Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers: January 2012

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

CONTEST: The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

Hi there readers!

Welcome back to post two of the day here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers....the place that despite having less than stellar computer access at times, is still determined to churn out the best bookish posts for YOU!

We started the day with a Teaser Tuesday post, or as I like to call them a Taste Testing Tuesday post, featuring a title just making its debut into the literary world. It comes to us from a writer who makes her living as a bookseller in Alaska of all places (how ironic the book takes place there, no? ^_^) and is now tacking on the title of "published author" to her own personal coat of many colors. (Congratulations!) Curious about the book? I thought you might be. Read on my friend, read on....

From the publisher....

Alaska, 1920: a brutal place to homestead, and especially tough for recent arrivals Jack and Mabel. Childless, they are drifting apart--he breaking under the weight of the work of the farm; she crumbling from loneliness and despair. In a moment of levity during the season's first snowfall, they build a child out of snow. The next morning the snow child is gone--but they glimpse a young, blonde-haired girl running through the trees.

This little girl, who calls herself Faina, seems to be a child of the woods. She hunts with a red fox at her side, skims lightly across the snow, and somehow survives alone in the Alaskan wilderness. As Jack and Mabel struggle to understand this child who could have stepped from the pages of a fairy tale, they come to love her as their own daughter. But in this beautiful, violent place things are rarely as they appear, and what they eventually learn about Faina will transform all of them.

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Sounds good, no?

I know I was intrigued when I first heard about it and as it is my current read, I can honestly say...so far, so good! It's moving but not in that fast paced action sorta way...more in a quiet, emotionally striking tone that has you lingering on each page for a moment to see if there is some piece you may have overlooked and can absorb once again. It's really quite good....and as I make my way through the book, I am MORE than pleased to share this bit of good fortune with you.

Thanks to the great folks over at Hachette Book Group (Hi, Anna! Thanks!), I am pleased to bring you the chance to win 1 of 3 copies of this title for your reading pleasure. *insert fanfare here* Here's the scoop...

The prize:

1 of 3 copies of the The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

How to enter:

Just fill out THIS FORM and you're in it to win!

(Is the link big enough for you? LOL...and yes, there are opportunities for extra entries...)

The rules:

Open to residents of the U.S. and Canada.

No P.O. Boxes please.

Entries accepted Tuesday, January 31st, 2012 through Tuesday, February 14th, 2012 midnight CST.

Though comments are lovely (and most appreciated! ^_^), you must fill out the form in order for your entry to be counted.

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So, there you have it.

Another chance for you to win BIG!

So spread the word, follow along, leave a comment...just be sure to FILL OUT THE FORM before the deadline so you don't miss out on your chance to win this great new title.

Good luck to all that enter!

Until next time...happy reading....

Taste Testing Tuesdays

Good morning (or whatever time it is where you are), everyone!

Welcome to another installment of Taste Testing Tuesdays!

Taste Testing Tuesdays was inspired by 'Teaser Tuesdays', a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

On the menu this week...one new release that you'll want to take note of...for several reasons.

Ready for a taste?

Here we go!

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How could she speak her surprise? Such delicate features, formed by his calloused hands, a glimpse at his longing.

-- pg 44, The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

This is a rather unique story thus far in the fact that it's not "fast paced" by any means and yet still incredibly sweeping with its narrative. You'll feel whisked away to the barren North. Delight in the smiles that creep their way into the daily bleakness and wallow (though not for TOO long) in the heaviness within their hearts. I'm quite curious where the story is going to go actually and have high hopes for its progression. Curious about this newly released title? Click HERE for more details from the publisher's site...and STAY TUNED because their just might be another post today you'll DEFINITELY want in on. How so? You'll see. ^_^

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Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

*Grab your current read

*Open to a random page

*Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

*Share the title & author, too, so that other participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

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Until next time....happy reading!

Monday, January 30, 2012

In My Shopping Bag

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

Through her guidelines, your post does not actually have to be named the same and thus my post shall be..."In My Shopping Bag". (just fits with the "foodie" theme a bit better in my humble opinion)

Ready for a peek inside?

Here goes....

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Review

The Stone Trilogy, Book 1: The Distant Shore by Mariam Kobras

(courtesy of MaryChris at Buddhapuss Ink, LLC)

Toted as a "chicklit with a light twist of suspense"...I was intrigued. The book blurb further increased my interest as well as a very interesting letter from the author to potential readers. Obviously, I was convinced! The BLOG TOUR is under way RIGHT NOW (and swinging through SFIR during the first part of February) so be sure to check out all the fun from glimpses inside the cover to giveaways!

