Killing the fridge monster

Sometimes I make the mistake of skating by on a big or late lunch until it’s almost time to leave work and go home.

I can gulp some water and chew gum to make it through the last hour of the day and the drive home. But once I get home?

I turn into a fridge monster.

Standing in front of the fridge – or the pantry, though I’m not sure that has the same sort of ring to it – I grab anything that looks good. I nibble, I graze, I snarf until I snap out of my starving state. The crumbs and wrappers are more evidence than I need; all of a sudden, I realize what I’ve done.

That’s when I remember: This is why I have to make sure to keep my desk stocked with healthy, filling snacks. It’s the only thing that keeps the monster away.

So when I was contacted by One2One Network about Ritz Crackerfuls, a possible solution for this afternoon snack dilemma, I was all over it.

Ritz Crackerfuls are individually wrapped cheese and cracker sandwiches made with whole grains and real cheese. They come in four varieties: Garlic Herb, Four Cheese, Classic Cheddar and Cheddar Cheese & Bacon.

For those wondering, each Crackerful is three Weight Watchers points.

One2One Network sent me a box of the cheese and bacon and the classic cheddar Crackerfuls. I took the classic box to work to share with my co-workers, and left the bacon box at home for Mark. Because he thinks that everything is better with bacon.

This one time, I have to disagree. I tried both kinds, and I definitely liked the classic cheddar better. My co-workers liked them, too. They laughed about me using them as my own focus group, but they had some great feedback. (So how could I not share it?)

Angela said it had the perfect amount of salt, and she liked that she could taste real cheese. She’s the friend I’ve gone to Weight Watchers meetings with for the past nine months, and while I haven’t lost squat, she’s lost 50 pounds. And after eating her Crackerful, she said, “Let me put it this way: if it wasn’t portioned out like this, I’d eat the hell out of ‘em.”

Michelle said it was awesome. “I loved it. Do you have another one?” After we laughed (and I failed to mention that no, I didn’t have another because I’d eaten them all), she said she would definitely buy a box for herself.

I thought the classic cheddar Crackerful was great. It was salty (which I like), but also slightly sweet (which I also like). The bacon version was good, too, although maybe a little too salty for me.

The only real problem I had with the Crackerful was the mess. When I ate one (okay fine, two) at work, I got crumbs all over my desk. And when I gave one to Annalyn, she opened it up like an Oreo, smeared cheese all over herself and my couch, and showered the entire living (or so it seemed) with crumbs.

Then again, that might be more of a toddler problem than a snack problem.

Will I buy these for myself? Good question! Thanks for asking. I probably will. For me, the aforementioned fridge monster, I’ll probably pair it with a piece of fruit. Otherwise, I’ll find myself eating two Crackerfuls – and that’s 6 points and a whole lot of crumbs.

If you’d like to try Ritz Crackerfuls, you can get a coupon for $1 off Cheddar Cheese & Bacon Crackerfuls on the Ritz Crackers Facebook page. The coupon is good through August 31, 2010.

What do you eat for an afternoon snack? Have you ever turned into a fridge monster?

One2One Network provided me free product samples. Posting this review makes me eligible for a gift card drawing. However, this review – just like everything on this blog – reflects my honest, personal opinion.

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Monday Music: It Is Well by Kutless

The first Monday of November, and what are two of our local radio stations playing? You guessed it: Christmas music.

Unbelievable.

I love the holidays. And I love festive music. But this starting earlier and earlier every year thing? Drives me up the wall.

Because now, even though I’ve finally gotten the presets figured out in my new car, I have even fewer stations to choose from. (My personal policy is to start listening to Christmas music not a day earlier than Thanksgiving. Because, really.)

Although, I’m not sure why I’m worried about it at all, considering the only way to keep Miss Annalyn from getting fussy in the car is by playing kids’ CDs. Constantly. Stopping to repeat on her favorite songs. Who needs a dozen local stations, when you’re just going to be playing “MY MOOZICK!” every afternoon anyway?

