Wednesday’s Breakfast and a Book: A Mother’s Goodbye by Kate Hewitt – Foraging for Fresh Juice!

On June 20, 2018June 20, 2018 By MischenkoIn Plants and gardening, Reads, Wednesday's Breakfast and a Book11 Comments

Hello everyone! I hope you’re all doing well this week. I’m sorry it’s been so long since I did a Breakfast and a Book post. I don’t seem to have very many interesting recipes to share with you all, but I think once fall rolls around I’ll be baking more and I’ll have some good recipes to share.

I decided to go out and forage for some plants to make some fresh juice this morning. I love doing this first thing in the morning. It’s very grounding and relaxing just listening to the different sounds around you in nature. Continue reading “Wednesday’s Breakfast and a Book: A Mother’s Goodbye by Kate Hewitt – Foraging for Fresh Juice!” →

Giveaway Winner for Hat is in!

On June 18, 2018 By MischenkoIn Giveaway, Giveaway Winners, Reads10 Comments

The giveaway has ended for a free print copy of Hat by Renee Paule and G.R. Hewitt!

Continue reading “Giveaway Winner for Hat is in!” →

Music Monday: The Police “Wrapped Around Your Finger” & “Every Breath You Take”

On June 18, 2018 By MischenkoIn Music, Music Monday, Reads34 Comments

-Music Monday-

This meme was created by Drew @ The Tattooed Book Geek. You pick a song that you really like and share it on Monday!

I just finished reading Broken Music by Sting and I’ll share my review later for that. I’ve been a Police fan since I was a young child and Sting is still a favorite artist today. Here are two favorites that go way back to my childhood, back to when sitting in front of MTV was all I wanted to do. Not only are these favorite songs, but favorite music videos as well.

Continue reading “Music Monday: The Police “Wrapped Around Your Finger” & “Every Breath You Take”” →

Shabby Sunday: Nature’s Flying Janitor by Victoria Cox and Stan Applebaum – 1974

On June 17, 2018June 18, 2018 By MischenkoIn Animals, Education, Reads, Shabby Sunday22 Comments

Shabby Sunday

I have a lot of old vintage books and one of my plans when I first started blogging was to do a post every week or so that shared one of my cherished vintage books. Then I thought there might be other book bloggers out there that have some vintage books, heirlooms, or maybe some old books from childhood that they might want to share. I decided to start a weekly meme titled ‘Shabby Sunday’ for those who would like to participate and share some of their old vintage books. Do you have some shabby books you’d like to share? If so, please feel free to participate as anyone can join. Feel free to use the picture I’ve provided if you’d like to. If you decide to do this meme, please consider linking back to me so that I can see the book you’re sharing.

Today’s Shabby Share is:

Nature’s Flying Janitor

Victoria Cox, Stan Applebaum

Jo Polseno (Illustrator)

This is my first Shabby Share that I actually had to add on Goodreads because it hadn’t been listed yet. I had no idea how easy it was to do that and it was a fun experience…

Continue reading “Shabby Sunday: Nature’s Flying Janitor by Victoria Cox and Stan Applebaum – 1974” →

Flower Friday: Red Velour Tidal Wave & Deep Purple Shock Wave Petunias ~ Deadheading

On June 15, 2018June 15, 2018 By MischenkoIn Flower Friday, Plants and gardening, Reads22 Comments

I discovered Flower Friday last year while visiting Lorilin@Bugbugbooks and have been having a blast sharing some flower pictures and information. Please check out Lorilin’s blog if you haven’t already for book reviews and more!

Today’s Flower is:

Tidal Wave & Shock Wave Petunias

I ended up choosing deep purple shock wave and red velour tidal wave petunias this season. These red velour petunias can spread up to 5 feet! Continue reading “Flower Friday: Red Velour Tidal Wave & Deep Purple Shock Wave Petunias ~ Deadheading” →

Throwback Thursday: Sarah by Teri Polen

On June 14, 2018June 14, 2018 By MischenkoIn Fiction, Horror, Reads, Throwback Thursday, Young Adult22 Comments

Throwback Thursday is a weekly meme created by Renee @ It’s Book Talk. This meme is an awesome way to share old favorites that were published over a year ago or even books that you’re finally reading after much time has passed. I have plenty of those to share! If you have your own Throwback Thursday recommendation feel free to jump on board. Please link back to her by using the link above.

Today’s throwback is:

Sarah

Teri Polen

Continue reading “Throwback Thursday: Sarah by Teri Polen” →

Puppy Update & Slideshow [Munch]

On June 13, 2018June 15, 2018 By MischenkoIn Animals, Music, Pets53 Comments

On April 2nd this year, Cynder had her 2nd litter of eight puppies. We weren’t expecting her to have such a large litter, but knew that she’d have more than her first litter of three puppies because she was so huge during her pregnancy.

