Must Read & Watch (Special addition)

Making all the parents proud some books, with a little TV and some DVD’s.  You know I love my books and now going to the gym I read threw a book in 2 or 3 days so little time for TV or DVD’s.

BOOKS MUST READ (WELL ONE MAYBE NOT)

This book has charm, now it did have some slow moments but you really fell in love with this single mom who is a mystery shopper who gets wrapped up in a murder and then must solve the murders to clear her name.

Dying In Style

Mystery shopper Josie Marcus's report about Danessa Celedine's exclusive store is less than stellar, and it may cost the fashion diva fifty million dollars. But Danessa's financial future becomes moot when she's found murdered, strangled with one of her own thousand dollar snakeskin belts—and Josie is accused of the crime.

I truly loved this book you fell in love with the main character who becomes haunted by her great aunt who passed away.  She finds out things about herself and becomes a new person with even a chance at new love.

Twenties Girl

Lara Lington has always had an overactive imagination, but suddenly that imagination seems to be in overdrive. Normal professional twenty-something young women don't get visited by ghosts. Or do they?
When the spirit of Lara's great-aunt Sadie--a feisty, demanding girl with firm ideas about fashion, love, and the right way to dance--mysteriously appears, she has one request: Lara must find a missing necklace that had been in Sadie's possession for more than seventy-five years, because Sadie cannot rest without it.
Lara and Sadie make a hilarious sparring duo, and at first it seems as though they have nothing in common. But as the mission to find Sadie's necklace leads to intrigue and a new romance for Lara, these very different "twenties" girls learn some surprising truths from and about each other. Written with all the irrepressible charm and humor that have made Sophie Kinsella's books beloved by millions,Twenties Girl is also a deeply moving testament to the transcendent bonds of friendship and family.

This book I thought I would love the lead is a curvy girl, perfect I thought but sadly the first 30+ pages just didn’t grab me. 

Wicked Craving

Savannah Reid may have a few extra curves on her full-figured body, but that hasn't stopped her from becoming one of California's most successful private investigators. Her latest case puts her hot on the trail of a shady weight loss therapist who's made a killing treating—and cheating—his overweight patients. The question is, did he kill his wife, too?

Pound for pound, this is shaping up to be one of Savannah's toughest cases ever. But she'd better find the killer soon. . .or else the bodies will just keep piling up.

DVD’S MUST WATCH

I’ve been so excited for this to come to DVD (since I NEVER go to the movies).  It didn’t disappoint I laughed so hard at the things that were so cliché but you just had to laugh.  And come on how could you NOT love a Gnome with Oz Osbourne’s voice coming out of him.  When Amazon has it on sale I will be buying it!

Gnomeo and Juliet

An edgy Shakespeare adaptation like no other, this animated musical transports the classic tale of forbidden romance between two star-crossed lovers from warring families to the unlikely yet hysterical world of garden gnomes. Featuring songs from legendary recording artist Elton John, this movie features the vocal talents of Emily Blunt, James McAvoy, Jason Statham, Patrick Stewart and Michael Caine.

A few of the movies haven’t held up to the book in my mind but this one was great and I can’t wait for part II.  I need to add it to my collection.  Cole even sat down and watched with me for movie night.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Pt I

The first installment of the two-part conclusion to the Harry Potter series finds the bespectacled wizard (Daniel Radcliffe) walking away from his last year at Hogwarts to find and destroy the remaining Horcruxes, putting an end to Voldemort's bid for immortality. But with Harry's beloved Dumbledore dead and Voldemort's unscrupulous Death Eaters on the loose, the world is more dangerous than ever.

Another one that was a book that I grew up reading this series and spent many hours that helped my mind go into a great imagination world.  This movie was another great one to watch and to add my collection.

Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

With their dour, bookish cousin Eustace (Will Poulter) in tow, the youngest Pevensie offspring -- Lucy (Georgie Henley) and Edmund (Skandar Keynes) -- take an unexpected trip back to Narnia and join noble King Caspian (Ben Barnes) for an epic high-seas adventure. Setting sail aboard the Dawn Treader, the young heroes head for the end of the world, determined to rescue seven once-powerful lords banished by Caspian's evil uncle.

