Random Review: "Sinister Sprinkles" by Jessica Beck

Okay all, I have just found goodreads.com and this is my first attempt to review a book there and copy it to my blog!  I'm so excited ... Yay! 

Sinister Sprinkles by Jessica Beck

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

ABOUT:  Susanne Hart is a donut shop owner who is constantly finding herself in the middle of a murder investigation.  In Sinister Sprinkles, Darlene Higgins was found dead in front of the courthouse in the middle of the Christmas carnival.  Why is Susanne a suspect?  Darlene just happens to be the woman that Susanne's ex-husband had an affair with, and essentially caused the divorce!

LIKES: Just like the others in the series, this is a very light, easy read. I like the setting of this series, and the characters have good personalities. The book itself didn't require much thinking, and I was (somewhat) surprised when I found out "who done it".

NOT SO MUCH: I wish the author would tie up some of the loose ends that are made throughout the book. Also, she tends to reference things later that didn't happen within previous pages. Maybe some of this will come together in later books? It's just frustrating wanting to know what happened to so-in-so, etc.

OVERALL: Overall, it was okay. I will continue to read the series because of how easy they are.

And just a side note ... the fact that the book contains recipes (for donuts and other yummies) is a good thing and a bad thing.  It gives it that something different, but I was reading this in the middle of a week long detox!  I would have killed for a donut ... who am I kidding, I was ready to eat the book!  LOL! 

View all my reviews

Where have I been?

Did you even notice I was gone?  I noticed.  With the A to Z Challenge forcing me to log on to my blog every day for an entire month, I have felt lost without it.  But I promised myself while I was on vacation that I wasn't going to touch a computer ... and I didn't.  It was totally worth it!

I was in NC all last week visiting family, and meeting my new granddaughter!  Yes, that's right ... I'm a grandma!  Zoey Marie was born on Tuesday, May 1st at 11:05 pm and weighed 8 lb 1 oz.  The stubborn little thing made us wait all day, but it was so worth it.  She is so adorable.  I am so proud of Lizz (and Tyler too) who did a wonderful job delivering.  They are going to be super parents!

So, now that I'm back home (and missing my baby, and his baby like crazy), I can't wait to get back to blogging and catching up on my fellow A to Zer's.  Hope everyone has had a wonderful first week of May!

TTFN ... Cat

Zany "Z"

1. Zoos - I especially like the tigers!
2. Zoinks, Zowie, and any other words said by the Scooby Doo gang as they run from Zombies  :-)
3. Zipline - although I have never been, I really want to go ... and just the thought makes me giddy with excitement!
4. Zingers - yellow or chocolate, but not the pink coconut ones.  Yuck!
5. ZZ Top - I like the song "La Grange" because of the beginning ... ah huh huh huh.
6. and last, but definitely not least ... my new granddaughter will be named Zoey!  She is due today, so we are all on pins and needles waiting for that phone call!  :)  What a great way to end the A-Z Challenge!

FYI ... for all my other A-Z posts, I added a pic or video here, just for fun.  I also wrote most of the post in advance.  Well, I was really hoping for a pic of Zoey, and I waited until now to write this with that hope in mind.  Oh well!

I hope everyone doing the challenge had as much fun as I did.  Now back to the real world.

TTFN ... Cat

Yay for "Y"

1. Yellow Roses - always been my fav color for any flower, it is so bright and cheerful
2. Yard Sales
3. Yo-yo's - I was never much good at the yo-yo, but I still tried and had fun doing it.
4. Yarn, Yards of Material, and other fun crafty stuff!
5. YouTube - I have found so much fun stuff ... if I let myself, I could be truly addicted.
6. "You Dropped a Bomb on Me" by The Gap Band - another one of those songs that makes me wanna shake my booty!

Picture take from here.

Aren't they gorgeous?  Are you a fan of nature?

TTFN ... Cat

Xenophobic "X"

Okay ... X?  Really?  I knew that this is where my challenge would stumble a bit.  To come up with just X words would be no problem, but things that make me smile?  So, let's just say that some of the things on this list are a bit of a stretch!  :)

1. XM Radio - I had a free three months when I bought my new car.  I wasn't going to pay to keep it (I mean after all I just got a new car payment), but I loved it while it lasted.
2. Xylophone - Did you know that the prefix xyl means wood?  Xylophones were originally made of wood bars.  Learning something new is always a good thing.
3. Xerox machines
4. XBOX 360 - love my Lego games, and the Kinect is awesome too.
5. Xanadu - I love movie musicals and knew that Xanadu would definitely be on my 'X' list!