Continue reading “Puppy Update & Slideshow [Munch]” →

Hat by Renée Paule & G.R. Hewitt: Book Review and GIVEAWAY!

On June 12, 2018June 12, 2018 By MischenkoIn Children's Books, Education, Giveaway, Reads10 Comments

Hat

Renée Paule and G.R. Hewitt

I read The Frightened Little Flower Bud last year by Renée Paule and G.R. Hewitt. It quickly became one of the best and most essential books in my children’s library. Here we are in 2018 and their newest book HAT is now one of my personal favorites and my #1 children’s read of the year. I’m amazed with how educational this book is and the many lessons it teaches.

The book opens with Bertie, an excellent gardener who loves his old brown, floppy hat.

Continue reading “Hat by Renée Paule & G.R. Hewitt: Book Review and GIVEAWAY!” →

Music Monday: Metallica “To Live Is To Die” [Artwork] + Metallica – The Stories Behind the Biggest Songs by Chris Ingham and To Live Is To Die by Joel Mclver

On June 11, 2018June 11, 2018 By MischenkoIn Art, Music, Music Monday, Reads16 Comments

-Music Monday-

This meme was created by Drew @ The Tattooed Book Geek. You pick a song that you really like and share it on Monday!

Today’s share is a song by Metallica. This is one of my favorite Metallica instrumentals and gives me a chance to talk about two of my favorite bassists of all time. It’s one that Jason Newsted (former bassist) performed in, and the last Metallica song that Cliff Burton (bassist of Metallica before Newsted) was credited for. Cliff died on my 9th birthday. That day, he was in a tragic bus accident and perished at the young age of 24.

Continue reading “Music Monday: Metallica “To Live Is To Die” [Artwork] + Metallica – The Stories Behind the Biggest Songs by Chris Ingham and To Live Is To Die by Joel Mclver” →

Flower Friday: Bearded Purple Iris

On June 8, 2018June 8, 2018 By MischenkoIn Flower Friday, Plants and gardening34 Comments

Today’s Flower is:

Bearded Iris

Continue reading “Flower Friday: Bearded Purple Iris” →

This Week’s Children’s Books: Little Owl Lost by Chris Haughton – Hat by Renée Paule & G.R. Hewitt – Big Tree Down! by Laurie Lawlor – I Walk with Vanessa by Kerascoët – and Good Day, Good Night by Margaret Wise Brown

On June 7, 2018June 7, 2018 By MischenkoIn Children's Books, Education, Fiction, Reads17 Comments

I haven’t shared a children’s book post in quite some time and thought I’d share some of the books we’ve read this week. Here are five children’s reads for you to check out!

Continue reading “This Week’s Children’s Books: Little Owl Lost by Chris Haughton – Hat by Renée Paule & G.R. Hewitt – Big Tree Down! by Laurie Lawlor – I Walk with Vanessa by Kerascoët – and Good Day, Good Night by Margaret Wise Brown” →

A Bad Beginning (A Series of Unfortunate Events #1) by Lemony Snicket ~ Book Review

On June 5, 2018 By MischenkoIn Children's Books, Fiction, Reads, Series39 Comments

The Bad Beginning (A Series of Unfortunate Events #1)

Lemony Snicket &

Brett Helquist (Illustrator)

From Goodreads:

Dear Reader,

I’m sorry to say that the book you are holding in your hands is extremely unpleasant. It tells an unhappy tale about three very unlucky children. Even though they are charming and clever, the Baudelaire siblings lead lives filled with misery and woe. From the very first page of this book when the children are at the beach and receive terrible news, continuing on through the entire story, disaster lurks at their heels. One might say they are magnets for misfortune.

In this short book alone, the three youngsters encounter a greedy and repulsive villain, itchy clothing, a disastrous fire, a plot to steal their fortune, and cold porridge for breakfast.

It is my sad duty to write down these unpleasant tales, but there is nothing stopping you from putting this book down at once and reading something happy, if you prefer that sort of thing.

With all due respect,
Lemony Snicket

Continue reading “A Bad Beginning (A Series of Unfortunate Events #1) by Lemony Snicket ~ Book Review” →

Music Monday: Deftones “Change (In The House Of Flies)”

On June 4, 2018June 4, 2018 By MischenkoIn Music, Music Monday28 Comments

-Music Monday-

This meme was created by Drew @ The Tattooed Book Geek. You pick a song that you really like and share it on Monday!