This was a cute movie at times I was like ok come on move on, of course with the title of the movie you’ll know what the first half of the movie is going to be about, so after a bit that was the point I said let’s move on.  The middle and end was very funny!

No Strings Attached

Emotionally unencumbered and sexually satisfied, friends with benefits Emma (Natalie Portman) and Adam (Ashton Kutcher) have an open relationship that suits them just fine. That is, until those pesky little things called feelings enter the picture. Ivan Reitman directs and Kevin Kline and Cary Elwes co-star in this comedy that explores the perks and pitfalls of modern romance.

This movie had some moments in it that were kind of silly but there were also some great moments.  It is worth a rental.

The Dilemma

Oscar-winning director Ron Howard serves up a delicious comedy about two best friends and business partners -- Ronny (Vince Vaughn) and Nick (Kevin James) -- who are about to land a fantastic deal when Ronny learns something about Nick's wife, Geneva (Winona Ryder), that rocks his world. Ronny turns amateur sleuth to determine whether Geneva's cheating on Nick and learns that telling a friend the truth is even more difficult than concealing it.

TV MUST WATCH:

I love these heart warming shows about real people that touch your heart.  Now I’m not at the weight close to these people but I do NEED to loose a good amount of weight and I so want this guy to come to my house!

Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition is a unique undertaking that's unlike anything you've ever seen TV. The show documents the amazing makeover of eight courageous, obese individuals who set out to safely lose half of their body weight over the course of a year. The metamorphosis is truly amazing.

Trainer/transformation specialist Chris Powell (The 650-Pound Virgin) guides each of the eight participants through the process after moving into their homes. He's there to make sure the participants get the proper nourishment and exercise movement. Chris provides a fresh perspective to individuals whose lives have become unmanageable because of their weight.

In each of the eight one-hour episodes, participants undergo a transformation not only of their bodies, but of who they are as individuals. Each stand-alone episode of Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition chronicles one participant's journey.

TNT has a new show that has two lead actors I have always loved.  This show has some potential it is a little kooky in some moments but I do like the characters.

When they're not hanging out at their favorite hot dog stand pontificating on what they'd go through to enjoy a night with their favorite female celebrities, Jared Franklin (Breckin Meyer) and Peter Bash (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) are chasing down their latest clients...sometimes literally. With business cards in hand, they're ready to nab a client within seconds after a car accident, arrest for solicitation or any other incident where their legal services may be needed. Once in the courtroom, they show their flair for the dramatic and the shocking.

Ok don’t laugh at me but I just got into this show, yes it’s on season 8 … lol.  I never thought it would be something I would enjoy but I caught the first try out episode and loved it.  Well that and seeing the clip on Ellen of her dancing really made me wanting to watch it!  And I’m loving it, these people are so talented.

America's favorite summer series, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, has kept viewers amazed and inspired as talented dancers skilled in everything from Hip Hop, Krumping and Popping to Salsa, Quickstep and Jive compete to be named America's Favorite Dancer.

Hosted by Cat Deeley, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE traveled across the country to Chicago, Dallas, Nashville, New York, Los Angeles and Miami, in search of dancers who represent the best in America. Those who shine during auditions are given a ticket to Las Vegas for callbacks, where they work with top choreographers to learn and then be judged on multiple styles of dance.

So there you have it a lot of fun things to read and watch!

Thursday Must Watch Reviews–Volume 32

I’ve always been fascinated about the Kennedy’s and saw on Ellen that this show would be on Reelz.  It was suppose to be on another station but they thought it would be too racy?  I think they did a great way of portraying everyone and they hint to the affairs but didn’t go into depth. It’s an interesting look behind the curtain.  I highly suggest you watch this mini series (It’s 8 total episodes).

The drama relives the public and private joys and tragedies of the most influential family in the world including fraternal rivalries, mob associations, the drugs and the women. The series recreates the political crisis that John F. Kennedy dealt with in the early days of his presidency including the Bay of Pigs invasion, the Cuban Missile Crisis that brought the world to the brink of nuclear war and the Civil Rights Movement. Viewers will see every twist and turn of this clan’s extraordinary story up to and including the assassinations of JFK and RFK.

