Books I've Read In 2015

So this year I decided to keep track of all the books I read and I hope I actually do better than last year where I just stopped in the middle of the year and gave up. I had made a challenge to myself to read 100 books this year and if I include all of the stories in the anthologies I read, I read more than 100. So here is my list in the order that I read them. 

1. Four One Night by Kitt Crescendo

2. Theirs To Cherish by Shayla Black
3. Melting The Ice by Jaci Burton
4. Strip Search by Shayla Black
5. Straddling The Line by Jaci Burton
6. There All Along by Lauren Dane and Megan Hart
7. Risky Game by Tracy Solheim
8. The Darkest Touch By Gena Showalter
9. Bound By Blood by Cynthia Eden
10. Four One Night by Kitt Crescendo
11. Owned by M. Never
12. Locked by Maya Cross
13. Exposed Ecstasy by Houston Havens
14. Unbound by Sara Humphreys
15. Ruthless Perfection by Susie Warren
16. A League of Her Own by Karen Rock
17. Hunter By Night by Elisabeth Staab
18. Taken by the Swarm: Seduced by Werebees by A M Ball
19. Bound By Blood by Cynthia Eden
20. Taken By The Huntsman by Mistral Dawn
21. Spice by Seressia Glass
22. Blood Assassin by Alexandra Ivy
23. Jaguar Hunt by Terry Spear
24. Favored By Felix by Shelley Munro
25. Forever After by Linda Poitevin
26. Dark Hunger by Christine Feehan
27. Intruder Mine by Cheryl Dragon
28. Rough Canvas by Joey W. Hill
29. Holding The Cards by Joey W Hill
30. Bound By Night by Larissa Ione
31. Enthralled by Lora Leigh, Alyssa Day and Lucy Monroe
32. How To Seduce A Vampire Without Really Trying by Kerrelyn Sparks
33. Dancing by Laurell K. Hamilton
34. Holding The Cards by Joey W Hill
35. Dates from hell by Kim Harrison, Lynsay Sands, Kelley Armstrong and Lori Handeland
36. Fated Mates: The Alpha Shifter Boxed set (12 ebook bundle)
37. Bound By The Summer Prince by Mistral Dawn
38. Under Cover of Dark by Juanita Kees
39. Claimed & Seduced by Shelley Munro
40. Merry & Seduced by Shelley Munro
41. Stranded & Seduced by Shelley Munro
42. Blood Moon by Lisa Kessler
43. Bloodbound Heart by Jacqueline Sweet
44. Shadow of Mystery by Skye Tate
45. Crimson Midnight by Amos Cassidy
46. Queen of Hearts by Kristen Painter
47. Seized & Seduced by Shelley Munro
48. Mate Bond by Jennifer Ashley
49. Lost With Leo by Shelley Munro
50. Ghost of Death by Chrys Fey
51. Love, Lex by Avery Aster
52. Midnight Raven by Becca Boucher
53. Twice Tempted By Jeaniene Frost
54. Smoking Gunn by Amelia James
55. Don't Count Your Demons by Sharon Kay
56. As Twilight Falls by Amanda Ashley
57. Darkness Bred by Stella Cameron
58. One Gold Heart by Sadie Haller
59. Hades: A Demonica Novel by Larissa Ione
60. Cowboy Command by Olivia James
61. Imperfect Justice by Olivia James
62. Cowboy Famous by Olivia James
63. Justice Healed by Olivia James
64. Death's Servant by C.J. Ellisson
65. Vexed by Wren Michaels
66. Hard To Come By by Laura Kaye
67. Covet by Felicity Heaton
68. Her Dark Angel by Felicity Heaton
69. Prophecy: Child of Light by Felicity Heaton
70. Reunion by Felicity Heaton
71. Vampire For Christmas by Felicity Heaton
72. Bad Wolf by Jennifer Ashley
73. Vampire Vacation by C.J. Ellison
74. Rag Doll by Rebecca Scarberry
75. Machines of the Little People by Tegon Maus
76. Dead Ice by Laurell K Hamilton
77. The Bourbon Kings by JR Ward
78. The Turning Season by Sharon Shinn
79. Edge of Darkness by Christine Feehan, Maggie Shayne and Lori Herter
80. A Seal's Pleasure by Tawny Weber
81. Midnight Thunder by Vicki Lewis Thompson
82. Hungry Like The Wolf by Paige Tyler
83. Yellowstone Fugitive by Saige Silver
84. Flight of Dragons box set
85. Spider Game by Christine Feehan
86. Dark Ghost by Christine Feehan
87. Farmer Wants A Wife by Shelley Munro
88. Bear The Heat by Catherine Vale
89. Peta by Shannon Mayer
90. Naughty, Nice and Paranormal: A Touch Of Holiday Magic box set
91. The Harvest: A Tah'Narian Christmas By M.A. Church
92. Lion Eyes: Shifters Unbound by Jennifer Ashley
93. House Immortal by Devon Monk
94. Assassin's Kiss by Sharon Kay
95. Dark Promises by Christine Feehan
96. A Slave For the Demon by Verrity Vixxen
97. Demon Slave by Kiersten Fay
98. Taken by the Incubus by Bliss Devlin
99. Sweet Ruin by Kresley Cole

