And The Winner Is . . .

I would like to say, Thank you to everyone who entered my book giveaway!

I am about to announce the lucky entry!

I am confident that you (the winner) will enjoy this book!

Are you ready?

I just returned from Random.org.

I entered the numbers 1 through 29 (the number of comments I received on the giveaway blog). I hit "Generate."

A number popped up.

Was it your number?

Maybe.

Maybe not.

I trust that if you're already a fan of Destination Truth and your number popped up you will love this book.

What's the number? I'll tell you.

I also believe that if you're not already a fan of Destination Truth (WHY NOT??) this book could make you a "believer" so to speak.

Why won't I tell you the number?

I will. Don't worry.

I just hope that whoever the winner is . . . (yes, I already know) . . . you will enjoy this book.

Alright. I get it. Enough already.

You want to know?

You Really want to know?

OK!

And the winner is . . .

 . . .

 . . .

Congratulations, Critics in my Kitchen!!!

I hope you enjoy the book!

Random Tuesday Thoughts.

Happy Random Tuesday! Link-up at Stacy's for some more Random fun!

1. Latest RTT ever. Fail. (Hey, at least it's here.)

2. I'm having a giveaway! All the details are here: GIVEAWAY! (Please follow the directions, thanks!)

3. Psych has been renewed for another season! This makes me happy. I have Lassiter love.

4. Does anyone watch Leverage? You really should. It's like Robin Hood meets the A-Team. So fun. The cast is amazing and the writers and awesome. Check out the pilot. It's free on iTunes this week. :)

5. Currently reading: A Clash of Kings Author: George R. R. Martin.

Review and Giveaway: Destination Truth Memoirs of a Monster Hunter

I received this book for Christmas (as it was a high priority on my Amazon Wish List). I finished it today.

I Loved it!

If you are not familiar with Destination Truth . . . Why not? It airs on the Syfy network and it's a great show.

The premise is this: A team of investigators/adventure seekers travel around the world searching for the stuff of myth and legend. Bigfoot? They looked for him (a few times). Lake Monsters? Yup, searched for those. Ghosts? Sure, they've investigated a few huntings. Chernobyl? Uh huh, they went there. Elves? Yes, elves. They have wandered through Iceland searching for elves.

While the investigations are interesting and sometimes turn up some very odd evidence, my favorite thing about this show is easily the cast. More specifically, the host, Josh Gates.

Josh is very witty and entertaining and the entire cast seem to work very well together. They make the hard stuff look easy.

Watch Destination Truth.

The book.

I loved this book. Well written with a lot of behind the scenes takes on the Destination Truth episodes that I love.

It was VERY hard while reading the book not to stop and read every other paragraph out loud to whomever was in the room. It was that fun and interesting. As a matter of fact, I often gave in and read large portions aloud. Once I even got out of bed to read a page to J. He was as equally shocked as I was by the information I was reading to him. (Chernobyl, anyone?)

At different times while reading I was entertained, amused, laughing out loud, cringing and down right terrified. (Not kidding. Chernobyl, anyone?)

This book will definitely make you want to get off your sofa and travel. Maybe not to Malaysia or Chernobyl but you will absolutely want to travel more. I was in awe as I read the descriptions of the places Josh has been and the things he has seen and experienced. In awe and a little jealous. (But, not of Chernobyl.)

I would definitely recommend this book. It helps if you're a fan of Destination Truth but I wouldn't say necessary. The tales recounted will keep you entertained either way.

How do I get a copy of this awesome book? you may be asking yourself. I have an answer for you! It's available on Amazon here Destination Truth Memoirs of a Monster Hunter in either hard copy or Kindle editions.

OR

You can enter my giveaway here. You see, I received two copies of this book for Christmas and I would like to give one to one lucky reader.

Entries are simple and there are Many ways to enter! Eight way to enter, to be exact!

YOU MUST LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY TO COUNT.


1. This one is Mandatory (Come on, I need at least ONE mandatory entry): Leave a comment here telling me if you watch or have ever watched Destination Truth and why or why not.


Non-mandatory Extra entries.