I had a different post planned for this morning which shared some artwork, but due to mislocating the drawing, I had to quickly redo a music post for this morning. Here’s a favorite I’ve wanted to share for some time. Hope you enjoy. 🙂

Deftones

“Change (In The House Of Flies)”

Continue reading “Music Monday: Deftones “Change (In The House Of Flies)”” →

Flower Friday: Prairie Spiderwort & Flower/Greenhouse Updates…

On June 1, 2018June 1, 2018 By MischenkoIn Flower Friday, Plants and gardening21 Comments

Today’s Flower is:

Spiderwort

These are considered a wildflower, but I always thought they were weeds.

Continue reading “Flower Friday: Prairie Spiderwort & Flower/Greenhouse Updates…” →

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Harry Potter #1) Illustrated Edition by J.K. Rowling & Jim Kay ~ Book Review #UltimateReadingChallenge May

On May 31, 2018 By MischenkoIn Children's Books, Fantasy, Reading Challenges, Reads20 Comments

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Harry Potter #1)

J.K. Rowling, Jim Kay (Illustrator)

From Goodreads:

The beloved first book of the Harry Potter series, now fully illustrated by award-winning artist Jim Kay.

For the first time, J.K. Rowling’s beloved Harry Potter books will be presented in lavishly illustrated full-color editions. Kate Greenaway-award winning artist Jim Kay has created over 100 stunning illustrations, making this deluxe format a perfect gift as much for a child being introduced to the series, as for the dedicated fan.

Harry Potter has never been the star of a Quidditch team, scoring points while riding a broom far above the ground. He knows no spells, has never helped to hatch a dragon, and has never worn a cloak of invisibility.

All he knows is a miserable life with the Dursleys, his horrible aunt and uncle, and their abominable son, Dudley–a great big swollen spoiled bully. Harry’s room is a tiny closet at the foot of the stairs, and he hasn’t had a birthday party in eleven years.

But all that is about to change when a mysterious letter arrives by owl messenger: a letter with an invitation to an incredible place that Harry–and anyone who reads about him—will find unforgettable.

Continue reading “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Harry Potter #1) Illustrated Edition by J.K. Rowling & Jim Kay ~ Book Review #UltimateReadingChallenge May” →

How to Break Up with Your Phone: The 30-Day Plan to Take Back Your Life by Catherine Price ~ Book Review

On May 31, 2018May 31, 2018 By MischenkoIn Reads, Self-Help Books23 Comments

How to Break Up with Your Phone: The 30-Day Plan to Take Back Your Life

Catherine Price

From Goodreads:

Packed with tested strategies and practical tips, this book is the essential, life-changing guide for everyone who owns a smartphone.

Is your phone the first thing you reach for in the morning and the last thing you touch before bed? Do you frequently pick it up “just to check,” only to look up forty-five minutes later wondering where the time has gone? Do you say you want to spend less time on your phone–but have no idea how to do so without giving it up completely? If so, this book is your solution.Award-winning journalist Catherine Price presents a practical, hands-on plan to break up–and then make up–with your phone. The goal? A long-term relationship that actually feels good. You’ll discover how phones and apps are designed to be addictive, and learn how the time we spend on them damages our abilities to focus, think deeply, and form new memories. You’ll then make customized changes to your settings, apps, environment, and mindset that will ultimately enable you to take back control of your life.

Continue reading “How to Break Up with Your Phone: The 30-Day Plan to Take Back Your Life by Catherine Price ~ Book Review” →

Music Monday: Memorial Day – Billy Ray Cyrus “Some Gave All”

On May 28, 2018May 28, 2018 By MischenkoIn Music, Music Monday22 Comments

-Music Monday-

This meme was created by Drew @ The Tattooed Book Geek. You pick a song that you really like and share it on Monday!

Today, rather than finish out the month of May sharing Chris Cornell, I’m going to share an old favorite for Memorial Day. Here in the U.S. on the last Monday in May, we remember those who died fighting for our country and for our freedom. For some, Memorial Day is just a day off work, a long weekend, an outdoor BBQ, or the unofficial start of summer, but Memorial Day means so much more than that and we must remember. So, today I’d like to share this song for Music Monday to honor and remember those who gave all.

Continue reading “Music Monday: Memorial Day – Billy Ray Cyrus “Some Gave All”” →

Flower Friday: Lupine

On May 25, 2018May 25, 2018 By MischenkoIn Flower Friday, Plants and gardening23 Comments

Today’s Flower is:

Lupine

This is a flower from the legume family that blooms tall spiky flowers that taper at the top. The spikes produce multiple sweat pea-like flowers.