The mornings are mine, though. Mine to play whatever I want. And while sometimes that means silly chatter from the morning shows or peppy pop music to wake up my sleepy brain, more often than not it means one of the two contemporary Christian stations we have. For me, listening to uplifting – or, as they say, positive and encouraging – music gets me in a better mindset for heading into the office and facing my day.

I’ve tried to tell Mark he should do the same. Especially when he’s grumpy about this policy or that at work. Yes, he appreciates my helpful suggestions very much, thank you for asking.

Actually, he doesn’t. Because he doesn’t like a lot of contemporary Christian music. (Gasp!) He doesn’t have quite the same appreciation of overplayed, fluffy pop music that I do, though.

And that’s why – here’s the point, if you were looking for it – I’m excited about the latest CD from Kutless, It Is Well.

This CD came in the mail a couple weeks ago, and I have to admit: I was nervous to listen to it. See, I don’t own a lot of Christian CDs. Honestly, I am usually content to listen to whatever is playing on the radio – overplayed or over-poppy as it may be. And while I’d heard of Kutless, I wasn’t sure I knew specifically which songs are theirs.

I’m happy to tell you: This CD is great! And as soon as Mark gets home tonight, I’m putting it in his truck. Because it’s exactly the sound he likes – think Creed or Three Doors Down, maybe – but with better lyrics. (I wanted to say “a positive message,” but that sounds a little too afterschool special, I think.)

The band has taken several different types of worship songs – some old, some recent – and given each of them a Kutless spin. I love the way the CD starts off, with a high church choir singing, “It Is Well” and then the sound merging into the Kutless version. It’s hard to describe, but to me, it was a great way to introduce the album and announce, “Hey, we’re taking our favorite worship songs and making them ours.”

I’ve already put this CD into my iTunes, and I can tell you it’s going to be played heavily in our house (truck, office, etc.). If you like your rock to be encouraging – or if you like your Christian music to have some edge – check out It Is Well by Kutless.

And here’s a little bit about the album, from the band itself:

We began this worship project, It Is Well, by asking one question, “Can we do something unique?” There are many worship records; however, we were driven by the challenge to do something different, something Kutless. Although we’ve done a worship-oriented album (“Strong Tower”), we are in a different place right now and wanted this project to reflect our hearts.

From February through May 2009 we poured over hundreds of songs. We looked for songs that had a special meaning to us, songs that were traditional, songs that were modern, and songs we could make our own. As the list of songs started to form, we began arranging the songs to fit our style, after all, we are a rock band. This was a challenge in terms of how to take a hymn written in the late 1800s and make it sound like a Kutless song.

The recording process was unique for us for many reasons . . . We had one of those incredible experiences that happen to Christ-followers. We started with a goal, but, through the process, God took that goal and turned it back around to Himself. The quest for a special album became a unique time for us to go deeper in worship. The goal of composing original songs became a time for us to grow in our love and appreciation of each other. The epiphany for us was that the purpose of a worship record was to reflect who God is – His peace, freedom, power and ability to help us grow in relationship with Him and others. In the end, this “unique” experience happened to us in the making of It Is Well.

So, tell me: how do you like your Christian music? Or do you like it at all? I want to hear all your opinions. (Even if you happen to be my brother and want to tell us how choir music rocks.)

I received this CD from Overture Media but was given no other compensation for this review. And as always, this is my honest opinion. The Amazon links are affiliate links.

Saturday Review: Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs

I owe Snow White an apology.

See, the last time I watched this movie, all I could think about was how annoying I found that cartoon girl’s high-pitched, mousy voice. So when One2One Network offered me the chance to review the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Diamond Edition (yes, for free), I’m not sure why I signed up.

No, that’s not true. I signed up because I thought, “This sure isn’t my favorite Disney movie, but maybe Annalyn will like it.”

