Honey Lemon Chicken

When we go with my parents to Costco we buy their chicken breasts in bulk. It's cheaper and it's so much easier just opening up the freezer and knowing there is something to make.

Unless of course you open up the freezer, see all the boobs staring back at you and have no idea what you're going to do to make them tasty.

That's where this book comes in. I love this book! I bought it on sale at my favorite Half Price Book store. I've made quite a few recipes from it already and they are all so easy.

Taste. One Pot Over 100 mouth-watering recipes

Take this for example:

Honey Lemon Chicken

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 lemons
• 2.5 fl oz honey
• two stalks lemongrass
• 1 tbsp oil
• 2 cloves garlic

Cooking Directions

1. Add the oil and chopped garlic to a pan. 
2. When the pan is hot, add your chicken breasts. You're just going to let them brown on either side. 
3. While the chicken is browning, mix your lemon, honey, and your sliced lemongrass. 
4. Take your browned chicken out of the pan and add the saucey mixture. Simmer so that it thickens a bit
5. Add your chicken back to the pan and let it sit in the pan for about a minute. Flip the chicken so that both sides get nice and coated in the sauce.
6.  Dump everything into an oven proof dish. Heat the chicken for about 25 - 30 minutes at 375 degrees F, turning them over halfway through cooking.

I know that the book is called one pot but I didn't have a pan that would work in the oven as well. All my pans have plastic handles but even with two dishes - it's not labor or time intensive. The book calls for you to use tarragon but I couldn't find any fresh at my grocery store so I went with lemongrass instead for an even more lemony flavor. But you can use any spice or herb you want. What's great about this dish is that it's so easy to manipulate to your liking. I always add garlic to everything I make and this dish was no exception. I've made this dish twice now and it's already become a dinner staple. 

Give this one a try on your next busy night. You'll end up with an easy and delicious no-sweat dinner. 

Dessange VoxBox Review

I received my third Influenster VoxBox recently and I was pleasantly surprised with its contents. I actually made a video of my unboxing which you can view below.

It's been a couple of weeks that I've been using the entire Oleo Collection so I feel good giving my opinion on this system.


First, let's get the prices out of the way. These babies are not cheap.



Dessange Paris Oleo Miracle Replenishing Shampoo - 24.23


Dessange Paris Oleo Miracle Replenishing Conditioner - 24.95


Dessange Paris Oleo Miracle Replenishing Oil  - 24.39



You're looking at a total of $73.57 if you were to buy the entire system from Amazon.

Now I want to say that I am a cheapskate. I don't spend 25$ on my hair care products. Mostly because I have to use so much of it that the money versus amount of uses just isn't worth it. I'm not adverse to paying $10 - $15 for some good products but I also have a very temperamental scalp. It flakes really easily with most shampoos and conditioners.

So under normal circumstances I would have never bought this complete system but I'm so glad that I was given a chance to try it out.

This stuff totally works.

I found that my hair was less tangled, more easy to manage, and felt ten times as soft as it usually does.

As I mentioned in the video, I'm not a fan of the scent but it's not so off-putting that I couldn't use it. I really wish it came in another scent...but oh well.

The shampoo lathers really well, rinses clean and easily. The conditioner is really thick. It's almost like a hair mask. I was scared that it would leave my hair heavy with product. The first time it did but I think it's because I didn't wash all of the product out. As easy as the shampoo is to rinse, the conditioner is a bit trickier. It is so thick that you will have to stand underneath the shower and make sure that all of it is completely rinsed off before getting out. I use mousse to style my hair but wanted to incorporate the oil into it while it was damp to see if it would help. I didn't notice any real difference to my style after it air dried but when I used the oil to smooth fly-aways and tame the ends, it really worked its magic.


I'm really happy I got this product because it seems to have undid a lot of damage that my hair has from my hothot environment. Unfortunately I wouldn't buy this again on a regular basis.

I am already almost out of the conditioner so that, to me, is way too expensive a product.
The shampoo will probably last me another month or two, if I switch it out with another shampoo on other days. I might buy this once a year and use it every so often when I feel the need to revitalize my hair. The oil, even though it's the smallest of all the bottles really is where you get the most bang for your buck. You only need a drop or two for your entire head so it will last you quite a long time. I can see myself buying this to keep my ends from splitting and to tame my fly-aways without the added weight of another product. But then again there are a lot of oils coming out on the market and I know that the Dove Dry Oil Nourishing Treatment works as well and it's half the price.


If you have seriously damaged hair and a great job where dropping 75$ for hair products ain't no thang...then go for it. It really does work and I'm sure that if you continue using it, you'll have super pretty commercial-ready hair. If you're on a budget opt for the oil - works well and will last a while.


