Archive for the ‘Games’ Category
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Which HUNGER GAMES Character Are You? (plus a crazy-good recipe)
Wednesday, March 21st, 2012
Tomorrow is HUNGER GAMESSSSSSSS!!! *toots horn and tosses glitter and cupcakes and baby unicorns around the room*
Of course I’m going to stand in line for the midnight showing (tickets acquired, thank you my lovely Sarah Kathleen) with all the crazies. I was thinking of going as Haymitch since I’m old and sometimes grouchy when I’m up late, plus I like to throw things at people. Which means I’d be the awesomely fun person in line launching an arsenal of bread and meds at the Katniss look-a-likes. (Hmm…there’s possibility in this plan.)
BUT…
Alas, I cannot be Haymitch. I just took this HUNGER GAMES character quiz and, apparently, I am Cinna! (How very cool of me, I know. He was always my favorite. Even after he…you know—SPOILER CENSORED FOR THOSE WHO’VE NOT FINISHED THE SERIES—)
So now I have to rethink my plans, because for as awesome as Cinna is, how does one “be him” in a movie line? Does one walk around fixing the braids of the Katniss look-a-likes and trying to rip off their leg hair and measure them for clothing sizes? Uh, no thanks. This…I will have to think on.
In the meantime, I command you to rush over and take this quiz so we can see which HUNGER GAMES’ Character YOU ARE. Here’s the link:
HUNGER GAMES CHARACTER QUIZ <—and no cheating
As for the rest of you, Preciouses, I offer a pie recipe. An insanely good one that’s even better when you realize what’s in it. Or rather what’s NOT in it. It’s everything my kids (dairy-allergic) can eat, and what I (sugar-sensitive) prefer. The super sweet Vickie Motter introduced me to this amazing chocolaty pie (from Chocolate-Covered Katie’s healthy dessert blog), and now I have a slight addiction to it. (Read that as I have a serious addiction to it.) She also introduced me to this homemade, cane sugar-free, three-ingredient chocolate, which I used to make the pie (it gives a tasty coconut flavor). So if I need some sort of chocolate addiction intervention in the next few weeks, you’ll know who to blame. And while you’re at it, check out Vickie’s agenty blog space and book reviews. You’ll like her.
No cane sugar. No dairy. No gluten if you prefer (which I don’t, so I made mine with crust :0)). But you’d never know it was missing any of those. I swear. Oh, and per Vickie’s suggestion—let the pie refrigerate for 12 hours for best flavor. I tried a slice around six hours and then after 12 just to see what she meant, and I completely agree. After 12, the tofu had absorbed the flavor all the way. Also, I added a bit more agave than the recipe calls for and used almond milk for the non-dairy milk. So…yeah. Have at it:
THE ULTIMATE CHOCOLATE FUDGE PIE
Blend.
Fill.
Eat.
:0)
Tags: Agent Vickie Motter's blog, chocolate recipes, Chocolate-Covered Katie's blog, dessert recipes, homemade chocolate, Hunger Games character quiz, hunger games movie, Reading Recipes, Sarah Kathleen, ultimate chocolate fudge pie, Vickie Motter
Posted in Games, Genre Savvy, Reading Recipes | 18 Comments » -
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8 Geek Items for the HUNGER GAMES Fan
Wednesday, February 29th, 2012
Okay, so yes I said I’d post pics of my writing retreat this week, but…really, this post is so much more necessary. Tomorrow kicks off HUNGER GAMES MONTH (yay the movie!!!), and, of course, I’ve got to do my rabid fangirl part to obsess celebrate. (Also, before I forget–in the completely boring line of business–just an FYI that Google is supposed to be pulling their Google Friend Connect button–that thing over to your right with one hundred-and-fifty-something pictures of happy people and their cats–from all non-blogger sites tomorrow **sniff, sniff, waaaail**, so you might want to consider following this blog via email. Do you see that cute little envelope icon at the top, right edge of this post? That’s the one. Go at it.)
And now on to our post.
Because what book do we adore more than almost any other on the planet???
THE HUNGER GAMES!!!
(Side note: If you don’t love it, then leave now. You’re not allowed to laugh, snort, or guffaw with us today. Also? I cast a shrinking curse upon your underwear drawer.)
And WHAT, my preciouses, do we adore almost just as much as THE HUNGER GAMES?