 

What would have been on your 'X' list?

TTFN ... Cat

Welcoming "W"

1. Wonderful Friends - old and new!
2. Wine
3. Waffles
4. Walks on the Beach with Hubby
5. Wipeout - I can't believe the people on this show don't get seriously hurt, but it's so funny!
6. Wildlife - seen out my back door ... love seeing the deer, turkeys, and groundhogs.  I could sit and watch them for hours.
7. WKRP in Cincinnati - one of my fav sitcoms from 'back in the day' ... many episodes made me smile.
8. Waldameer Park - small amusement park in Erie, right on the lake ... has given me some great memories.  Below is a picture of the Whacky Shack, a dark ride created in 1970 by the master of all dark rides, Bill Tracy.  For anyone going to Waldameer, the Whacky Shack is a must!

 

Are you a dark ride enthusiast?  If so, check out www.dafe.org, the website for the dark ride and funhouse enthusiasts.  In all my digging around, I also found out that Waldameer has a blog! 

TTFN ... Cat

Vivacious "V"

1. Vacations - who doesn't love to get away
2. Vegetables Fresh from the Garden
3. Vermillion - love it ... sounds so much more regal than 'red'!
4. Velcro
5. Vanilla Milkshakes - Yes, I'm one of those crazy people who, when given a million different flavors, will choose vanilla!  Mmmm!
6. Variety Shows - I didn't appreciate them when I was younger, but if I see sketches from the Carol Burnett Show now, I'm rolling!

My cat, just the other day, had me laughing so hard my stomach hurt and I had tears streaming down my face.  What makes you laugh like that?

TTFN ... Cat

Ultra "U"

1. User-Friendly Instructions
2. Upside-down Cake - pineapple ... mmm
3. Unbirthdays - from Disney's Alice in Wonderland ... the Mad Hatter was having an "Unbirthday" tea party!  How fun!!
4. Useful Tips
5. Used Books
6. Underoos - I want to say I had the Wonder Woman ones, but it could have been my sister.  Does anyone know if they make them for adults?  LOL!

I love old Saturday morning commercials!  Is there a commercial that stands out in your memory?

TTFN ... Cat

Tantalizing "T"

1. Tyler - my wonderful son
2. Theater Popcorn
3. Thoughts of Retirement - The thoughts make me happy.  Knowing that I still have so far to go ... not so much!
4. Taco Salad
5. Tiaras - deep down I am a princess
6. Target - or as some say ... Tar-jay
7. Tigger - fun, fun, fun, fun, fun

 

Although I spend most of my shopping time in Walmart, I am a fan of Target.  I know if I had a Super Target by me, I would grocery shop there instead.  Which do you prefer?

TTFN ... Cat

Selfless "S"

1. Scentsy - my 2nd job ... I love being an independent consultant for Scentsy and wish I could do it full time (but I'm not a very good salesperson so I just do it for me!)
2. Sunny Days
3. Scrapbooking
4. Star Wars - the original trilogy (chapters 4, 5, and 6)
5. Stash Dash - This is a fabric shop hop in NC that my mom and I do every year.  Mom and I have such a good time!
6. So You Think You Can Dance - It's so hard to pick a fav moment, but I loved this group dance from season 5 (2010).  Can't wait for the new season to begin!

 

The dancers on this show amaze me.  I like to dance but I'm not very good at it.  Is there something that you wish you could do just a little better?  Any plans to take classes?

TTFN ... Cat

Radiant "R"

1. Rollercoasters - Growing up I would never go on rollercoasters.  The first drop is awful to me, even now.  But after I got over that, the rest of the ride is so awesome.  I especially like going upside-down.
2. Road Trips - When hubby and I retire, we want an RV to travel with.  I can't wait to drive the US!
3. Romance Novels
4. Remembering my Dad
5. "The Replacements" - I love the idea of having pro football played with guys who just love the game!
6. Reece's Peanut Butter Eggs - Yum!

 

What are your favorite holiday treats?

TTFN ... Cat

Quintessential "Q"

1. Quiet Evenings at Home
2. QWERTY Keyboard - on my cell phone
3. Quality Time with Family
4. Quiche
5. Q-Mart - in Quakertown, PA ... permanent flea market type of shops.  I don't know why, I just like going and walking around.
6. Quilting - I enjoy the shopping for fabric and creating the top more than quilting, but I've managed to finish a few.  This is a quilt I made for my niece.  It was so much fun to work on because of the bright colors.

Do you do anything crafty?  What do you do in your spare time?