As you know I love Weddings and I love Tori Spelling so guess what I was THRILLED to see they had a new show that I wanted to watch.  I’ve seen the first 2 episodes and love it.  It of course needs some tweaking but by season 2 it will be worked out. 

Combining Tori Spelling's party planning flair with her husband Dean McDermott's bring-it-on attitude, "Tori & Dean: sTORIbook Weddings" takes one lucky couple's wedding from ordinary to extraordinary. In the lead-up to the big day, Tori will turn the bride-to-be's dreams for a beautiful event into a reality while Dean will help the groom-to-be navigate all the twists and turns. Together, Tori and Dean will also help to overcome the potential issues with family, friends and the couples themselves that wedding stress may cause. The celebrity power couple understands the enormity of the day, having planned several weddings that aired on Oxygen, including their hit series "Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood."

Now I’m usually a huge fan of true stories but that is ones that you find on Hallmark & Lifetime.  This movie just wasn’t my cup of tea.  This would be more for Rick (he sadly was working so he didn’t see this).  I just couldn’t get into this movie and I LOVE LOVE Sean Penn. On a side note I still think he was robbed for the Oscar for I am Sam .

After her husband, Ambassador Joseph Wilson (Sean Penn), writes op-ed columns accusing the Bush administration of misleading the public to justify invading Iraq, Valerie Plame Wilson's (Naomi Watts) status as a covert CIA agent is leaked by administration officials. Based on events described in Plame Wilson's memoir, this drama explores the political scandal that led to the conviction of Lewis "Scooter" Libby.

Yeah to Betty White and this movie had a great Hallmark feel to it.  You just have to love Betty White and following along on this journey to fulfill a promise she had made to her late husband.  Along the road she and her granddaughter find out more about each other.

Determined to fulfill her husband's final wish, Annie Eason (Betty White) plans to spread his ashes from a bluff they nicknamed "Annie's Point." When her son Richard (Richard Thomas) tries to stop her, Annie embarks on a cross-country road trip with her granddaughter, Ella (Amy Davidson). With Richard hot on their trail, Annie and Ella have a blast on their journey as they bond and even go on a gambling spree in Las Vegas. 

Ok if you know me you know I’m a HUGE Cher fan.  I’ve been dying to watch this movie, that could be my problem I hyped it up and then it was knock my socks off good.  It was just ok, the singing of course was great. I NEVER knew Kristen Bell could sing, it was nice to hear that.  Overall it was just ok, maybe if I went in just thinking it was a normal movie and it would be better.

After leaving Iowa with stars in her eyes, Ali (Christina Aguilera) arrives in Los Angeles and at a burlesque lounge, where she dreams of taking the stage with her soaring voice. Club owner Tess (Cher) is about to lose the place and thinks Ali may help business. Meanwhile, Ali's roommate (Cam Gigandet) starts to fall for her in this snappy, Golden Globe-nominated comedy co-starring Stanley Tucci as Tess's sidekick and Kristen Bell as Ali's rival.

Both of these actors are some of my fav, Anne Hathaway has touched my heart in so many films, sadly NOT this one.  This movie did have some great moments but it was just ok if I had the energy to stop the other things I was doing I would have turned it off.  Beware it is a R rated movie and it has tons of adult content.  You will be attached and feel sorry for Anne’s character (it is a sad story, just the movie not so hot).

Pharmaceutical representative Jamie Randall (Jake Gyllenhaal) becomes a player in the big game of male-performance-enhancement-drug sales and, along the way, finds unexpected romance with a woman (Anne Hathaway) suffering from Parkinson's disease. Based on the real-life Jamie Reidy's memoir, Hard Sell: The Evolution of a Viagra Salesman, this satirical look inside the culture of Big Pharm is directed by Edward Zwick.

You know I’ve been hard on comedies lately but really they just haven’t lived up to the hype.  Now Steve Carell I can take or leave but Paul Rudd usually always makes me laugh.  But this movie at points just fell short for me, yes I did have some laughs and other times I rolled my eyes thinking oh come on move on.  It was an ok rent, I say Red Box $1 ok not pay preview .