The rabid fan girls and boys! All drooling and crazy and running around in our their cute little camo, sticking arrows in people and making the Mockingjay sign into our their PB&J pita sandwiches. This post is for us them. The brave rabid souls who need more HUNGER GAMES items to maintain our their rabid geek status. To us thee I bequeath (in order of random awesomeness):
The Hunger Games lightbulb. (via Crushable)
And what better use for said lightbulb than to illuminate your desk as you write lovely emails texts letters to your family back home. Although, too bad this doesn’t come with President Snow stationary. I’d totally use that for my mean official correspondence, like bills and income taxes. (via Crushable)
And ooh, Katniss’ bow! How cool would it be to slink amongst the trees at the mommy-and-me park playdate, looking all Katniss-like, while the other moms talk pedicures and Jershey Shore? BEST. THING. EVER. (via Hot Topic)
Also, single guys? This would be cool on your car’s dashboard. Probably even get you chicks. Hot geek ones. (via Hunger Games Movie)
And if you’re worried girls won’t go for you because your man-beard hasn’t grown in yet. NO. WORRIES. Here’s a cutout of Seneca Crane’s beard! Just trim and paste onto desired scum-stache area. (Make sure to use Gorrilla Glue or cement paste since glue sticks will only give you about an hour’s worth of stickage. Also, duct tape is acceptable.) (via Pinterest)
And if you’re headed to the gym, don’t forget the Hunger Games water bottle. This baby’ll allow you to work out like a District Tribute while imagining Haymitch tossing croissants your way on the treadmill. (via The Mary Sue)
Of course, to go with that fancy dancy water bottle, you’ll need some fancy dancy food. And what could be more enticing than meals based upon the forages of the impoverished district residents. (via Think Geek)
And finally…
Wait for it…
Wait for iiiiiiiiiit…
The HUNGER GAMES snuggie!!! Hahahaha…heck yeah. (via Cafe Press)
Do you love them? If so, please take the Rabid Fan Girl Test so we can be warned to see how dangerous far your rabid fangirl status reaches. And not to brag or anything but…I’ve got movie tickets for HUNGER GAMES’ opening night. Do you?
;0)
“The Hunger But Mainly Death Games” parody (“May the odds let there be toilet paper in the arena”)
Tags: cafe press, Crushable, fan pics, geek items, hot topic, hunger games, hunger games loot, hunger games movie, Katniss, pinterest, rabid fan girls, Suzanne Collins, The Mary Sue, think geek
Posted in Games, Genre Savvy | 21 Comments »
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8 Literary Tattoos That Make My Heart Sigh
Wednesday, February 1st, 2012
Last week we looked at three literary tattoos that my children thought were wonderful, AND I was delighted to find out so many of YOU have tattoos!
I also promised to give you my own list of personal favorites.
So, here they are along with the books that inspired them. I heart these more than I can say….
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien–the words at the base of her neck are elvish for “dream” (from TattooLit)
We wants it, Preciouses.
“I shall not live in vain” by Emily Dickinson (from Contrariwise & Pinterest)
An incredible poem. A dainty tattoo.
“Radiant as the sun” from The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (from College Candy)
So simple. So lovely. So powerful.
Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling (from DeviantArt & Pinterest)
I’ve seen one like this with glow-in-the-dark ink. Awesome, no?
Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones (from Miyazaki: A Beautiful Mind)
My dearest, gorgeous, perfect Howl… *girly sigh*
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis (from Tumblr)
I want to tattoo this on my children…
The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling (from Pinterest)
Um, seriously how adorable is that?
“And days went by like paper in the wind” (from Pinterest)
Okay, so this last one might be from Tom Petty, but still…fabulous, yes? Methinks I need the dress to go with it.
Well? What do you think, Preciouses? They are quite fancy dancy, yes???
Tags: book tattoos, c.s. lewis, emily dickinson, Harry Potter, Howls Moving Castle, hunger games, j.r.r. tolkien, literary tattoos, pinterest, tom petty, tumblr
Posted in Games, Genre Savvy, Uncategorized | 18 Comments » -
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Tattoo a Book Upon My Heart…
Wednesday, January 25th, 2012
TRUE CONFESSION: I have a tattoo.
Just a thin thread of an ivy strand I got when I was eighteen and away at college. It encircles my ankle and makes me smile whenever I notice it’s still there. They say that once you get a tattoo, it’s like an addiction and you want more, covering your skin with art and poetry and pictures of loved ones. But not me…
At least, not usually.