2. Follow my blog. (Leave a comment letting me know you have been following or are a new follower.)
3. Leave a comment with your favorite Destination Truth episode.
4. Leave a comment with a favorite quote from Destination Truth.
5. Follow me on Twitter: @Justaddjava (Leave a comment, with your twitter name.)
6. Follow Josh Gates on Twitter: @JoshuaGates (Leave a comment with your Twitter name.)
7. Tweet about the giveaway. Include the tag #DTBookGiveaway in your tweet. (Leave a comment, with your twitter name, letting me know you tweeted.)
8. If you have a blog and you want to share this giveaway there, be my guest! (Leave a comment with the link to your blog here.)

The giveaway will close on January 20th. That gives you Two weeks to get your entries in and spread the word! I'll announce the Winner on January 23rd. 

There you go! Eight ways to enter. Tell your friends!

Good luck!

P.S. My apologies but currently my giveaways are for US residents only. So sorry to anyone else. :(

(Fine print: I was not, in any way, compensated for this review. I simply Loved the book and since I received two copies I decided to share.)

Random Tuesday Thoughts!

It's the first Random Tuesday of 2012! I haven't done Random Tuesday since October! I hope it still works the same. :)

Link-up at Stacy's where she is STILL  rocking the rebellion!

1. I am sick.Ugh. Bleh. Just a cold but it's enough to make me feel ick.

2. Today is the first day back to school. Waking up? Nightmare. Ready to get back into my routine but the first couple days? Murder. 

3. I hate Max and Ruby. Max is such a bad, bad bunny and all the things he does wrong end up being praised in the end. What???

4. Did you Christmas wishes come true? J got me Josh Gates' book and I was thrilled. I also finally have a printer! Yay! (Now, I just need to find a place to put it . . . )

5. Kid found out on Sunday that Darth Vader is Luke's Dad! He nearly had a meltdown. "He has to destroy his Dad!?!?" He had problems working it out in his mind because "It's not nice for his Dad to be Darth Vader, Darth Vader is a mean guy!" Dad's are not supposed to be mean guys.

6. Why do all of the light bulbs in my house seem to blow out at the same time? Going to invest in LED lights if I can afford it. They're more expensive but last SO much longer.

7. Sugar Cookie Tea from Celestial Seasonings. Ew! It sounded SO GOOD in theory. In reality (in my opinion) it was way too weak. Maybe if I throw two bags in and try again? Maybe I should just stick to nice black English Breakfast Tea.

8. Haven't exercised this year yet because I feel like ick. This needs to stop.

9. Currently reading: Destination Truth Memoirs Of A Monster Hunter. Author: Josh Gates

Random Tuesday Thoughts!

I have not been random (on this blog anyway) in far too long. Today, I shall be random once again. If you would like to be random as well you can click the box and link up over at Stacy's place.

1. September! I. Love. September!

2. Amazon has some free kindle books. This has resulted in my "To read" pile growing far too large.

3. Speaking of my "To read" pile, I've GOT to get my hands on A Clash of Kings. Must know what happens next!

4. Dear George Lucas, Cut. It. Out. It was PERFECT the way it was. STOP changing things!

5. Realized that Kid's birthday is a week away. This means his party is less than Two weeks away! I'm not panicking, not at all! Where's my towel!!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

6. If you have any awesome suggestions for a Lego birthday party I'm all ears. (Well, all eyes I suppose.)

7. Ringer starts tonight. I'm sort of excited to have Sarah Michelle Gellar back on my TV.

8. Pinterest rocks! I found a website that suggested making pancakes in mini muffins cups, in the oven. Perfect. No turning, no flipping, just baking and eating. (Bonus if you add chocolate chips and pumpkin!)

9. What's your favorite creepy book to read for Halloween?

10. I love my New England Patriots. Yeah, Baby!

I may have more but I'll stop now. Hey, at least they were all short.

Random Tuesday Thoughts

It's Tuesday! Link up with us rebels over at Stacy's place and join the fun!

1. So, Bradley Cooper will play Lucifer in Paradise Lost? Bradley Cooper is playing the devil. This is really going to mess with my morals. I'm fairly certain you are NOT supposed to find such a character THAT attractive.

2. So, my BABY starts Kindergarten in less than two weeks. Oh. My. Oh. My. Oh. My.

3. On a related note . . . I've had the Kid home with me everyday for the last (very soon to be) five years. WHAT will I do with my day???

4. Do you/your kids read the Magic Tree House books? I read the first one to the Kid the other day and he loved it. Sat for the Whole book. We have three more but way out of order. I'm going to keep my eyes open for these books.