The Tide Changers by Sandy Green

(courtesy of the author)

A parent lost, two children with a startling secret...sounds good, right? I think so and will be sharing my reading adventure through this kid lit title. Though I won't be tackling this watery gem until later this year, that doesn't mean that YOU can't check it out in the mean time via the author's site....so feel free and spread the word!

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Won

The Shamra Chronicles

Book 1: Curse of the Shamra

Book 2: Shamra Divided

Book 3: Chaos Unleashed

by Barry Hoffman

(via contest on the official site)

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That's all she wrote!

So...anything catch your eye?

What did you get this past week?

My wish list is ready...do tell!

Until next time...happy reading!

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Saturday (Book) Matinee

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers....the place to be for bookish fun in its many formats. What's that? Curious about the many formats comment? Aww, I knew I couldn't get anything passed you guys... ^_^

I've seen posts around the blogsphere featuring book versus movie discussions and I think most of us can agree, the book is almost always better than the movie....almost. It's the inclusion of that one little word that sparks so much conversation and it seems that there's been a slew of books-turned-movies being released (and coming soon) as of late. With my penchant for chilling out with a good book, I share my experience....but what of my somewhat equal (OK, slightly less but still they get high marks) love of movies? I mean the popcorn alone (with extra butter and a diet coke, please!) is enough of a reason to go but add to that an hour or two of visual entertainment and BAM...a fairly good winning combo.

So, not to step on any virtual toes as this post was inspired by all those that came before me, bit this post will pop up from time to time when the viewing was fresh and the source was bookish. Speaking of which, today's feature film just so happens to fit the bill for discussion...nice coincidence, huh? ^_^

ONE FOR THE MONEY

Based on the first book of the lengthy and ever growing Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich...this was my first exposure to both the character and the author. Now, a few truths to share....

1. I've heard from a few friends that the book series is great.
2. The previews looked interesting enough...and starring Katherine Heigl was a plus (I generally like her movies...good actress for the roles she chooses).

Those factors taken into account and I was on my way to the movies. Having watched the 2 hour or so flick, I can add a few more truths as I see them to my list.

3. Stephanie Plum is an interesting girl....probably be fun to know her in real life.
4. The movie was good...but felt drawn out. Made the flow of the story seem REALLY slow.
5. The guy who played Morelli (probably spelled wrong...sorry!) was a cutie... ^_^…as was Ranger but um, yeah...lose the name.
6. This is one book I'll be adding to the future read list.

Yep. Despite the small drawback mentioned, I think in book format it'd go over nice and easy....kind of like that egg breakfast Morelli made for her. Doubtful it would suffer the same stagnant feel of the movie what with the shorter length of the books, making each installment that much easier to jump to.

So...what are your thoughts?
Have you read the series? Seen the movie?

Seen a different book come alive on the silver screen?

What'd you think?
I'm all ears...

Until next time...happy viewing...and happy reading!

Friday, January 27, 2012

The Roving Reader

So...had planned on a bigger post today but life (or rather work) got in the way. This one should suffice though; after all, it has chances to win AND a new book to check out. I'd call that a winning combo. Speaking of winning...two contests here on the site right now....both end very soon so be sure to check them out, the links are in the right hand column under "Current Contests".

Second...the bookish find. Looks like a new series and ooh...it's called....

BOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING,
A Library Lover's Mystery
By
Jenn McKinlay

...sounds good to me! No really...the cover is lovely but even the synopsis sounds like a fun read.

So my fellow readers....what have spotted in the reading wild recently?
Do tell!

Until next time...have a great weekend...and happy reading!

Thursday, January 26, 2012

WAT!: The Bro-Magnet by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place to be when you simply need a bookish break in your day and nothing more; well, almost nothing. ^_^ We've done a review or two so far this week, and introduced you to a new work from an author dedicated to helping children be the best that they can be (with contest!), so today, we're taking a mini-break and re-introducing a MEME of my own creation that doesn't get to see the fair light of a bloggy day all that often to present you with a recent release because really....

WAT!

The WAT! MEME stands for 'What A Tease!'. It exists to showcase those samplers and book excerpts that you've read and wish to highlight to some degree on your site...yet you have not had the chance to read the entire book for a review....thus, the "tease" aspect. Have you run into this problem as well? Feel free to "borrow" this MEME and post away!

Now on to today's feature...

The Bro-Magnet

Lauren Baratz-Logsted

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From the author....