And I’m happy to tell you that she did. After watching the Elmo video we checked out of the library about 10 times in four days, I couldn’t take it anymore. And since we were stuck at home with the croup, both of us feeling a little bit miserable, I had to do something.

So Snow White it was. And while Annalyn didn’t sit and stare at the television for an hour and a half, she did like the movie. Or, in her words (when I paused it), “Movie! Watch it! Movie! Watch it!”

And, okay, I enjoyed it, too. Those dwarfs (dwarves? I’m not sure…) are actually funny, and it’s interesting to look at the 1937 animation, compared to what we see today. And while I hadn’t forgotten “Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho, It’s Off to Work We Go,” I had forgotten about “Someday My Prince Will Come” and “Whistle While You Work.”

Don’t think I changed my mind about Snow White’s puny voice. But the songs themselves? Well, just maybe I liked them after all.

But my favorite part by far was hearing Annalyn say (without her “r” as usual), “Pincess sad. Sad pincess.” Awww! So cute! (And yes, I do realize I will be sick and tired of pincesses before long. But for now – super cute.)

Now here’s where my review gets tricky. I’m supposed to tell you how awesome the Blu-ray disc is . . . but as you know . . . I’m a little behind in the entertainment technology department. So just in case you, too, are unaware of the benefits of Blu-ray, here they are:

• Blu-ray provides up to six times better quality than DVD (imagine how much better it is than my ol’ VCR!), as well as surround sound.
• Blu-ray discs include games, activities and tons of special features.
• The disc itself is more scratch resistant (read: kid proof!).
• The Blu-ray player plays both Blu-ray and DVD discs.
• Blu-ray discs also play on Sony Playstation 3 players.

In sum, I believe the Blu-ray is better than my 20-year-old VCR.

Seriously, it turns out I was wrong about Snow White. Sorry, Snow. I guess the American Film Institute wasn’t so crazy when they put you on their list of the 100 greatest American films of all time.

Just don’t tell Belle I said so.

If you’d like more information about the Snow White Diamond Edition, visit the official website. You can also watch a special Blu-ray trailer here.

What’s your favorite Disney movie?

Daisy Chain: Book Review & Giveaway

Things aren’t always what they seem. At least I know that’s true in my own life.

My family always seems to have some sort of drama going on. Some sort of tragedy or disagreement or issue. But that’s the new normal, right? Putting the fun in dysfunctional, or however that saying goes?

Maybe. But I remember one particularly dark season when I was a senior in high school. My family went through something so traumatic that I didn’t know how to deal. I didn’t know how to work through it. I didn’t know if anything would ever be okay again.

But I couldn’t tell anyone about it. Because there are some things you just don’t talk about. Even if it eats you up inside.

Have you ever felt that way?

Jed Pepper has. He’s the main character in Mary DeMuth’s new novel, Daisy Chain. Here’s a synopsis of the book:

The abrupt disappearance of young Daisy Chance from a small Texas town in 1973 spins three lives out of control-Jed, whose guilt over not protecting his friend Daisy strangles him; Emory Chance, who blames her own choices for her daughter’s demise; and Ouisie Pepper, who is plagued by headaches while pierced by the shattered pieces of a family in crisis.

In this first book in the Defiance, Texas Trilogy, fourteen-year-old Jed Pepper has a sickening secret: He’s convinced it’s his fault his best friend Daisy went missing. Jed’s pain sends him on a quest for answers to mysteries woven through the fabric of his own life and the lives of the families of Defiance, Texas. When he finally confronts the terrible truths he’s been denying all his life, Jed must choose between rebellion and love, anger and freedom.

I’m in the middle of this book right now, and I don’t know if I’ll be able to go to work tomorrow. Not because I’ll still be reading (It’s not that long, and I’m not that slow!), but because there’s no way I’m stopping to do laundry. And I’m pretty sure the black pants I want to wear tomorrow are dirty!