5. Kid's birthday is in September and I'm still not sure about a theme for his party. I'm usually Much more prepared than this. He's not a whole lot of help either.

6. Cooking shows. I have knife envy. I love their big knives that effortlessly slide through anything. I want those knives.

7. So when Kid goes to school I will do . . . What? What on earth will I do with my days? I suppose I'll finally have time to write my book. Unfortunately I don't work so well without a looming deadline.

8. This afternoon I'm going to pick up the school supply list and then I get to shop. That might be fun.

9. Have a great day everyone!!

Random Tuesday Thoughts (Bring 'em back!)

Two weeks ago Keely, the creator of Random Tuesday Thoughts, decided to put RTT on hiatus for a bit. Last week I skipped my Random Tuesday Thoughts post . . . and went into withdrawl. Not again!

This week I'll link up over at Stacy's blog. We will gather there until Keely's break is over. (I'm not mad at Keely. She's been an awesome host, she deserves a break! I, on the other hand, can't quit!)

So, grab the box and link up at Stacy's place!

1.  Next Tuesday we get on a plane and head for Pennsylvania! I'm SO SUPER EXCITED!!! I'm also a bit nervous. I don't like airports. It's not the the air travel that bothers me, it's the airports. Airport security people are almost ALWAYS rude and unpleasant. Then there's the CROWDS! Bleh! The only thing that makes it all worth it is that I'll see my family!

2. I hate packing. Hate. I'm always worried I'll forget something important. Sure, I make lists. But, what if I forget to put something on the list?

3. I've been saying for Ages that my computer needs a name. I've already named my phone (Chloe) and my iPod (Rupert) and I'm not sure how my computer was left out. I've remedied this situation though. My computer now has her very own name! Sasha!

4. I was reading blogs the other day and read a post on Tia's blog about Instagram. I went right to the app store and downloaded it. I. Am. Hooked. Oh my word! I love it! So fun!

5. Currently reading: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy for #jhbc (Jazz Hands Book Club). This book contains some of the strangest sentences I have ever read!! Ever!

6. Words With Friends? I'm ADDICTED! Play a game with me! (And when that one is over, play another one with me!) I'm Justaddjava! P.S. Play WwF with me to feel good about yourself because I'm no good! Haha.

7. I dreamed yesterday morning about a Really Hot guy! (Sorry J. I can't help my dreams.) I've seen him before. I think he's an actor but I have NO IDEA where I've seen him! I wish I knew! Driving me nuts!

I think that should do it for todays Random Thoughts! Thanks so much for stopping by!! :)

Six Word Saturday!

Happy Six Word Saturday! Want to know what it's all about? Click the box and be transported to Cate's blog! There, she will explain to you the wonder that is Six Word Saturday!

Finally got my #jhbc Book!! Yay!!

Have a great weekend!!

P.S. For anyone who may be wondering, #jhbc is a little book club (Jazz Hands Book Club) formed by a few peoples on Twitter. This will be my first reading of this book. Hoping for good things! I've heard positive reviews! :)

The First Book I Ever Read

Do you remember the first book you ever read? I'm not talking like a Dr. Suess kind of book. I mean the first big book with full chapters that you ever read?

I remember the first one I ever read was a Star Trek Voyager Book (I've told you before that I'm a geek). It was called The Escape. I was twelve years old.

I was at the mall with my Grandfather and there was (I think it's even still there . . . well, maybe) a little comic book shop that I used to love to go in. I was never a fan of comic books but they also had all the Star Trek stuff. You know, the figures and the phasers and the tricorders and all those fun things. Anyway I went in to look around and I saw the book just lying there on the shelf.

I picked it up and read the back and for reason I wanted it. I put it down and ran out to my Grandfather who was waiting for me on a bench outside the store. I remember asking him if he would buy me the book.

He was so sweet (and fond of spoiling). He gave me the money and I ran in and bought it. I showed it to him when I came out. He seemed suprised at the size and asked if I was actually going to read it. I assured him I would. And I did.

It was a very well written book. I can't remember the exact plot (after all I was twelve when I read it) but I can still remember scenes from it. I love when I read a book and I can see it all happening in my head like I'm watching a movie.

I still have the book. Maybe one day I'll have to dig it out and read it again just for old times sake.