Tim Conrad's (Paul Rudd) boss hosts a dinner party where he invites his friends to bring along the saddest, most pathetic loser they can find. But when the ultimate schmuck (Steve Carell) arrives, his actions somehow turn everyone else into the losers. Comic heavy hitters Zach Galifianakis and Ron Livingston lend able support in director Jay Roach's (Austin Powers) darkly humorous film, an adaptation of the French comedy The Dinner Game.

I love the Veggies Tales and when I found this on the instant download and the boys just loved this.  Veggie Tales is a great Christian based stories that teach great values with a cartoon charters that kids love to watch.

In this VeggieTales feature, Junior Asparagus plays wide-eyed flobbit Toto Baggypants in a charming take on The Lord of the Rings. The adventure begins when Toto inherits a magic bean from his Uncle Billboy. Determined to learn the purpose of the enchanted legume, Toto and his friends embark on a mission that leads them across the mountains of Much-Snowia and into the realm of sinister Lord Scaryman. Country artist Wynonna provides theme music.

Our second Veggie Tales was one that is a little older but still a good one!  The boys love anything about outer space so this was bound to be a hit.  Yet again if your looking for a great movie that has values you want your kids to learn and in a way they would love to sit and watch!

Junior Asparagus tells his dad a white lie to avoid getting into trouble, only to have it snowball into an out-of-control monster in this installment of the popular animated Christian children's series about a group of loveable vegetable characters. Larry-Boy tries to save the day, but it's up to Junior to learn the value of honesty and to right his wrong -- before his innocent-seeming fib takes over all of Bumblyburg!

Happy Thursday everyone!  I’ve been behind on this so sorry for the long list (sadly I have more but skipped ).

Thursday Must Watch - Volume 31

We missed last week so there is a BUNCH to go threw :). I added in some shows that are new and some that came back that I enjoy. Hope your all having a wonderful day!!!

Of course one for Cole, as you know he is ALL about anything dino and I added this one on a while ago and it finally made it's way up my list. He actually sat there and watched it non stop ... lol it was great!

Based on the books by James Gurney, this miniseries follows two young brothers who survive a plane crash and wash up on the island of Dinotopia, a secret world where dinosaurs and humans coexist in harmony. But when their sources of power, the sunstones, begin to fail, the boys must journey to a dangerous forbidden territory in the one remaining hope to save their new home. The series stars David Thewlis and Alice Krige.

I know this won lot's of awards but it just wasn't for me, it felt more like a guy flick. If Rick would have been home this past weekend he would probably have given this a higher rating. It was a little hard for me to actually sit down and give it my full attention.

After a string of defeats, Mickey Ward rediscovers his fighting will with help from trainer and half-brother Dicky (Oscar winner Christian Bale) -- a once-talented pugilist and small-town hero now battling drug addiction.

Now Jennifer Aniston movies really haven't been hitting the mark with me. This movie really did have funny moments. I must admit I'm a Jason Bateman fan so that may have swayed my vote higher then it should be. Overall a good movie to RENT I would say Red box or Netflix since they are cheaper :)

I love Liev Schreiber on Brothers & Sisters, so when I saw this movie I added it on to my DVD list! BUT I was VERY disappointed. Half way threw it was going off, Helen Hunt couldn't even save this movie for me and usually all her movies rock :(.

Ned (Liev Schreiber) is fed up with his unfulfilling work as a writer on a flawed television show and his stagnant marriage to wife Jeannie (Helen Hunt). Just when he thinks life can't get worse, his teenage son announces he's gay and his ailing father-in-law (Brian Dennehy) moves in. Ned's relationship with an amorous co-worker (Carla Gugino) adds even more tension, but despite the setbacks, the rewards of everyday family life overcome.

Holy moly is this season of the Celebrity Apprentice, talk about DRAMA. Then you have Nene and Star on every talk show about what has been going on. I think the shock was Dionne, my mother loved her and she I know is a Diva but wow I think at times it needs to be checked. BUT she is like my grandma's age and she always will say and do things that are over the top ... lol.