Women have been known to lament, "Always a bridesmaid, never a bride." For Johnny Smith, the problem is, "Always a Best Man, never a groom." At age 33, housepainter Johnny has been Best Man eight times. The ultimate man's man, Johnny loves the Mets, the Jets, his weekly poker game, and the hula girl lamp that hangs over his basement pool table. Johnny has the instant affection of nearly every man he meets, but one thing he doesn't have is a woman to share his life with, and he wants that desperately. When Johnny meets District Attorney Helen Troy, he decides to renounce his bro-magnet ways in order to impress her. With the aid and advice of his friends and family, soon he's transforming his wardrobe, buying throw pillows, ditching the hula girl lamp, getting a cat and even changing his name to the more mature-sounding John. And through it all, he's pretending to have no interest in sports, which Helen claims to abhor. As things heat up with Helen, the questions arise: Will Johnny finally get the girl? And, if he's successful in that pursuit, who will he be now that he's no longer really himself? THE BRO-MAGNET is a rollicking comedic novel about what one man is willing to give up for the sake of love.

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Odd choice for a female reader?

Not really.

Consider it the male equivalent to a beloved chick-lit/chick flick favorite, Bridget Jones Diary. After reading the sample (30+ pages!), the first thought that popped into my head is....wow, so THIS is what happened to Bridget Jones' brother...if she had one! No really! It's as coarse and as brash as the works mentioned; full of that down trodden and yet persevering spirit we love. It's the other side of the proverbial coin in the world of relationships or lack thereof....and an interesting perspective to view things through (did I mention funny? Yep...definitely funny!).

Final thoughts...what a tease!

Will it make it into my reading rotation? Only time will tell....but if the preview is any indication, this should certainly be one to watch for. Curious to find out more? Check out the extended sample on Amazon...but be warned teeny readers, I'm recommending this one for older teens through adults only.

For more information on the author, be sure to check out her website, 'like' her on Facebook, or follow along on Twitter!

So...questions? Comments? Thoughts?

Is there something YOU'VE been teased with as of late?

Feel free to share any and all...

*grabs wish list and pen*

Until next time....happy reading!

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

BLOG TOUR: Pink Tiara Cookies for Three by Maria Dismondy, Review + Contest!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers…the blog that aims to take you behind the cover, straight to the heart of the book.

Today we play host to an author blog tour that’s been making its way through the blogosphere (for a complete listing of the participating sites, just click here) with a very important mission….to stop bullying in its tracks. Didn’t think you’d encounter that with the title of today’s post, now did you? Uh-huh…but you see my friends, bullying comes in many shapes and sizes…even the overly pink variety. Before I delve too deep into the story, please allow me to introduce, today’s book of choice courtesy of author Maria Dismondy…..

Pink Tiara Cookies for Three

Maria Dismondy

Illustrated by

Cary Pillo

From the author’s site…

Sami’s perfect life falls apart when the new girl moves in next door. Sami doesn’t need another friend, she has Stella. They are the perfect example of best friends. Mittens come in pairs and so do friends, according to Sami.

Bullying can be very subtle, but it hurts just the same. Three can be a tricky number with friends because most of the time, someone gets left out. Follow Sami as she discovers how to keep her best friend and find room for one more in Pink Tiara Cookies for Three.

One of the many things I love about this author's work is her continued dedication to address those issues that are uncomfortable for children (of any age really) in a non-threatening storybook form thus allowing them not only the enjoyment of reading but also the chance to learn a valuable life lesson in a welcoming environment. One of her biggest focuses….bullying in its many forms. What, you didn't think it was merely that kid that's 3x bigger than you demanding your lunch money now did you? In today's world, we not only have to worry about in your face obvious bullying, but cyber bullies, family bullies, and those not-so-obvious ones. This book takes a look at the later pink-clad and often unintentional variety.

Sami and Stella are best friends...excuse me, were best friends...until Jasmine moved into the neighborhood. She was a friendly enough girl simply looking for a place to fit in...but Sami wanted none of it. In her mind, two was fine, but "three's a crowd". Her Mom suggested she give Jasmine a chance but from the look on Sami's face...I don't think that chance is coming anytime soon (gotta love those expressive illustrations). What follows is your typical bout of jealousy and acting out but also the potential ruination of not only a friendship by the possibility of one. It’s not like Sami set out to purposely make Jasmine feel like an outcast…she simply wasn’t thinking about the feelings of those outside of her self. However “innocently” done though, it’s still a form of bullying and one that hurts just as much as any other.