Every once in a while, though, I’ll come across a tattoo that charms my whimsical heart–such as my sister’s, which is written in pretty, elvish words and translates “Shall we dare the dragon?” (Are you thinking she’s awesome? Because, yes she is. In fact, ten points to whoever can tell me what book that’s based on…) And while I’m totally convinced my sister’s tattoo is the coolest ever, I came across a link from Publisher’s Weekly for some other literary tattoos yesterday when I was flitting around the internet kingdom. (Thanks to one of my Book Blog friends, Mary at Bookhounds!)
Check out these ones of The Little Prince, Alice in Wonderland, and Where the Wild Things Are (which my kids liked best)! What do you think, eh?
Next week I’ll give you MY best-of-the-best list of literary tattoos. But in the meantime—do any of YOU have tattoos? *stares intently until you ‘fess up*
And if not, have you ever wanted one? What would it be of???
What’s the mood noise of the moment? Christina Perri: The Lonely
Tags: Book Blogs, book tattoos, christina perri, literary tattoos, Mary BookHounds, publisher'sweekly, tattoo, the little prince, youtube video The Lonely
Posted in Games, Genre Savvy, Uncategorized | 13 Comments » -
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And Our Winner Is…
Wednesday, January 4th, 2012
First we build suspense with a little mood music by Europe.
Next we place the entry names into a fancy dancy hat and add pixie powder.
We swishes them around wildly while magical six-year-old child closes eyes tightly…until his face scrunches up.
Then magical child pulls out a name…
Congratulations Cathe Olson!!! The $25 Amazon gift card is yours! I’m sending you a note by email and will ship the card off asap!!!
Thank you again, Preciouses, for goofing off with me week after ridiculous week! You guys keep me grinning and learning and laughing (and finding more excuses to talk about that tea-sipping old hottie, Lord Peter Wimsey). Here’s to another fabulous year!!!
Tags: Amazon, Amazon giftcard giveaway, blogging, blogoversary, Cathe Olson, Cathe's Kitchen, Games, gift card, The Final Countdown Europe
Posted in Games | 10 Comments » -
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My 2nd Blogoversary Gift Card Giveaway!
Wednesday, December 28th, 2011
Officially, I have written eloquently TYPED LOUDLY from this little blogosphere space for exactly two years. I love it more today than when I first started. I love the books more. I love writing more (which is hard to imagine). And much of this is due to you, my Preciouses. Your comments, insight, and opinions have encouraged me to grow as a book reader, writer, and all-around weirder-than-your-grandmother’s-toupee-wearing-cat-type-person.
Basically, what I’m saying is that if I’d never started this blog, and you’d never visited this blog and encouraged me to keep frolicking around on it, I never would’ve made such lovely new friends, nor talked about books so frequently with old ones.
I also never would have:
Helped save billions (rough estimate) of marriages by posting a Rabid Fan Girl Status test and providing a list of Twilight Support Groups. That’s not to mention all the lonely guys I coached on how to get girls with my Twilight Dating Savvy advice.
Nor would I have been allowed to talk about how sexy a seventy-eight-year-old man (Lord Peter Wimsey) is without coming across as totally creepy. Okay, maybe it was creepy, but that doesn’t diminish the impressiveness of having managed to wheedle the indomitable Lord Peter Wimsey into a blog post and three separate interviews. Yeah. That’s right. *discreet fist pump*
I also never would have:
Recovered the suppressed, childhood memory of consistently being elected for the part of Han Solo’s wookie, Chewbacca, (rather than Princess Leia) by my “childhood friends” (ahem, MMA fighter Tim Kennedy) during our Star Wars games. Although, on a side note, I’d like to think Tim may never have stumbled upon his true calling of Cooking with Tim had we not bullied prompted him into it on this blog, right Preciouses?
I also never would’ve discovered that Joanna Volpe and I share a mutual affection for all things Steampunk, which, consequently, led to my pursuing—and her giving—a helpful piece of writing feedback. Thanks to her for that.
And, of course, I never would’ve met Jay Asher (along with the wonderful JM and Isaiah) and discovered what an incredible writer he is, and even more so, what a sincerely kind friend. Thank you, Jay.