Here’s the giveaway part:
If you’d like a chance to read the book, today is your lucky day. Well, actually – dare I say, ironically – this Friday, the 13th, could be your lucky day. Because three readers will receive a FREE copy of this book. All you have to do is leave a comment by midnight (CST) on Thursday, March 12. I’ll announce the three randomly selected winners on Friday.

If Mary DeMuth’s name sounds familiar, it’s because I wrote about her a couple months ago. You can find her giving great writing advice at The Writing Spa and Wanna Be Published, and you can read more about her in the interview below.

Tell me a little bit about your background and your family.

You can read my testimony on my website (http://www.marydemuth.com/). I came from a difficult upbringing, but Jesus saw fit to find me at fifteen. He has utterly changed my life.

I’ve been married 18 years to my husband Patrick (who’s been told he looks like George Clooney on more than one occasion). Interesting side note: I’ve been told I look like Laura Dern, and we share the EXACT same birthday. Twins separated at birth? Possibly. If you’re reading this and you’re chums with Laura, could you probe a bit?

How did you get involved in writing?

I’ve been writing since college when the bug hit me. I wrote my first short story about a missionary going to Russia (when it was firmly encased behind the iron curtain) and having to do all these clandestine things to share the gospel. I’m embarrassed to write this, but the piece started with these four words: Thump, thump, thump, thump (representing the protagonist’s heartbeat, of course).

I’ve been actively writing since 1992 when my daughter Sophie was born. I created a newsletter that helped moms manage their homes. I bought my first computer from the proceeds. I also designed and edited church newsletters, wrote homeschooling curriculum, and even wrote a script for an ultrasound training video. Soon after, short stories started flying out of me. When we moved from East Texas to Dallas for my husband to go to Dallas Seminary, I decided to get serious. I met my friend Sandra Glahn then, a professor at the seminary and a published writer. She shepherded me through the query-letter-writing process and has been an incredible cheerleader.

In 2002, I wrote my first novel. In 2003, I signed with an agent, then signed two nonfiction books. Since then, I’ve had five books published (those included), Daisy Chain being my sixth book. The first novel I wrote is yet to be published.

Where did you get the idea for Daisy Chain?

I had a friend who shared a difficult story with me. He grew up in a Christian home. His father was in leadership in the Christian community. From the outside, all looked perfect. But behind closed doors, life was very, very hard. I wanted to expose that kind of abuse. That’s why the idea of family secrets plays heavily into all three books of the Defiance, Texas trilogy.

What do you hope to accomplish with Daisy Chain?

I liken this book to an Oprah book, but with hope. Yes, there is darkness and meanness abounding in this world, but God’s light has a way of fully penetrating that darkness. I hope Daisy Chain cradles the reader through its deep, scary journey clear through to the end because redemption will shine brighter in the midst of darkness. That’s my own personal testimony, so it can’t help but leak out on the page.

Don't forget to leave a comment to enter the drawing for your own copy. Or, hey, go out and buy a copy of your own! (Or both...I really love it when you comment!)

Product Review: Sweet Mint Orbit Gum

I tend to be a real stick in the mud when it comes to gum. Do not ask me to buy a different flavor. As a matter of fact, I get a little flustered if the packaging of my favorite gum changes. And don’t even get me started on how hard it is to find cinnamon Trident at the store these days (virtually impossible, if you’re wondering).

But if someone offers a piece of gum, well, you can’t just turn it down. That would be rude. And possibly foolish, in the case that said person was offering said gum as a polite way to say, “Whew! That pasta salad sure was garlicky, wasn’t it? I mean, dude. I can smell it from here.”

So today I tried a new kind of gum. And I liked it. It was like tossing a handful of butter mints in my mouth after devouring a piece of wedding cake and pretending that the mints were the calorie-free kind. But without all the calories. And the wedding cake.

Orbit’s Sweet Mint gum is good. Try some.