Let me know if you received this box, if you tried it out, and what YOUR opinions were on it. I'd love to hear about your experience.

Burned - Ellen Hopkins

Burned
Author: Ellen Hopkins
Published by: Margaret K. McElderberry Books


Pattyn's extensive reading of books has made her a fiercely independent thinker. Seeing what women are capable of has made her rethink the Mormon way of life she was born into. With an abusive, alcoholic father, and a constantly there but never present mother - Pattyn starts to question everything she's been taught about who she is. When her teen rebellion proves to be too much for her father and her pregnant mother to handle, her parents send Pattyn to live with her father's estranged sister on a ranch in Nevada. There, Pattyn's eyes are open to a whole new way of life. One where she is in charge of her future and one where the future isn't so scary or unwanted.

Told in beautiful verse, the novel tackles some very tough themes including; abuse, alcoholism, sex, self-confidence, and family.

The verses that describe Pattyn's father's addiction to liquor and his quick temper resonant deeply. Though the scenes aren't graphic, the verses and lyrical way they are written make you want Pattyn to leave and never return. But when a letter from home arrives, Pattyn's unburdened, carefree summer comes to a halt when her younger sister tells her that their dad has moved from hitting their mother to hitting her instead. The explanation of why those who are abused do not seek help right away most likely comes straight from Hopkin's own world. As a victim in an abusive relationship, Hopkin's gives Jackie the ability to speak the truth about the real strength it takes to finally seek help and why many people don't.

To see Pattyn struggle with her wanting to stay at her Aunt's and needing to go back to look out for her sisters was very emotionally taxing. Hopkin's does an amazing job of telling a complete story in a relatively short amount of pages. By using verse instead of prose, Hopkin's allows readers to see the story for it's most important parts. There isn't a lot of extraneous detail. What has to be told, is, but you don't feel cheated out because of it. You're getting all the information and your brain puts in the rest.


The romance between Ethan and Pattyn seemed a bit rushed and a little unbelievable. Though the two of them are great together, Pattyn has only dated one other guy. Not only does she have nothing else to compare Ethan to, she barely knows herself yet. These are important factors when it comes to love. With her dysfunctional family, it's expected that Pattyn can't know this but she is trying to figure it all out.


Hopkin's ability to bring to light a myriad of issues in one dysfunctional family is quite a feat. The fact that she can do it without preaching and in a beautiful, fascinating novel is nothing short of amazing.

I give it 4 out of 4 cateyes.

Penn & Teller Date Night

Though we've both known about Penn & Teller for a while, John and I first watched them as a couple, on the silver screen when we saw Tim's Vermeer. As a big fan of comedy, magic, and their very vocal views, John and I were excited to hear that the duo would be coming to a (Majestic) theater near us.

I just so happened to be off the same day they were performing so it was a no-brainer that we would be there.


I got all dressed up for the event even though it was supposed to rain. What's the point of going out, if you have to cover up and wear jeans?

The show started at 8 so we decided to go to Zinc Bistro & Bar to eat first. We'd eaten there for my birthday and not only is the food (and their prickly pear margarita) delicious, it's not super expensive.

Via: Zinc Bistro & Bar

I ordered their famous Zinc Burger and John got their Shrimp Po Boy. Our food came quickly so we had some time to savor and sip our drinks before it was time to start walking to the theater.

We arrived at the Majestic right on time (and a little wet since I had forgotten my umbrellie). I got another margarita before we found our seats. We waited only about ten minutes (and one selfie) before the show started.

Penn & Teller came out and started the show by asking for an audience member. I wish our seats had been closer! They actually used a lot of audience members throughout their entire show which was fun. It definitely made them improv more.

The show itself was a good mix of comedy, magic, and just random talent like fire juggling and guitar-strumming.

We were pretty far away but you're still able to revel in their illusions. The only downside to the night was this annoying ass kid whose parents sucked and just shhhed him all the time. I hate children. I think he started falling asleep towards the end though because for a while I forgot he was there.

Ideally we would have finished the night with some more drinks but I had to work the next morning so we jetted home to warm up, take off our wet clothes, and release my poor feet out of the heels I hadn't quite broken in yet.

It was such a fun night out and because we've been so busy it was a good, special date to remind us what the hell we work so hard for.

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Created by: Robert Carlock, Tina Fey
Starring: Ellie Kemper, Tituss Burgess, Jane Krakowski
Available on: Netflix



If you, like me, have been re-watching 30 Rock on repeat since its death, you'll be happy to know that you can finally put it on pause and watch Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt instead. Or in addition to - I don't judge.

Created by Tina Fey & Robert Carlock (both of whom were executive producers of 30 Rock) Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is similar in style and humor but different in its outlook.