Wow...in that context, how can that NOT be seen as bullying? Brings a whole new shade of ugly to the phrase, you know? I mean, sure you say it in jest sometimes to your friends but if you really think about it, it could seriously hurt some feelings. Having a best friend is a wonderful thing, but making room for one more is even more special. Why? For the simple fact that you're helping someone else find their place in the world, making them feel welcome in otherwise foreign surroundings. We're all the "new" kid at some point or another (been there, done that MANY times). Remember how you felt standing in front of your class on the first day of school, introducing yourself to a room full of strangers. Wasn't it easier when someone made the effort to reach out to you? It's not a situation that's exclusive to children though....bullying (though it's rarely called that in the adult world) is still bullying at any age and that "welcoming party" is a happy moment indeed when encountered in a new city, at your new job, or even out on the town.

Author Maria Dismondy

If we make an effort to be more open, friendlier to our fellow man no matter our age....imagine the world we could live in. No more children afraid to go to the bus stop in the morning. No more teens seeking out gangs for protection from other gangs. No more adults committing crimes on a grand scale simply for revenge against the slights they felt were perpetrated against them. A peaceful future to say the least...but in order to get there one day, we have to take the first steps TODAY.

Recommended read for all ages with a message good for one and all. The delightful illustrations will enchant the eye while the story speaks to the heart. Speaking of that story….the author also included suggestions for role-playing with your children to better help them understand why Sami’s actions are inappropriate, how it could have been handled better and additional material to be explored online to aid in building their character. A well rounded package of goodwill from this author’s heart to yours….I’d say that’s one reading experience I’d like to share with the world. Thanks to the author…I have a way to spread the message even further…

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As part of the PINK TIARA COOKIES FOR THREE BLOG TOUR, I have the honor of offering you a chance to win! Here’s the scoop…

Prize:

(1) copy of PINK TIARA COOKIES FOR THREE by Maria Dismondy + tiara cookie cutter!

How to enter:

Just click HERE and fill out the (incredibly easy) form.

Rules:

Entries accepted through Tuesday, January 31^st, 2012 midnight CST. Winner will be announced by Thursday, February 2^nd, 2012. US and Canada addresses only, no P.O. Boxes please.

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Special thanks to author Maria Dismondy for the chance to participate in this tour as well as the review copy. (THANKS!) For more information on the author as well as her full body of works, be sure to check out website, ‘like’ her on Facebook, or follow along on Twitter. To purchase a copy of this book for you, a friend, or a friend of a friend, it is available online through several retail outlets including Amazon…but for a SIGNED copy from the author, you’ll want to purchase through her website.

Be sure to check out all the stops on the tour as it continues through the end of the month; yesterday, Seven Thirty Three….today, Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers…tomorrow, Crypto-Capers Reviews.

Until next time…good luck everyone….be kind to each other…and happy reading!

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Taste Testing Tuesdays

Good morning (or whatever time it is where you are), everyone!

Welcome to another installment of Taste Testing Tuesdays!

Taste Testing Tuesdays was inspired by 'Teaser Tuesdays', a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

On the menu this week...an adventure steeped in history that aims to find buried treasure!

Ready for a taste? Here goes....

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Dad said that one of the biggest secrets of life was loving yourself in your own "different-ness". Yeah, sure, it takes guts, but who wants to be like someone else?

-- pg 25, Saltwater Taffy by Eric DelaBarre

I couldn't agree more...and with wonderful phrases like this scattered throughout the book, I'd say this one does more than simply entertain; it empowers. Add to this the "Treasure Tips" at the end of each chapter and you have one great combination that's sure to speak to young readers round the world. This started out for me as a "roving reader" find once upon a time and now I'm digging for buried treasure along with the kids from the story. While I'm still unearthing the possibilities, feel free to explore more on your own and check out the official website.

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Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

*Grab your current read

*Open to a random page

*Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

*Share the title & author, too, so that other participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

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Until next time....happy reading!

Monday, January 23, 2012

A journey into imagination like no other....

Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of....oh, wait a second. Wrong channel. Hehe. ^_^

Hi there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers....the place to be bookishly delighted any day of the week....despite the health of this reader. Oye! This cold....if it doesn't go-away-never-come-again-another-day soon, ugh. I swear...one of these times I'm going to blow my nose and my brain is just going to PLOP...come right out with everything else. *grabs new box of tissues* Anywho, enough about my mucus-fest though I know you're enraptured by it all (hehe), let's dive into today's post.

The featured titled is the first of a trilogy, the rest of which is still to be published....but even if it was left to sit by its lonesome for some time (not that I want that...I REALLY want book 2 pronto!), the spotlight it seeks, it most certainly deserves. It's an adventure. It's a journey. It holds a little piece of us all within its grasp and dangles it just outside of arm's reach to tantalize us some more. It can be categorized as (older) Children's Fiction or Young Adult but no matter what label you slap on it, it still remains one of a kind (unless you're looking at the images at the top of this post...then it's two of a kind with its little cover war...the black one is the final one I believe). Today's book of choice is....