All 16 celebrities will be competing in business related tasks in and around New York City, using their fame, contacts and business acumen to win weekly tasks, while ultimately raising money and awareness for their respective causes. As per usual, Trump and his advisors, who also happen to be his children and colleagues, will stand in judgment of the celebrities in the Boardroom. Ivanka and Donald Trump Jr. are back and will welcome their younger brother, Eric Trump, who will be filling in as an advisor, as will longtime Trump Organization employee George Ross.

As with the previous seasons, the winning celebrity team will have the privilege of watching the losing team squirm under the scrutiny of Donald Trump and his advisors from the comfort of their own war room. After each task, the wining project manager will get to present their charity with a check. Last season, “The Celebrity Apprentice” raised over $1,250,000 for charity. The money raised this season promises to squash previous numbers and bring record-breaking donations to many worthy charities. It will truly be a “must-watch” season.

Ruby is close to my heart we both have struggled with weight, now I've never been to 700lbs like her but I feel her on loosing it . This season is a hard one she is looking deep into her past to find out what got her on this path. I see a lot her in me.

Ruby Gettinger is one of a kind! The epitome of sweet Southern charm, she truly is the life of every party, the confidante to all and an inspiration to everyone who comes into her life. Her hometown, Savannah, Georgia, is as beautiful and magnetic as her glowing personality.

Though Ruby has battled her weight since childhood, she has never allowed her physical appearance to take a toll on her social life. After being told she'd have to lose weight or risk death, she decided to change her life and her health forever...with the whole world sharing in her challenging journey!

Ruby enjoys music and movies and loves spending time with her friends, who are just like family.

She hopes her journey inspires people to "get out there, not care about what others think, and live life!

A great show that is real life and the kind of reality show that I love to watch and love to have the kids watch. These amazing people do and sacrifice so much, it is so awesome to see great things happen for them!

Lifetime Television is set to premiere the all-new reality series “Coming Home,” featuring U.S. soldiers’ surprise family reunions across the country after serving long tours of duty on behalf of the country, at 9 p.m. March 6.

Paying tribute to American armed forces personnel and their families, “Coming Home” will follow the surprise reunions of soldiers from all five branches of the military with their spouses, children, parents and other loved ones as they return home from active duty throughout the world, according to a news release,

Former “American Idol” finalist Matt Rogers will serve as host of the series’ 13 hour-long episodes, with each show featuring five reunions.

The new season on Army Wives is here and wow is it off to a bang, their are lines being drawn and maybe some friendships being tested. And next week a soldier is killed, so of course were all on the edge of our seats. Now on a side note this is just a TV show and so many military people give their lives for us to have the freedom make sure you always thank them!

"Army Wives” returned for a fifth season, premiering Sunday, March 6 at 9 pm et/pt, with 13 all-new episodes. The show follows the struggles, dreams and friendships of a diverse group of women — and one man — living with their spouses and families on an active Army post. The series films in Charleston, South Carolina, and stars Kim Delaney (Claudia Joy Holden), Sally Pressman (Roxy LeBlanc), Brigid Brannagh (Pamela Moran), Brian McNamara (Michael Holden), Sterling K. Brown (Roland Burton), Wendy Davis (Joan Burton), Drew Fuller (Trevor LeBlanc), Terry Serpico (Frank Sherwood) and Catherine Bell (Denise Sherwood). The series is based on the book “Army Wives” by Tanya Biank, who serves as a show consultant.

Now I usually don't watch DWTS but as many of you know I'm a HUGE Kristie Alley Fan and was so excited I had to set the DVR for it. I must say I was so excited that she did so well, I actually was so worried for her. Fluffy girls can rock it, and come on haters she was LOOKING awesome! I bet she really slims down with it! Love ya girl!

The cast looks sharp, confident, and ready to take to the ballroom floor Monday night. Forget the dancing for a minute, this cast is simply gorgeous to look at. All of them - young and old, stars and pros - look amazing in their costumes. Note the cute exchange between Kirstie Alley and partner Maks, they are going to be one fun couple to watch. The way Kendra Wilkinson shakes it in her fringe dress, she leaves no doubt that she is in it to win it.