Do you remember the first book you read?

Book Five - The Loch

I've just finished my fifth book of the year.

The Loch by Steve Alten

3.5 to 4 out of 5 stars

I was attracted to this book for a couple reasons. 1. It about Loch Ness and the "Monster" that inhabits it. That's always interesting. 2. One of the reviews at the beginning of the book said . . . "Michael Chicton meets Dan Brown beneat the waves of Loch Ness." (Dennis Palumbo, author)

If you know me at all you know I'm a big fan of Dan Brown. So, of course that phrase would cause greater appeal.

I enjoyed the book. I wouldn't call it Dan Brown meets Michael Crichton but I still liked it.

It included a lot of Scottish history and a lot of science and it was very entertaining. Lots of edge of your seat, heart stopping kind of stuff.

It also included a very interesting and I would imagine fairly possible explanation to the Loch Ness Monster.

I've always believed in the Loch Ness Monster. I don't know why it would be so hard to believe that a rarely seen species lives in the great depths of the Loch or any other lake or Sea for that matter.

Anyway, if you're interested in the Loch Ness Monster than you might as well give this a try. It will most likely entertain you.

Creature of the Night (Book Five)

I finished another book Monday night. Well, it was actually very early Tuesday morning. Either way, it's done.

I HATED it!

Creature of the Night
Kate Thompson

1 out of five stars . . . maybe .5 out of five stars.

This book is listed as youth fiction. Therefore the language and themes shocked me. Many uses of the "F word" which in a regular book wouldn't be anything special but in a youth book? Not too mention the many many references to and scenes of drug use and smoking by a Fourteen year old and his 18 year old buddies. I suppose I should also mention the physical and verbal abuse of a four year old that's all over here too.

This book made me sad.

While it's credited with being "Brilliantly written" and a "Gripping thriller" and the author is given many Kudos as to how "marvelous and magical" her writing is this book is no good.

It doesn't feel like the real heart of the story starts until about fifty pages from the end. What happens then? Does it get really gripping and you're totally into it? Nope, nothing happens. The book ends and you never find out what happened/happens to the characters.

Awful. Avoid this book.

Random Tuesday Thoughts!

It's Tuesday! Is anyone feeling Random? Well, if you are then you may click the little box below and pop on over to Keely's blog to read some more Random or participate with your own! Have fun!

1. Going to see When In Rome tonight "with" my friend in Maine. Well, we're both going at the same time but she's going in ME and I'm going here. Silly? Maybe. But still fun. I think I might even get some popcorn. (I never buy popcorn at the movies because the prices are like robbery.)

2. I'm so happy for Anna Kendrick! She's been nominated for an Oscar. For the rest of her life, (if she doesn't win) she'll be "Oscar Nominated Actress Anna Kendrick." (I have the overwhelming desire to write "Take that Kristen Stewart." but I'll try to refrain . . .)

3. Almond Joy Pieces are not near as good as I expected them to be. Still, they're not awful.

4. I want a donut.

5. There are a lot of birthday's in February!

6. Hubby's been going for physical therapy for his knee twice a week. It's an HOUR away! I hate that drive. I'm also running out of things to do while we're there. I think the Kiddo and I are going to check out their library either tomorrow or Friday.

7. Finished an Awful book last night. I'll probably review it tomorrow. I'm still waiting for the library to call me about the other book I have on hold . . .

8. I think I may have asked this before. Has anyone read any James Patterson. I think I may give some of his books a try. (Also is there anyone out there who likes Dan Brown? If so, what other authors would you recommend?)

Have a wonderful Random Tuesday!

The Tales of Beedle the Bard

While I was waiting for the second book in the Percy Jackson Series I decided to pick up another small book to read.

Since I read The Harry Potter Series and really enjoyed it I had always wanted to read The Tales of Beedle the Bard that J.K. Rowling wrote. So I grabbed it.

It wasn't a novel kind of book. It was more a collection of short stories, fairy tales.

I enjoyed reading them. I guess I would give it 3 stars.

If you've read the Harry Potter Series you'll understand this. It was nice reading the story of the Three Brothers.

Anyway, I'm going to count this toward my books for the year. (I need all the help I can get.)

I'm sorry if this is all messed up and makes no sense. There are a bunch of people here and it's loud. Sorry.