Continue reading “Flower Friday: Lupine” →

Tag: 3 Days, 3 Quotes: Day 3

On May 24, 2018May 24, 2018 By MischenkoIn Fantasy, Fiction, Movies, Reads, TAGS17 Comments

3 Days, 3 Quotes Tag: Day 3

I was tagged for the 3 Days, 3 Quotes Tag by Nina@thecozypages and Jay@thisismytruthnow. I’d like to thank Nina and Jay for the tag. I’m sure everyone is familiar with both of these wonderful people and their blogs, but go visit if you haven’t!

It’s taken me a few months, but I’m excited to share 3 different quotes over the next 3 days with everyone. So, here we go with the final day!

tag 3.png

RULES

• Thank the person who nominated you.
• Post a quote for 3 consecutive days (1 quote for each day, can be a super short post).
• Nominate three new bloggers each day.

Day 3 – Quote

Rather than choose a book quote today, I thought I would end the final day of quotes with an excerpt from one of my favorite movies. I just finished reading The Hobbit and loved it so much, but I was surprised to learn that Tauriel wasn’t in it. I’m one of those who watched the movies first and then read the book along with my 9-year-old. Regardless, I love her addition to the movie and honestly was totally bummed that she wasn’t in the book. Watching the banter between her and Kili, and then the growth of the whole connection were some of the best moments in the movie for me.

“If this is love, I do not want it. Take it away, please. Why does it hurt so much?” – Tauriel

“Because it was real.” – Thranduil

Here’s the excerpt from The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies.

I TAG:

This tag turned out to be a favorite! I hope to get re-tagged for this in the future, haha. 😀 I hope everyone who chooses to do it enjoys it as much as I did. Feel free to share comments below if you’d like. 🙂 – Mischenko

TAG: 3 Days, 3 Quotes: Day 2

On May 23, 2018May 23, 2018 By MischenkoIn Children's Books, Pets, Reads, TAGS31 Comments

3 Days, 3 Quotes Tag

It’s taken me a few months, but I’m excited to share 3 different quotes over the next 3 days with everyone. So, here we go with day 2!

tag 3.png

RULES

• Thank the person who nominated you.
• Post a quote for 3 consecutive days (1 quote for each day, can be a super short post).
• Nominate three new bloggers each day.

Continue reading “TAG: 3 Days, 3 Quotes: Day 2” →

TAG: 3 Days, 3 Quotes

On May 22, 2018May 22, 2018 By MischenkoIn Children's Books, Fiction, Reads, TAGS51 Comments

3 Days, 3 Quotes Tag

It’s taken me a few months, but I’m excited to share 3 different quotes over the next 3 days with everyone.

tag 3.png

RULES

• Thank the person who nominated you.
• Post a quote for 3 consecutive days (1 quote for each day, can be a super short post).
• Nominate three new bloggers each day.

Continue reading “TAG: 3 Days, 3 Quotes” →

Music Monday: Soundgarden “Rusty Cage” & “The Day I Tried To Live” | Audioslave “Show Me How To Live” & “I Am The Highway” | Chris Cornell “Sunshower” & “River of Deceit”

On May 21, 2018May 21, 2018 By MischenkoIn Music, Music Monday22 Comments

-Music Monday-

This meme was created by Drew @ The Tattooed Book Geek. You pick a song that you really like and share it on Monday!

From May 7th: When I first started this blog, one of my intentions was to talk about music as much as possible, hence my blog name. 🙂 My very first music blog post from March 2017 featured Mad Season, a band that eventually included Chris Cornell and the next, Temple of the Dog. It felt great to talk about some of the music I’ve always loved. Little did I know, just a few months later he’d be gone like so many others before him.

I’m not one of those people who usually count dates or add up the time since someone has been gone, yet here I am doing it with Chris. It’s been a year this month and I can’t believe the time has flown. For the whole month of May–to honor Chris–I’ll be sharing some of my favorite Chris Cornell songs.

On Friday, which marked one year since Chris’s passing, I shared “Live To Rise” by Soundgarden. If you’d like to see that post you can click here.

Audioslave “Show Me How To Live”

Continue reading “Music Monday: Soundgarden “Rusty Cage” & “The Day I Tried To Live” | Audioslave “Show Me How To Live” & “I Am The Highway” | Chris Cornell “Sunshower” & “River of Deceit”” →

Blog Tour & Book Review: As Good As Gold: A Dog’s Life in Poems by Patricia Furstenberg #AsGoodAsGold

On May 21, 2018May 21, 2018 By MischenkoIn Blog Tours, Children's Books, Pets, Poetry, Reads22 Comments

As Good As Gold: A dog’s life in poems

Author: Patricia Furstenberg

Synopsis:

As engaging as a tail wag

Celebrating the simple things in life as seen through the eyes of our old time favourite furry friends, “As Good as Gold” is a volume of poetry revealing the talent and humour we always knew our dogs possessed.