Nor would I have met Jonathan Maberry (Wolverine, zombies, and King of Plagues), or connected with Mary Pearson (The Adoration of Jenna Fox), Catherine Ryan Hyde (need we say more?), and Laurie McLean (agent savant), or become blog friends with Anne R. Allen (her books just released!), or had the pleasure of interviewing super-silly authors such as Chuck Sambuchino (who can best me at pop culture references on any given Twitter day), Carolyn Mackler (who can best Jay Asher at spork fencing), and Lauren DeStefano (who makes me wish I possessed half of her wit as well as her preying mantis, Sarsaparilla).
Also, I never would’ve gotten to show you this.
Or this:
Oh, and last but not least, I never would’ve had the opportunity to dote on you with this:
a $25 Amazon gift card
Which I will send to one of you in celebration of your wonderfulness.
So this is how the gift card giveaway is going to work, okay, Preciouses?
(1) You must be a follower of this blog either through email or RSS (the cute icons at the top of the page—one orange, the other a white envelope), or Google Friend Connect or Facebook (those two icons on the right of this post that show all the pictures of happy faces and people’s cats). So if you’re not a follower yet, it’s about dang time you became one.
(2) Link to THIS PAGE one time via Twitter OR Facebook OR Google+ OR from your own blog, and then come back and leave a comment (on this page) saying which one you did. (For your convenience, you can use the stylish icons below or–if the FB one is being finicky–go ahead and copy this page’s URL and paste it to FB manually.) Your link and comment must be posted by 11:59 pm (PST) on Monday, January 2, 2012.
(3) I will take all the names from the comments (no matter how many times you comment or link, you only get counted once) and place them in a hat; then I’ll use my magical six-year-old child to randomly pull one as the winner.
(4) The winner will be announced next Wednesday, January 4th, 2012. After which, I’ll contact that individual and mail them their gift card.
(5) There you have it. Thank you for following me and my blog, and for loving books as much as I do, Preciouses. ;0) May the odds be ever in your favor.
Tags: Amazon giftcard giveaway, Anne R. Allen, blogoversary, Carolyn Mackler, chuck sambuchino, Jay Asher, Joanna Volpe, Jonathan Maberry, lauren destefano, Lord Peter Wimsey, Mary Pearson, MMA fighter Tim Kennedy, rabid fan girls, steampunk, Twilight support groups
Posted in Games | 31 Comments »
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A Recipe for Chipotle Scalloped Potatoes (Plus a Bookalicious Quiz)
Wednesday, November 30th, 2011
IT’S HOLIDAY BAKING TIME!!! *Weehee!* Time to pull out our favorite holiday recipes and get on down to the business of cooking for those twinkle-lit evenings with friends and family (and perhaps a bit of bubbly and toasted nuts). OH THE FOOD-LICIOUS JOY!!! This might even call for a performance of my awkward, whirly, celebration dance! (Although, if you hear my children mention that my awkward, whirly, celebration dance looks very much like MJ’s moonwalk but without the cool moonboots or necessary coordination, ignore them. It looks exactly like that. It looks nothing like that.)
Okay, we move along…
One of my standard recipes I keep stashed away is a spicy little spin-off of my sister-in-law’s incredible scalloped potatoes: CHIPOTLE SCALLOPED POTATOES. They’re simple and pretty-much un-ruinable (<– not a real word, but it should be). Nothing need be exact, a little more of this, a tad less of that—they’ll still taste amazing. I made them last week for a pre-Thanksgiving Thanksgiving dinner (had to brush up my rusty holiday skills, but really it was just an excuse to eat Thanksgiving dinner twice), and they were as smoky-cheesy-tasty as I’d remembered. Which, of course, meant that I had to immediately type the recipe out to share with you. So, here you go. See below.
And while they’re cooking, check out this fun quiz that flitted across my Twitterfeed last week. See if you can match the Famous Protagonists to the Correct Novels (but be fast cuz it’s timed)! Then leave a comment telling us how you scored! (And no cheating by taking it twice. Yeah, you know who I’m talking to…. I’ve got my eye on you.)