First Book of the New Year - Percy Jackson

I said that when I finished my books this year I would try to blog about them. Well, I have finished my first book.

Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Lightning Thief

I guess I'd give it 3.5 out of 5 stars.

The reason I chose to read this book is because in February (on the 12th) the movie version comes out. It's not really a movie that I would normally rush out to see except that Sean Bean is in it. Therefore, I'll be rushing out to see it.

For some movies I like to read the books first. I like to see what the differences are, what was left out, what was kept in.

I did enjoy the book. It was no Harry Potter but it was fun. I don't know if I can pick a favorite character yet. Maybe Annabeth? We'll see when I move on to the second book.

Speaking of the second book, I'm currently waitng on the library to call me and tell me it's been returned. I hope they hurry.

Random Tuesday Thoughts!

Welcome to Tuesday! I hope you're stying warm in the current "deep freeze" we're experiencing. Top over at Keely's blog and join the random fun. Just click the box below.



1. It's 27 degrees here! Wow! (Awesome!) Now if it would only snow . . .

2. Mother-in-Law's dog is here. She's the cutest Dachshund I've ever seen. She's black with brown speckles and she loves me. I don't know what I did to this dog but she absolutely adores me. She's even hopped in bed with me a couple times.

3. Yesterday I started doing research again for my book. I'm still not absolutely set on starting it over but it's fun re-reading some of the things that I had found before. It made the subject come to life for me again. I was almost excited.

4. Ugh! Cell phones!!! Please turn then down when you go to bed. Or wake up when they ring?

5. I am a very light sleeper, unless I'm completely and utterly exhausted. I don't understand how an alarm can be going off right next to someone's head (literally) and it wake me up in the other room and they not even realize it's ringing. Wow!

6. I'm loving going to the gym. It's feels good to be excercising consistently. I also hate it. Definitely a Love/Hate thing.

8. I'm reading Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Lightning Thief. I want to see the movie (Sean Bean!!!!) and so I thought I would read the book first. It always depresses me though when the movies are so different from the book. So far the books not bad, written for kids but I'm enjoying it.

8. Looks like once again I have very few thoughts. Have a great day everyone!!! Happy Tuesday!!

Wish List

I think I'll share my wish list with you. Actually as I was making this list I kept trying to think of what I wish for and was having some problems. Any other time I would have no problem, but if I'm trying to write them down, I can't think.

1. A Bigger (6.5-7qt.) Slow Cooker. I'm not positive the size of the one I have now but I'm pretty sure it's 3.5-4 qt. Not big enough, I want bigger.



2. I want my own laptop. I'm tired of sharing. lol. I did have my own. then I went on vacation with the Kiddo to see my family and when I came back, Poof! My computer had died. (Don't know what happened.) Currently my husband and I are sharing a laptop. (Don't tell the Kiddo that I don't want to share, okay?)3. A router so when I get my own laptop (see above) the internet will be accessible from both at the same time. Not too mention when we have company, theirs will work too
4. Cake decorating supplies. I've been decorating cakes as a hobby for a little while now. I will be the first to tell you that I'm not really very good. However, I still want all the toys. 5. A few books. I've read some of these and just liked them so much I want to own them. Others look very intriguing and I want to read!

I don't need all of the Harry Potter books. I already have some of them.

6. Some DVD's.

I only put on season 6 of NCIS but I really need them all but the first one.

7. CD's

I would also love Christian Kane's CD whenever it comes out . . . *(Im)patiently waiting*

I guess that's that. Now I can only hope that the right people *Cough*J*Cough* read this!

Almost Fall

I was over at Keri's blog (Forever Folding Laundry) reading her Signs post and she absolutely made me want autumn to get here even more than I already did (And that’s an accomplishment)!

I just want to go light my Pumpkin Spice candles, bake a pumpkin pie, decorate with leaves, orange lights and pumpkins, check out Halloween costumes and get a good scary (preferably vampire sub-genre) book from the library.

Speaking of the book. Any suggestions? I want scary vampires not angsty, teenage vampires. Not that I didn’t enjoy the Twilight series, I did. I just want something like “Salem’s Lot” (one of my favorite books) or “Midnight Mass.” Something where a vampire can be a vampire.

Also, any suggestions for good pumpkiny fallish recipes? I’m always looking for a good recipe.

Happy (Almost) Fall!!!