Favorite Picture of the Week

This week my favorite picture is of my hubby and our 2 year old grandson, Logan. He's gonna be 3 years old next month. But it's pretty evident he's gonna be tall like his 6'7" dad. lol 

Product Review: Idson Retractable Dog Leash

Product Description

Comfortable, Strong, Durable nylon retractable leash supports dogs up to 110 pounds. Comfortable anti-slip handle for secure gripping.

Easy control leash length, reliable lock button gives you full control enabling instant retraction of your dog when needed, the belt can extend to 16 feet. 

Small and lightweight.

My Review

We've had Falcor for less than 2 years and yet we've gone through 3 retractable leashes. The dog runs after blowing leaves, pieces of paper and pretty much anything that blows in the wind on windy days and unfortunately hubby doesn't always have a good grip on the leash so he drops it and then if you shake the leash you can hear small pieces on the inside that are rolling around in there and the leash will no longer work properly. 

So I was happy to get another retractable leash to try out and this one I like because it's easy to stop the leash from coming out and easy to let it out with the push of a button. I like that even when you have it on stop so that the leash doesn't come out that it still has a little give to it so that a little will come out so that it doesn't break the retractable part of the leash. I also like that the hook on the leash is a metal one and not a plastic one that can break more easily. 

Disclosure: I was given this product at a discount in exchange for an honest review. 

Happy Raturday!

*Photo courtesy of MrRat395 on Twitter*

"I said, no touching!"

*Photo courtesy of MrRat395 on Twitter*

"I'm patiently waiting for my yogie."

*photo courtesy of Rambling Ratz on Twitter*

"I'm nomming right now, come back later for pictures."

*photo courtesy of Rambling Ratz on Twitter*

"Yes this entire biscuit is mine. You are not to touch." 

*Photo courtesy of Rambling Ratz on Twitter*

"I think I stepped in dog poop. Yep, that's definitely dog poop."

Review: Sahale Snacks

Recently Crowdtap sent me a box of Sahale Snacks. In the box was:

1 sample of Sahale Snacks® Honey Almonds Glazed Mix

6 samples of Salted Caramel Apple Pecan Layered Nut Bars

6 samples of Almond Vanilla Latte Layered Nut Bars

1 sample of Sahale Pomegranate Vanilla Flavored Cashews

1 $1.00 Coupon

I tried the Honey Almonds first and then one of the Vanilla Latte Snack Bars and really liked both of those. I waited until the next day to try the Caramel Apple Pecan bars and even though I'm not a big fan of apples or apple flavored things in my snacks, everything I tried was really good. 

Disclosure: I sent a box of Sahale Snacks for free because I'm a member of Crowdtap. 

Favorite Video of the Week

So if you didn't know already, I detest Ariana Grande. I detest her and her ear drum rupturing high screeching voice. So when I found this guy who does funny parodies and found this parody of one of her songs, I thought it was funny. You might not find it funny if you like her.

Merry Christmas!

To everyone who celebrates this holiday, I wish you a very Merry Christmas. I hope you all have a great day. 