TTFN ... Cat

Patient "P"

1. Post-it Tabs
2. Potato Chips - or Pretzels, Peanuts, Popcorn, cheese curls, corn chips ... anything salty and crunchy!
3. Puzzles - preferably number (like Sudoku) but I will do word puzzles too.  Anything to make me think a little.
4. Pi Day - March 14th  :-)
5. Picking Cherries
6. Pineapple
7. "The Princess Bride" - love the book as much as the movie!

In my opinion, "The Princess Bride" has some of the best characters in literature.  Who are your favorite literary characters?

TTFN ... Cat

Obtuse "O"

1. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
2. Old Oak Trees
3. "Office Space" - I always liked this movie, but now that I have my own cubicle, this movie is a little more funny!
4. Optimistic Attitude - I try  :-)
5. Observing my Surroundings (People Watching)
6. "One for the Money" - and other Janet Evanovich books.

Anyone else like a good book? What types of books or magazines do you read?

TTFN ... Cat

Naughty "N"

1. North Carolina - vacation baby ... will be there in about 2 weeks!!  Yay!
2. Neat and Organized Spaces
3. Neck Massages
4. New Hair-do
5. "Nuts and Bolts" - what we used to call homemade Chex mix.  My mom made this around Christmas time, and now I make it twice a year.  Homemade is so much better than store bought!
6. NFL games
7. Nana Presents - we called my maternal grandma Nana when she became a great-grandma.  She was a very crafty lady, and it was always a thrill to receive something that she had made.  For a while, everyone was getting handmade ornaments at Christmas.  Here are some of mine.

Have you received any presents that you cherished more than any other?

TTFN ... Cat

Mindful "M"

1. My Mommy
2. Music - dance music makes me the happiest, but I love all music and am constantly singing along!
3. "Muscle Cars" - in high school I fell in love with a Chevelle SS (1970 ish) ... would love to get me hands on one!
4. Mandarin Oranges
5. Mythology
6. Mani/Pedi
7. The Muppet Show - Mahna Mahna!  LOL!

"M" was pretty easy ... what begins with "M" that makes you smile?

TTFN ... Cat

Lovable "L"

1. Lollipops
2. Lake Erie Perch - breaded and deep fried ... mmmm!
3. Lily ... my kitty
4. Loaves of Homemade Bread
5. Leaves - when they change color
6. Lego Video Games - Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Pirates of the Caribbean are so much fun!
7. Looney Tunes - the best cartoons ever!!

 
What is/was your favorite cartoon?

TTFN ... Cat

Kooky "K"

1. Kites
2. Kazoos
3. Kaleidoscopes - I haven't played with any of 1, 2, or 3 in quite a long time ... I'm going to have to go out and find me a kazoo, I think!
4. Kiwis
5. Kittens - and every other baby animal!
6. King Arthur Tales - and, as far as movies go, although many would disagree, I like "Merlin" the best.

 

Is there a toy you used to love but haven't seen in a very long time? 

TTFN ... Cat

Joyous "J"

1. our Jeep - going topless is so much fun!  A-hem ... the Jeep without a top, not me!
2. Jeans - that fit perfectly, and a comfy sweatshirt
3. Junk food
4. Jazz
5. Jell-o - there's always room for Jell-o.
6. Jelly Belly Jellybeans

These cupcakes were created for Jelly Belly ... see the recipe here along with many others.

How can you go wrong with cupcakes AND candy!  Yum!  Have you ever decorated baked goods with candy?

TTFN ... Cat

Incredible "I"

1. Italian Wedding Soup - homemade ... my dad made the best.  I have his recipe but haven't attempted it yet.
2. Ice Cream Cake - from DQ of course
3. In and Out Burger - only ate there twice, and right now would give my left arm to have them in the eastern US
4. Icee's - half cherry and half coke
5. Italy - visiting Venice is on my bucket list
6. Indiana Jones Movies - "The Last Crusade" I think is my fav ... Sean Connery is very funny as Indy's dad.

What movies make you smile?  Is there one movie that, no matter how many times you have seen it, you will drop what you are doing to watch it again?

TTFN ... Cat

Happy "H"

1. my Hubby - always can get me to laugh!
2. Hot Towels right out of the Dryer
3. Halloween
4. Honeysuckle
5. Hole-In-One Hoagies - in Cambridge Springs, PA ... the best hoagies ever!
6. Hockey - more specific, NHL Carolina Hurricanes ... "Let's Go Canes!"

Do you watch or participate in sports?  have a favorite team?

