Book List

Book are my favorite form of escapism!

Here are some of my favorites

Interview with the Vampire- The original vampire series and less girly than Twilight but very enjoyable.

Water for Elephants- Just recently finished this one. Good book, especially if you are interested in the old circus times.

Youth in Revolt- I have seen the movie yet. I read the book in High school before a movie was even thought about. I love it. This book will make  you pee your pants from laughter starting with the first page. READ IT!!!

Witch of Blackbird Pond- I read this in middle school so it's meant for a younger audience but I'd like to read it again sometime.

Running with the Demon by Terry Brooks- I don't really know about Brooks' other books but this short series got me through a lot of tough times.  Definitely recommend it if  you are into a little fantasy. But don't worry it's not over the top

A clockwork orange- Gritty and violent and an awesome slang that I would like to incorporate into my vocabulary more often

The Secret- yes it's pretty cheesy but it help me change my thinking habits for the better, so that's good right?

The Hannibal Series- starting with The Red Dragon. Very entertaining. like watching a cop show.

I am currently reading Slaughter House Five which at first I didn't really like but I figured out if you stop trying to figure out what's going on it will save you a lot of brain power and energy. Only 2 more chapters left!

On my list to read are:

The Windup Bird Chronicles
The Beauty Myth
Stranger in a Strange Land
Golden Compass (this one was highly recommended to me by a sound source)

Well the end for now I guess.

Banana Bread Recipe

This is me and my sister's very favorite recipe and it's guilt free as well! Cuz it's Low-fat without skipping on the flavor.

You will need:
2/3 cup white sugar
1/4 cup applesauce
2 eggs
1 1/2 cup mashed bananas (the more over-ripe the better)
1/4 cup milk
1 2/3 cup all purpose flour or 1 cup white flour and 2/3 cup wheat flour (adding wheat gives it better texture)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon cinnamon (a little more than that never hurt anyone)

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray one 8"x4" loaf pan with non stick cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, beat the white sugar, vanilla, applesauce until smooth. Beat in eggs, milk and bananas with sugar mixture until well blended.
3. Mix in flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon just until the mixture is moistened. Be sure to scrape the sides of bowl to blend all ingredients.
4. Bake @ 350 degrees F for about 60 minutes. Bread is done when the top is firm to the touch and a golden brown color. Time will vary according to loaf size and oven type. When bread is removed from oven, allow to cool on side for 10 minutes then remove from pan and let cool on rack.

Also some optional ingredients are mini chocolate chips, almonds (or any kind of nut), small fruit pieces such as raisins. Mix these in just before baking.


Yummy!!!! Now go make it!

top 10 songs of my life

Unfortunately I grew up during the big boy band phase. Although a lot of those type of songs meant a lot to me then I chose not to include them as they mean nothing to me now. I was big into NSYNC and I wasn't exclusive I also enjoyed 98 degrees and Backstreet Boys until someone (thankfully) told me it was uncool to like boy bands.

It surprised me how difficult choosing only 10 songs would be. There are so many good ones that still mean so much to me. Anyway here they are :) 

1. Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under- Shania Twain
I was a huge Shania Twain fan from the ages of 6 to 12. I wanted to be her! Also her music epitomize life in Elko, Nevada. All I knew was country.

2. The Joker- Steve Miller Band
This song reminds me of my dad and listening to music in the front room with him when we lived in Nevada

3. I Want to Ride My Bycle- Queen
I was around 8 when I first heard this song and I really liked riding my bike. The end. 

4. You Oughta Know - Alanis Morrisette
This song and Alanis Morrisette's Album Jagged Little Pill is so ingrained in my life there is no way I could live without it. Listening to it blaring in my mom's truck on the way to clean houses to dancing to it with my sister when we were home alone (it says the F-word so we had to wait til dad went to work) to playing it when I'm angry. 

5. Barbie Girl- Aqua
Yess! My sister, cousin Kassy and cousin Joe acting out the lyrics and performing it for our parents. Hours and hours of play with this song and the Aquarium Album :)

6. Wonderful- Everclear
The first song I really related to. 6th grade after my parents divorce and my mother's remarriage. I just wanted everything to wonderful again. 

7. Family Portrait- P!nk
Also relates to divorce. still gives me chills

8. Walk Away- Christina Aguilera
How I felt about the relationship with my stepfather. I don't listen to this song anymore.

9. Crawling- Linkin Park
Also don't listen to this song. it's just too much. 

10. Hello- Evanescence
The first song I learned to sign. Also the way I was feeling after the very first D-day.

So the last few are kinda depressing. But I'm glad I had those songs to help me get through that time in my life. :)