Mary's Meatloaf Recipe

1 yellow onion-diced

1 bell pepper- diced

2 carrots- diced

Saute in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until soft. Remove from heat and let cool 10 minutes. 

In an oven safe roasting pan with a lid mix together...

2 lbs of ground beef

McCormick Meatloaf Seasoning

1 egg

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup bread crumbs

Add cooled sauteed vegetables mix and form into a circle. 

You can form the meatloaf into whatever form you like, place lid on pot and add to a preheated 375 oven. Bake for 1 1/2 hours or until meat is cooked all the way through. Drain off oil and cut into slices or pieces. 

I serve mine with mashed potatoes, gravy and steamed broccoflower. 

If you've never heard of Broccoflower, it's a cross between broccoli and cauliflower. To me it just tastes like cauliflower but is light green in color. 

Favorite Picture of the Week

My dad came over for Thanksgiving and when he got himself a piece of pie he topped it with enough whip cream for three pies. You can't really tell in this picture, but there was a lot on his plate. It was funny.

Product Review: First Aid Kit With Hard Case- 326 pcs- First Aid Complete Care Kit by Total Resources International

Product Description

This highly organized kit provides comprehensive first aid treatment for a variety of needs. It complies or exceeds all OSHA guidelines for small business and meets ANSI types I and II requirements. The kit is fully organized for easy use and will treat many emergency situations. It can be wall mounted or stored easily. 

Clean: 30 Antiseptic Towelettes, 30 Alcohol Pads, 6 Sting Relief Pads, 3 Hand Sanitizers. Treat: 6 Antibiotic Ointment, 6 Burn Cream, 10 Antacid Tablets, 10 Aspirin Tablets, 10 Non-aspirin Tablets, 1 First Aid Guide, 1 Instant Cold Compress. Protect: 5 Adhesive Bandages (Metallic), 20 Adhesive Bandages 1" x 3", 55 Adhesive Bandages 0.75" x 3", 50 Adhesive Bandages 0.375" x 1.5", 10 Butterfly Bandages, 18 Wound Closure Strips, 2 Gauze Rolls, 3 Protective Earloop Masks, 2 Eye Pads, 10 Sterile Gauze Pads 2" x 2", 4 Sterile Gauze Pads 4" x 4", 1 Sterile Trauma Pad. Additional Supplies: 20 Cotton Tip Applicators, 1 Adhesive Tape Roll, 5 Finger Splints, 1 Triangular Bandage, 4 Examination Gloves, 1 pair Metal Scissors, 1 pair Metal Tweezers.

My Review

I've slowly been accumulating bandages, gauze and would care sprays but I always just use them up and then my tiny first aid kit is empty again. So I went looking for a bigger first aid kit to have on hand for those times I need to find something fast. It really doesn't do me any good to have gauze, medical tape and bandages if they are in a small pouch hidden under other stuff in the back of my hall closet and it never fails, that's where it is when I go to look for something. 

This kit has everything I will need for a very long time and it even has a quick reorder sheet in the event that I use stuff up and need to replace it. When I opened this first aid kit, I saw a whole bunch of bandages, tape ect. Then realized that there was more on the bottom!

More bandages, an ice pack ect. This first aid kit is packed with everything a person would need. My husband has Aids so I always have rubber gloves and bandages on had in case he cuts himself and needs help bandaging his cut up. I also keep a mini kit in my purse at all times with gloves, gauze and medical tape in case we are out together and he needs a bandage. He also keeps bandaids in his wallet at all times, so we go through a lot of bandaids and bandages because he has really thin skin and he bleeds really easily, so something like this kit comes in real handy for us. 

Plus I have a 2 year old grandson who lives near me and I know from experience that kids get scrapes and cuts all the time so I know this first aid kit will come in handy with him around. 

If you'd like to purchase this product, you can find it here. 

Happy Raturday!

*Picture courtesy of MrRat395 on Twitter*

"No, I won't smile and I won't be posing for another picture either."

*Picture courtesy of RamblingRatz on Twitter*

"My human obviously thinks I'm a dog. I think he needs glasses." 

*Picture courtesy of MrRat395 on Twitter*

"A little help would be nice."