TTFN ... Cat

Gorgeous "G"

1. Girl Scout Cookies - Thin Mints ... mmmmmm!
2. Ginger Ale
3. Grocery Shopping with Coupons
4. Geometry - I used to teach math, and Geometry was and always will be my favorite.
5. Garlic
6. "Groove Is In the Heart" by Deee Lite - I have to get up and dance every time!

 

What song makes you just want to get up and shake your "groove thing"?

TTFN ... Cat

Favorite "F"

1. Fresh Cut Grass Smell 
2. Fireworks
3. French Kiss - the movie is one of my favs ... and well a French Kiss from my hubby makes me smile too!
4. Fondue
5. Fairs, Festivals, Flea Markets
6. Foxtrot - great comic strip with the occasional math theme!  very funny!
7. Fractured Fairy Tales - from "The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show"

What memories do you carry from your childhood?

TTFN ... Cat

Everything "E"

1. Egg Salad
2. Emeralds - I have always loved the green color.
3. Elastic Pants - when I feel the need to eat my weight
4. Epee - this word is in almost every crossword puzzle and it's one of the few I can get on a regular basis.
5. Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy - I don't know why, but this phrase is very funny to me.
6. The Eighties - yes ... the whole decade! There's just too many things to name!

Is there something specific from the 80's that makes you smile?  I personally miss my big hair!

TTFN ... Cat

Delightful "D"

1. Daytona 500 - or just NASCAR in general.
2. Daffodils
3. Dominos - the game, not the pizza
4. Dr. Seuss
5. Dressing Up - don't like the shopping but love the feeling!
6. Disney Animated Movies - Dory from Finding Nemo is one of my fav characters. 

Which Disney character is your favorite?

TTFN ... Cat

Colorful "C"

1. Chai Latte
2. Cheesecake - preferably plain, but I like Cherries on top too!
3. Chick-fil-A
4. Candy - I like all kinds, but my all time fav is Cadbury's Mini Eggs at Easter.
5. Coloring with Crayons
6. Calvin and Hobbes Comic Strip
7. Cedar Point - it's a must for all rollercoaster fans!  Below is a pic of the Millennium Force, Mantis, and Top Thrill Dragster.  Millennium Force is definitely my favorite!

  
What is your favorite summer pastime?  Are you a rollercoaster enthusiast?  Do you have a favorite park?

TTFN ... Cat

Beautiful "B"

1. Bones - I never thought I would spend money buying a TV series on DVD, but then I saw Bones.  I watch back seasons all the time and love them!
2. Belonging to Beta Sigma Phi
3. Bacon - sight, smell, sound, and taste makes me happy dance!
4. Blogging
5. Bowling - confession ... bowling doesn't make me as happy as it used to, but I'm working on it!
6. Big Bang Theory - I don't think I've ever laughed so hard!  Re-runs are a ritual in our house.  Anyone up for a round of "Soft Kitty"?  LOL! 

 

What TV shows do you make a point to watch?  Is there one special one you buy on DVD?

TTFN ... Cat

All About "A"

1. August - my birth month
2. Azaleas in full bloom
3. Albacore tuna - once you try you will never go back to regular tuna again
4. Alliteration - Dr. Seuss's ABC book was one of my favs when I was little
5. Autumn - my favorite season ... I just love the smell
6. Abbott and Costello - love their "Who's On First" skit

Who else remembers Abbott and Costello?  What other comedians are on the top of your "funny" list?

TTFN ... Cat

Blogging from A to Z Challenge

My first blogging challenge starts tomorrow ... I'm so excited!  I actually have a plan and have been working on this for a couple months.  First, let me explain the challenge.

Each day of April (excluding Sundays, with the exception of April 1) is assigned a letter of the alphabet.  I can pick anything I want to blog about on that day as long as it corresponds with the days letter.  I have decided on a theme to make my life a bit less stressed for the month.  The challenge for me was/is (1) coming up with the theme, and (2) blogging every day for an entire month.  I have a hard enough time blogging once a week!

So, here it is.  Each day I am making a list of things that make me smile, laugh, or possibly cause me to break out into a happy dance!  The things on the list each day must begin with the letter of the day.  The hard part is that I set my minimum number of items at 5 ... I mean really, try coming up with 5 things that begin with "X", let alone things that make you happy.  Anyway, so far I have loved the planning, and can't wait to get started.

An additional part of this challenge is to go visit other blogs participating in the challenge, read what they have come up with, leave comments, and maybe find some new blogging friends.  How fun is this!

So, join me tomorrow to find out what's on "Cat's Happy List, 2012" for the letter "A".  Maybe we will have some things in common.

TTFN ... Cat