Dogs are full of questions, yet they are famed sellers of innocence especially when it comes to explaining their mishaps and often foolish effervescence through ponderings such as “Why IS a Cat Not Like a Dog”, “As Brown as Chocolate”, “Silver Stars and Puppy Tail” or, best yet, “Dog or Book?”

A book with an enormous heart for readers of all ages, it includes 35 poems and haiku accompanied by expressive portraits of our canine friends. Continue reading “Blog Tour & Book Review: As Good As Gold: A Dog’s Life in Poems by Patricia Furstenberg #AsGoodAsGold” →

Shabby Sunday: Walt Disney Presents the Story of Hansel and Gretel with Songs by Walt Disney Company – 1967

On May 20, 2018May 20, 2018 By MischenkoIn Children's Books, Fairy Tales, Reads, Shabby Sunday, Vintage Books29 Comments

Shabby Sunday

Today’s Shabby Share is:

Walt Disney presents the story of Hansel and Gretel with songs

Walt Disney Company

I know I’ve shared this book a few times before now on tags and also Claire’s Blogger’s Bookshelf post @Brizzlelassbooks, but I’d like to share it again today for Shabby Sunday.

Continue reading “Shabby Sunday: Walt Disney Presents the Story of Hansel and Gretel with Songs by Walt Disney Company – 1967” →

Flower Friday: Meyer Lilac

On May 18, 2018May 18, 2018 By MischenkoIn Flower Friday, Plants and gardening20 Comments

Today’s flower is the Meyer Lilac!

I debated doing an extra post today, but I have to share these lilacs! I love lilacs. They have the best smell and I look forward to them every spring.

We have a few bushes around the house and they are so easy to care for. They’re also really easy to propagate into new plants and they grow super fast.

They are just coming into bloom and there’s a light aroma in the air. These particular lilacs only bloom in the spring. I do wish it lasted longer! Continue reading “Flower Friday: Meyer Lilac” →

Chris Cornell 1964-2017 | Soundgarden “Live To Rise”

On May 18, 2018May 18, 2018 By MischenkoIn Music19 Comments

One year ago today, the music world received the sad and shocking news that Chris Cornell had passed away.

In memory of one of my favorite musicians of all-time, I’ve been sharing Chris’s music throughout the month of May for Music Mondays. In addition, today I’d like to share a song Chris wrote from the Avengers Assemble album, which includes songs from Marvel’s The Avengers movie (2012). This album marked Soundgarden’s return with their first song in 15 years.

My family and I were at the drive-in when the song played during the closing credits of the movie. It was a breathtaking moment for me especially. I’ve loved the song ever since, but never really thought much about the meaning of the lyrics. The song adapts well with the movie and it’s not like I knew Chris personally or what he was going through, but it seems like he was on his own spiritual journey during this time, possibly even back when he was writing some of the earlier Audioslave songs. Everyone interprets songs differently, but to me, this one is fairly clear-cut.

Soundgarden

“Live To Rise”

Continue reading “Chris Cornell 1964-2017 | Soundgarden “Live To Rise”” →

Throwback Thursday: Dark Matter by Blake Crouch – May 17th

On May 17, 2018May 17, 2018 By MischenkoIn Fiction, Reads, Science Fiction, Thrillers, Throwback Thursday34 Comments

Today’s throwback is:

Dark Matter

Blake Crouch

Blurb from Goodreads:

“Are you happy with your life?” Continue reading “Throwback Thursday: Dark Matter by Blake Crouch – May 17th” →

Wednesday’s Breakfast and a Book: Spaghetti Squash – In the Shadow of the Hanging Tree by Michael A. McLellan

On May 16, 2018May 16, 2018 By MischenkoIn Cooking, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Reads, Thrillers, Wednesday's Breakfast and a Book29 Comments

Hello everyone! I hope you’re all doing well this week. It’s hard to believe we are in the middle of May already. Time is flying this year! I’m sorry I haven’t been doing many Breakfast and a Book posts lately, but life has been a little crazy. I hope to pick back up with more of these during the summer when I have a little more time in the mornings.

I’ve had this recipe in mind for some time now. I cook it often, but the difference now is that I don’t have it with eggs like I used to. For breakfast, this can be served with fried eggs or scrambled eggs mixed in. Continue reading “Wednesday’s Breakfast and a Book: Spaghetti Squash – In the Shadow of the Hanging Tree by Michael A. McLellan” →

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