*Picture courtesy of Mary Kirkland (me)"

"I'm gonna keep staring at you until I get a yogie."

Product Review: Ultimate Snacks Chips Cookies Candy Variety Assortment Pack by Custom Varietea

Product Description

65 Assorted Snacks Variety Pack.

Includes Exclusive Simples Recipes With Chips Booklet By Custom Varietea

Find Your Favorite Treats & Try New Flavors, Great Variety Pack For Everyone To Share & Enjoy.

Perfect For College Kids Dorms, School Snacks, Businesses, Homes, Gifts, Parties, Sports Teams, Military Personnel, & Much More!!

All Snacks Are Handpicked & Shipped Loose In Custom Varietea Box (Not In Manufacturers Packaging) In Rare Cases, Based Upon Availability Certain Flavors Will Be Replaced With Other Flavors

My Review

The first picture is what I saw when I opened the box. There are 65 snack bags with cookies, candy and chips in this box. There is a great variety of snacks, something that everyone will like. In the other two pictures, I just took out a random sampling of what I found in the box and took a picture of it to give you an idea of what you might find in this box. 

Everything was fresh, not stale and the box it came in was placed in another bigger box with bubble packs around it so the box didn't get squished at all and all the bags were in great condition. There are quite a few brand name snacks in this box that I've tried before but there were also some brands and snacks that I'd never tried before so this was a surprise for me as well. So far my hubby and I have liked everything in the box. 

I had several family members over when the box arrived and when I said everyone could help themselves, they were more than happy too and even had a hard time choosing between all the different snacks because there's such a diverse choice to choose from. 

This would be great to give to college kids, great to have on hand for lunches.

Favorite Video of the Week

So this week I thought I would share one of my favorite youtube series, Talking Kitty. This guy has made 44 videos of his cat and added voices to his animals and every single one of the videos is hilarious. This is the latest one.

Freebie Friday!

Welcome to another edition of Freebie Friday, where I tell you what free samples and full sized products I received in the mail and how you can get them too. Someone asked me why I do a 'Freebie Friday" each week, so I'll tell you.

A while back I listed all the free samples and wins that I had received that previous year and so many people didn't believe that I could have gotten so many free things. So I decided to prove it by taking a picture every week and sharing the sites that I found the links to the freebies at. So now you too can get great free samples coming to your mailbox each week.

  You can find links to samples like these at Hey It's Free and Freebie Shark.
Did you know you can sign up at Tomoson and get free products too. You can also sign up at these sites and get products at a great discount. No Kidding Coupons, AMZ Review Trader, and Elite Deal Club.

This week I received: 

A sample box of coconut covered dates and a coupon. 

A sample of Advil pain reliever.

2 samples packs of facial moisturizer.

I also received a sample bottle of Infagrow Next Step Toddler milk from PinchMe. 

Did you receive any freebies this week?

RIP Flower

I adopted Flower and Scribbles at the same time and Scribbles passed away a couple of months ago. I rescued them in 2014. Flower passed away tonight at the old age of 2.8 years old. 

She was the first hairless rat I've ever had and I had a little to learn about them, like how she liked to pose for the camera. She was such a diva and my friend even made this meme when she saw her picture. 

When she and Scribbles turned a year old, I made them a birthday cake. She hid over in the corner with a little bite.

She soon became the most lovable little rat and loved coming out, running around and dive bombing our shirts.

She was so photogenic and it seemed like she posed for the camera all the time.

She loved food and treats and I cut these tiny strips of carrot because it was fun watching her eat them. 

She got a little whip cream on her chin one day when she and I shared a piece of pumpkin pie. I share this picture all the time because it's the cutest thing ever.

She tried grabbing the plastic bag one morning when I was spot cleaning her cage. How cute are her tiny fingers?

She lived the life of comfort and loved her hammocks and fleece cubes.

But her most favorite place to be was inside my or Ken's shirt. 

When I put this big soft bed in her cage, she loved it and slept in it often. 

Flower loved ice cream too. She was nice enough to let me have a few bites of my ice cream cone. 

