add rice and broccoli as sides and dinner is DONE! I am not sure where this recipe came from, but thank you to the genius who created it!!

a woman looking inside an oven
Photo by Ron Lach on Pexels.com

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts (skinless)
1/2 cup Kraft Bacon Ranch Dressing
1/2 cup Liberte Plain Greek Yogurt
1/2 cup Frank’s Red Hot Sauce 
1/3 cup breadcrumbs
3/4 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)

Directions

1. Spray a casserole dish with PAM and place the chicken in the dish.
2. In a medium bowl mix the dressing, yogurt and hot sauce together.
3. Pour over the chicken.
4. In a separate bowl mix the breadcrumbs and cheese together.
5. Sprinkle over the chicken.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes at 375F.

Categories
Health & Beauty

Nail Polish Colours For The New Year

crop woman showing manicure with bottles of multicolored nail polishes
Photo by Kristina Paukshtite on Pexels.com

The pandemic had many people adopting dogs, baking bread and colouring. But it had me learning how to give myself shellac manicures. I got all my supplies from ABS Beauty Supply. Personally, I use CND shellac –I love the colours and it’s just a great product. The new colours I am most excited about for the New Year are…

1. Grace
2. Aura
3. Peacock Plume
4. Lilac Longing
5. Safety Pin
6. Dark Diamond

Categories
Design & Decor

New Year, New Decor: Pieces I Am Loving

1. Macrame Wall Hangings
2. Statement Greenery; especially Fiddle Leaf Fig, Monstera, Snake Plant, Palms, Sweetheart Climbers
3. Wood Drum Coffee Tables
4. Glass Pendant Light Shades
5. Velvet Accent Chairs

What decor items are catching your eye?

Categories
Food & Drink

Classic Lunchtime Tuna Melt

Although this sandwich was invented in the mid 1960’s and made a major resurgence in 2020; I have ALWAYS been a fan –I grew up on tuna melts! Some people like to jazz it up with bacon, tomato and even avocado, but I am a purist!

Ingredients

2 cans Clover Leaf tuna
1/3 cup Miracle Whip Light
1/4 cup white onion (diced)
2 Bick’s Definitely Dill Pickles (diced)
1/4 cup shredded Armstrong marble cheese
4 slices of white bread
Margarine [or butter]

Directions

1. Drain the tuna; then flake the fish into a bowl with a fork.
2. Add the Miracle Whip, onion and pickles and mix well.
3. “Butter” one side of the bread and place it margarine side down on a sheet pan;  then top with half of the tuna mixture, spread/pack the mixture evenly.
4. Put half the shredded cheese on top of the tuna mixture.
5. Top with another slice of bread and “butter” the top. 
6. Repeat steps 3-5.
7. Bake for 6 minutes at 400F