A Recipe for Chipotle Scalloped Potatoes
- 3 pounds potatoes (thinly sliced)
- ½ pound gouda cheese (shredded)
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 onion (thinly sliced)
- Salt and pepper
- 2 cans Cream of Mushroom soup
- 1 (of the Cream of Mushroom size) can of milk
- 4 chipotle peppers (in adobe sauce) chopped
Spritz with oil a 13X9 inch pan and cover the bottom with thinly sliced potatoes. Lightly sprinkle over the potatoes with salt, pepper, and onion slices, followed by 1/3 of each of the cheeses. Add another layer of potatoes and duplicate with the salt, pepper, onion, and cheeses. Repeat this process (potato layer + ingredients) a third time. In a bowl, combine the Cream of Mushroom soup, the milk, and chopped chipotle peppers and blend. Pour the Cream of Mushroom mixture on top of the potatoes. Bake on 350 for 60-70 minutes, then allow to sit for 15 before serving. Enjoy!
*lovely photo taken from photobucket
Tags: Autumn recipes, cozy recipes, fun book tests, holiday dinner recipes, protagonists quiz, rainy day recipe, Reading Recipes, recipes, scalloped potato recipe
Posted in Games, Literary Classics | 16 Comments »
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In the Event of a Zombie Apocalypse…
Wednesday, November 9th, 2011
Considering last week’s ROT & RUIN post, it would be remiss of me not to mention that you should really see the U.S. Government’s CDC website with their recommendations on how to respond in the event of a zombie apocalypse (just clickety-click the link to head over there). The site is legitimate. It’s awesome. It’s a good reminder that one always needs to be prepared for ANY emergency.
Also, you might want to avoid the oceans. Just in case sharks eat zombies and then become zombie sharks.
Good luck, everyone. And stay strong.
Tags: government websites, Rot & Ruin, surviving zombies, zombie survival guide, zombies
Posted in Games, Genre Savvy | 8 Comments »
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A Recipe for Autumn Breakfast Cake (plus The Princess Bride Monopoly)
Wednesday, September 28th, 2011
“- In the farthest corner of the Great Square -
- in the highest building in the land -
- deep in the deepest shadow -”
- lies The Princess Bride Monopoly Board Game – HUZZAH!I love the book. I heart the movie. And now, I must own this piece of inconceivable genius. Seriously. Check out those game pieces. Westley’s mustache? Who wouldn’t want to venture around the board with that?
Now that I’ve got you all hung up on the need for your own copy, I recall you to the fact that you should never get involved in a land war in Asia. Also? I owe you a recipe. Which is awesome because it means you can now play with Westley’s mustache while eating tasty cake. So, as you wish, this month’s delicacy comes from my dearest Sharla, who is as autumn obsessed as I am. It’s a perfect breakfast cake, all warm and flavorful with bananas and chocolate and mm…. You should try it with a caramel latte. While challenging your enemies to a duel. With swords. Or iocaine.
A Recipe for Autumn Breakfast Cake
- 2 ½ cups flour
- 1 t. baking soda
- ¾ t. salt
- 1 ¼ cups sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
- 1 ½ cups smashed bananas (3 bananas)
- ½-3/4 cups semi sweet Chocolate Chips
Directions
- Turn on oven to 325 degrees
- Grease two bread pans or a fluted cake tube
- Stir: flour, baking soda & salt
- In another bowl, beat: eggs, oil and sugar
- Add bananas and beat again
- Add flour mixture
- Stir in Chocolate chips
- Bake: 45-50 minutes
And with that, my lovelies, I bid you all goodnight. Sleep well. I’ll most likely kill you in the morning.
What’s the mood noise of the moment? Sophie Zelmani
Tags: Autumn recipes, best book ever, cozy recipes, fairytale book review, Games, Reading Recipes, recipes, The Princess Bride
Posted in Games, Genre Savvy, Literary Classics | 13 Comments »
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How to Make Your Own Steampunk Goggles
Wednesday, August 10th, 2011
My friend, Lord William, sent this link to me as an addition to my “When I am Old, I Shall Wear Steampunk” outfit. Needless to say, you now know what crafty-type projects my kids and I will be working on as we head into autumn. Now if only I could find a bustle big enough to hold my throwing knives AND squash annoying people who get in my way at the bookstore….
How to Make Your Own Steampunk Goggles
(Note: I love the last remark on the How-To: “Congratulations! You’re a nerd! You may now wear your creation.” So good. So true.)
What’s the mood noise of the moment? The lovely Molly Marlette
Tags: steampunk, Steampunk fashion, steampunk outfit, throwing knives, when I am old I shall wear steampunk
Posted in Games, Genre Savvy | 9 Comments » -