This is the last picture I took of her this week. She was slowing down and I knew it would probably be soon that she would be gone so she was getting all sorts of her favorite foods. She is eating a piece of Vienna Sausage here. 

She was 2.8 years old and since rats live between 2-3 years, she was an old lady rat. 

She was a very happy old lady rat though and I'm going to miss her. 

Review: Tropicana Vitamin C and Zinc Orange Juice

From the BzzAgent Website

Made without added sugars, water or preservatives, Tropicana Vitamin C & Zinc has 3x as much Vitamin C as regular OJ. This delicious 100% orange juice is made with fresh squeezed oranges and is an excellent source of Vitamin C and good source of zinc to help support a health immune system.

My Review

I was sent a free full size bottle of this orange juice and it was gone in 2 days because Ken and I really liked it. I hadn't tried this particular orange juice before but we have tried Tropicana before and we liked it. This orange juice wasn't bitter at all and it didn't have a bunch of bulky pulp in it. It really tasted like fresh squeezed orange juice without having to squeeze it myself. I'll definitely be purchasing this orange juice in the future.

And it was gone in a day. Must go buy more now.

Disclosure: I was sent a free full size bottle of Tropicana Orange Juice from BzzAgent.

Favorite Picture of the Week

A few days before Thanksgiving my brother came down and when he brought in this huge bottle of whiskey I told him and hubby *on the right* to hold it between them and smile so I could get a funny picture. They did this instead. Goofballs. 

Product Review: Ronson Medical Premium Fluoride Scissor 7.5 in

Product Description

Innovative non-stick Fluoride coated surface for easy cutting tape and bandages.

7.5" premium utility scissor

Autoclavable medical scissor

Proprietary stainless steel coating

100% Ronson Medical Satisfaction Guarantee

My Review

I got these medical scissors to have in my first aid bag because you never know when you'll have to cut some fabric for a sprained wrist, cut bandages or cut a shirt or pants off of someone who needs your help when they can't do it themselves. I think it's important for everyone to know basic first aid. I took a basic first aid class before my daughter was born and even though that was more than 24 years ago, I still remember what they taught in the class and if I need a reminder, I can always use Google. 

If you have a small child or like me have a grandson, I think it's important to have a basic knowledge of what to do in an emergency and these medical scissors or scissors of a similar nature are something that should be in a first aid bag. 

They cut bandages, medical tape and clothes with ease. 

If you'd like to buy these scissors, you can find them here. 

Happy Raturday!

*Picture courtesy of Storms Rat Pack*

"Merry Christmas"

*Picture courtesy of Storms Rat Pack*

*Picture courtesy of MrRat395 on Twitter"

"Fa la la la la la la la"

*Picture courtesy of Mary Kirkland "me"*

Flower wishes everyone a Merry Christmas

Product Review: Teardrop Crystal Pendant Necklace, Bracelet & Earrings Set by Mondaynoon

Product Description

This Jewelry Set, Australia Import Crystal Necklace, Bracelets, Earrings Ensemble is one member of our "Angel" series .We only have 6 styles in this series.

 It includes a necklace, a bracelet and a pair of pierced earrings. This silver-plated set will make any woman feel like an ANGEL.

 Each piece features a sparkling, open-back clear crystal drop in the exquisite spiral setting enhanced with clear crystal pave. The crystals that are featured on each is the main attraction of the set the beautiful diamond shape's is so eye catching it sparkles at every angle from the bouncing of the light.

 Approximate NECKLACE length: 15.7+1.9 inches. Approximate BRACELET length: 7.0+2 inch. Approximate EARRINGS drop: 1.77 inch.

This bracelet, earrings and necklace set is really pretty and is larger than I expected it to be. The bracelet fit my wrist no problem and the earrings and necklace are a great fit. The blue crystals in this jewelry set are so pretty and so blue and it goes with so many outfits. 

The jewelry is lightweight and very comfortable to wear. The earrings are nice and lightweight even though they are a nice size, they haven't bothered my ears at all. This matching tear drop set is really nice to wear together and I was complimented on them several times. This would make a great gift for someone or to give as a gift for any occasion. 

Disclosure: I was given this jewelry set for free in exchange for an honest review. 

If you'd like to buy this set you can find it here.