Kimmy Schmidt (Ellie Kemper) has just been rescued from the underground bunker where she's spent her last 15 years. She decides that instead of staying in the small town, she will go and live her life in New York City.

Kidnapped in 1999, remaking her life in 2015 is a bit more difficult than she would have thought. Oblivious to things like iPhones, creeper pedo vans, and math; Kimmy doesn't always know what's going on, but her optimistic outlook on life (and her knowledge of true fear & entrapment) keep her smiling and happy.

Her sunny deposition contagiously catches to those around her as well. When Kimmy finds out that her roomate, Titus Andromedon (Tituss Burgess), really wants to be a singer, Kimmy sings with him right in Times Square. Her never-ending search for happiness, doesn't just start and end with her. She is always ready to help others in need as well.

With jokes on social structure and over-the-top characters, the show keeps audiences right on laughing. The story is more than just humor and crazy shenanigans. The situations that the characters get up to, do have a sense of purpose and drama, albeit in a light and funny way.

The show starts off a bit slow but by episode three you'll be laughing right along with Kimmy and you'll be invested in the crazy cast of characters.


I give this show 5 out of 5 popcorn.

No Yeast Beer Loaf

Yesterday, mum sent me this recipe for a no yeast beer loaf and told me that I should make it.

So I did.


Let me tell you something - this was SO easy to make. Seriously there are only a handful of ingredients and since there is no yeast involved that means, no proofing and no kneading. You just mix everything together, pop it in the oven, and viola! An hour later you're chowing down on tasty, crusty bread.


I used Gerald Norman's recipe which can be found here on Food.com.

Find the recipe here!

This time I didn't change a THING. I followed the recipe exactly but I know that I will be making this bread again and I will start tweaking with all kinds of ingredients. Add-ins like cheese, jalapeno, fruits, and nuts, and different types of beer.


For this, my first loaf, I used Shiner Kosmos Reserve which is an all malt lager. It has a bit of bitterness but nothing too overpowering. I thought it would give a nice, deep flavor to the bread.

I loved it! It was so flavorful and delicious.

You can see that the bread does rise a bit even without the use of yeast. The beer and baking powder give it some lift. The inside of the bread is very dense. Mum says almost like a pound cake, which I agree with. The crust is deliciously crusty and hard, and turns a nice golden brown because it bakes with melted butter on top.

For those who like a softer crust, there is a tweak you can do for that but I love crusty, crusty bread.

I had a slice with some raspberry jam. It was so good.


I know I'll be making this super easy bread recipe again and I'll share what changes I make to the recipe. Be on the lookout!

Lucas - Kevin Brooks

Lucas
Author: Kevin Brooks
Published by: Scholastic



Caitlin McCann is on the way home from picking her brother up from university when she spots a young boy walking into her town. As the car passes him, he looks up and stares right at her. Cait feels drawn to him and somehow just knows that things in her small town are going to change. And change they do: her brother and her best friend start hanging out with losers, the town It boy starts flirting with her despite his unwanted advances, and Cait just drifts along not knowing what to do or where she fits in. When she finally meets the Boy she is no less drawn to him, but unfortunately the town is too and not for the same reasons.

This story left an impact on me. I read it years ago when it first came out. When browsing the library shelves the other day, I saw it and decided to reread it. I couldn't remember everything about it, but I do remember the feeling of emptiness and disgust it left me with and I wanted to see if it would have the same impact over ten years later.

It did.

Brooks does an amazing job of showing the ugliness in people. The way people can want other people to hurt simply because they do not understand them. Simply because they are different. He shows, in a horrifying way, that crowd-mentality can overrun even the most basic humanity.

He shows the way people believe what other people say over what their own eyes saw. He perfectly captures the way people's biases stem from fear. That gossip and lies are just as dangerous as knives and fists.



Though Lucas is abused and targeted for being a "gypsy" you can easily substitute any other word in the quotation marks. Gay. Black. White. Muslim. The story doesn't change. The fear that people turn into paranoia is something that, unfortunately always seems to be relevant.

What is also sad about this book isn't only the way people behave around each other. But the way brave and courageous people, who are trying to do the right thing, don't always end up coming out ahead. When there aren't enough people standing up for what is right - bad things can happen and they can escalate at an alarming rate.

It's life and it's truth but it's sobering to see it written out in this way.


I give it 5 out of 5 cateyes.