Mathias Bootmaker and The Keepers of the Sandbox, Book 1:

It Is Said... by
Edward Medina
illustrated by
Niki Ciccotelli

From the author's site....

The world of Mathias Bootmaker and the Keepers of the Sandbox, Book One: It Is Said, is a fantasy full of mysteries, riddles and secrets.

It is the story of Mathias Bootmaker, a young man searching for the better parts of himself. His search for what he's lost begins an amazing adventure through a world of extreme imagination. A world he helped to create but a world he can't remember anything about. There's a dragon and a genius. There's a very scary little boy and a very gifted little girl. There's darkness and light, deadly evil and glorious good. It's the story of his life, the birth of creativity and the true power of the energy all around us.

In this tale of redemption, in order to find what he seeks, Mathias must save a people who were once great but are now, by their own hands, victims. He must help them face a terror that they themselves created. He must find a friend that has disappeared. Befriend a reluctant guide and rescue a very unique group of children trapped in a cursed castle full of tragedy.

The Mathias Bootmaker and the Keepers of the Sandbox Trilogy is a dream embedded within a nightmare. A maze inside a labyrinth. It reads like an adventure. It plays like a thriller. It's designed to make you question every place you go and every character you meet. It's designed to be a puzzle you must solve. It's meant to blend grand fun and fright in the tradition of Carroll and King.

Turn the pages. Follow the path. Keep an eye out for clues. Beware of traps. But most important of all... you must not fear the Darke.

Sounds good, right? Oh buddy...you know it is...but it can tend to stray into the neighboring land of confusion at times as well if one doesn't keep their wits about them. Got your wits strapped down tight? Good. Let's take a walk through the world within the pages...our guide? A few of my status updates whilst adventuring through this ebook.

12/01/2011 page 24   18.0% "Fears Corners? Abandon All Hope Saloon? Count me in!"
Yes, yes. If you love word play, creativity and the use of imagination...this is DEFINITELY a book for you.

12/08/2011 page 57   43.0% "About half way through and STILL enchanted. Loving the world of Sandbox Harbour...."
Don't you just LOVE the name? Works so well with all our notions of the Sand Man and everything...not the scary one, the one that helps you sleep....

12/09/2011 page 84   63.0% "He just left the Inn Between heading towards Dark Academy. Sounds ominous, no?"
I did say there was a lot of playtime with the words and names didn't I? *checks back* Yep, sure did. The Inn Between is literally an inn...between the land he's travelled through and the ground he must cover if he is to make it to the academy. Oh, but don't let that term fool you. It isn't an actual academy in the classic sense of the world...more of a place where those that dare dream are locked away until they are either successfully a blank slate for life, willing to do as they are told and only that, never hoping for, dreaming of, or wishing for anything more....or simply remain. Okay, perhaps "remain" is too nice of a word here....umm, how about they simply live out their days locked away from the world and those they love dear so they can not infect the masses with their lingering sparks? Yeah....that's a little better.

12/09/2011    100.0% "Finished....for now. Definitely need to check out book two, especially with THAT ending! Review to come..."
Yep. That pretty much says it all. I thoroughly enjoyed this bookish romp through a land devoid of imagination and yet created by it. It's a conundrum all its own but one you'll gladly and willingly step into.

Author Edward Medina

From the moment you set foot in the saloon (opening sequence) to the moment you face the Darke (anyone have a flashlight?), you'll be swimming in a literary world that could have only been created by someone with a great love for all things creative.....and it certainly shows.

The characters are many and hauntingly memorable. Some shrink in size once their true nature is discovered while others will tower over like the giants their wills make them. The land itself is breath taking as one scene melts into another altogether different and yet the same on some level. It's a magical journey that explores the best and worst that imagination has to offer...and one that if you haven't had the chance to experience just yet....I strongly suggest you do.

Recommended read for older children through teens as the material can get a bit dark at times. Ebook for review courtesy of author Edward Medina. For more information on this book as well as his other works, feel free to visit him online or check out his Twitter feed ala the following links...

Author Twitter: http://twitter.com/loboed13
Series Twitter: http://twitter.com/mbkeepers
Author Page: https://sites.google.com/site/loboed13/home

Until next time....happy reading!

Sunday, January 22, 2012

In My Shopping Bag

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

Through her guidelines, your post does not actually have to be named the same and thus my post shall be..."In My Shopping Bag". (just fits with the "foodie" theme a bit better in my humble opinion)

Ready for a peek inside?

Here goes....

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Review