The Maze Runner

The Maze Runner
Directed by: Wes Ball
Edited by: Dan Zimmerman
Starring: Dylan O'Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Ki Hong Lee, Will Poulter
Based on the book by: James Dashner


When Thomas wakes up, he's staring at a bunch of unfamiliar, boyish faces. He can't remember anything prior to waking up in the field, in the middle of a mechanical maze. As it turns out, neither can the boys. For whatever reason, they have been put into the maze to fend for themselves. Some of the boys have tried to run through the maze in search of a way out, but so far they've come up empty. Thomas is curious about what lies beyond their glade. He is not content just sitting around and hoping that things will work out. When a girl is put in the maze the rules as the boys know them start to change. They have to act, fast, if they want to get out once and for all.


I haven't read the book of the same name that the movie was based on. So I went in completely oblivious to the plot. And with low expectations. I kind of expected it to be another The Giver fiasco.

I was actually pleasantly surprised.

Instead of telling the audience what is going in, we arrive with Thomas to the middle of the maze. In fact the opening scene is Thomas being pushed up through the ground into the glade. We have no idea who he is, who everyone else is, or where we are. We learn everything when Thomas does. This helps make the movie more interesting. You are intrigued from the beginning. Why are they there? Who put them there? Why is he different?

As the movie progresses, the action starts as well. We see parts of the maze and the animals that lurk within it.

The movie is like a modern-day or maybe even a future-like Lord of the Flies. The boys are left to fend for themselves and some are torn between staying alive inside the glade, safe and comfortable, or trying to figure out a way outside but risking the danger.

The acting is OK. I didn't like Thomas very much. His acting wasn't horrible, I just...couldn't find him interesting. Teresa (Scodelario) doesn't have much to say or do in this movie but I can't help but feel she will come into play in the later movies. I did like Minho (Lee). I felt he acted better than Thomas and he just seemed more likable.

The movie did a great job of keeping you interested. As the movie progresses so does your intrigue. You just have to know what's going to happen. The ending was unpredictable and sets up the sequel, The Scrorch Trials, which is set to be released in September of this year.

I will definitely be seeing the sequel and I hope that it continues in the same vein as Maze Runner when it comes to asking questions and providing delayed answers.

I give this movie 4 out of 5 popcorn.

IPA IPA IPA

It's time for another.....Into the Pint Glass link up!

This time we tried IPA and once again I got John to compare and contrast with me. Hope you enjoy!

International Women's Day

Yesterday, March 8, was International Women's Day. A day that celebrates the social, economic, and political achievements that women have made throughout history. It is also a reminder that though women have made great leaps and bounds there are still many areas in which women are not treated equally to men.

The day is not meant to put down men, to demean them, to say that their achievements are not as worthy. It is simply a day to celebrate and recognize all the ladies who have made great contributions to our world, our lives, who you may not have ever heard of.


I'm sorry to say that this is actually my first time hearing about International Women's Day, so little recognition did it get prior to social media. But there are many countries who actually celebrate IWD as a national holiday!

Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, China (for women only), Cuba, Georgia, Guinea-Bissau, Eritrea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Madagascar (for women only), Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nepal (for women only), Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Zambia

I've read that it's similar to the US version of Mother's Day where women receive small gifts of appreciation. But I kind of like the fact that IWD isn't exclusively for women who have children.


Here are some great links I've found around the web that celebrate women. Click on the pictures to be taken to some really interesting female-centered articles.

via i09

via Brain Pickings

via PBS

Via Tumblr

Black Moon by Kenneth Calhoun

Black Moon: A Novel
Author: Kenneth Calhoun
Published by: Hogarth

People are becoming mean savages. Hurting people, abandoning their children, going insane. Why? Because for some reason people are unable to sleep. They stay awake for hours until they're awake for days on end. They are unable to string words together, to take care of themselves, to take care of others. But there a few, who can still sleep - and in this world, there is nothing more dangerous.

I really wanted to like this book but it just didn't leave me satisfied.

The way Calhoun writes is lyrical. His words, like the insomniacs, can be incoherent but it doesn't make it any less beautiful. His writing is easy to envision. The dystopian world he creates seems as if it would be an interesting read but unfortunately it is not.

There are a lot of characters in this story. Each chapter looks at a different character and it can be hard to keep up with them all. Plus, with all of the characters floating around it becomes difficult to get much development out of them. The novel isn't very long. Calhoun should have dived into his characters more and made the novel longer.

Though the words are beautifully written, they just couldn't keep me hooked. Every time I put the book down I'd have to force myself to pick it back up again. The chapters seemed disconnected even though they are all having the same battles.

Reading the book is almost like being an insomniac yourself. You wonder what the book is about. You wonder if you missed something because nothing is really happening and you don't know why what has happened, did. You start to think about other things while you're reading it and you find yourself halfway in the middle of a sentence that you continue anyway because, eh, it doesn't really matter.

This book had such promise but as it is now it seems unfinished, under developed and left me unfulfilled.


I give it one cateye.

*I received this book courtesy of Blogging for Books but all options are my own.*