Read the Month Dutch Edition

Read the Month Dutch Edition
September (September)
Duration: September 1, 2013 - September 30, 2013
The challenge lasts the entire month of September, starting on the first and ending on the thirtieth.
Rules: Using the letters of the month, you may read a book by an author whose first or last name starts with that letter or you may read a book whose title or series title starts with that letter. Feel free to disregard articles: a, an, the, etc. If you use the series title, please make sure to include that in your book list.
*Please repost your progress rather than updating a previous post!*

Whatever the Weather Challenge

Whatever the Weather Challenge
Duration: 5 September 2012 to 4 September 2013
A special thanks to Autumn for the original post of this challenge in our group!
How to Play & Rules
You can Mix and Match Genre's if you wish, and do as much or as little as you want.
Season/Weather
Spell out any or all of the words below OR find a cover that has a picture of the following words OR has the following words in the title. How much you do is up to you.
Autumn
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sun
Moon
Rain
Snow
Wind
Thunder & Lightning
Make your own 'Weather Word' to use
Rainbow
Spell out any of the colours or find a cover/title writing with the following colours on it. How much you do is up to you.
Red
Yellow
Pink
Green
Purple
Orange
Blue
Gold
Silver
White
Black
BONUS: Make your own
This Category is for you to make your own 'Mini Challenge'. Read 2 books from one, 2 or all from following list: How much you do is up to you.
Your favourite Holiday
Your favourite Genre
Your favourite Author
A New to You Genre
A New to You Author
It Doesn't Fit, but I Want to Read it
In Autumn's absence, Tina "coffee and books" will host the challenge and keep track of it in message 4 - here.
And a huge thanks to Katie for letting us take over her top post spot (message #1) :)
Happy reading!

READ THE SEASON SUMMER CHALLENGE

Summer's heeeeere! Time for beaches, bahama mamas, and books!
Get ready for our READ THE SEASON SUMMER CHALLENGE.
Read-the-Season Challenge follows the same format as our popular Read-the-Month Challenge, except that you have a whole season to finish your books.
To make it more interesting, we will be using different languages each year for our Read-the-Season and Read-the-Month challenges. For 2013, we will be using Dutch.
Here is the timeline:
WINTER (Winter) - December 21, 2012 - March 19, 2013
LENTE (Spring) - March 20, 2013 - June 20, 2013
ZOMER (Summer) - June 21, 2013 - September 21, 2013
HERFST (Autumn) - September 22, 2013 - December 20, 2013
READ-THE-SEASON SUMMER CHALLENGE: Z-O-M-E-R
Duration: June 21, 2013 - September 21, 2013
Rules are simple. Using the word ZOMER, pick a book title or author (first or last name) that begins with the letters in the chosen season. Books must be started and finished within the season duration.
Happy Summer Reading!!

Zodiac Horoscope Challenge

Zodiac Horoscope Challenge
Duration: April 1st - September 30th, 2013
Thanks to Dee and the other Mods for helping me create this challenge.
For this challenge, there will be a varying number of books read depending on which Zodiac sign is used. The minimum is 8 (for Leo) and the maximum is 16 for Sagittarius.
All 6 tasks need to be completed for each level. You cannot move onto another level, without completing the previous one.
For the first level, you can choose to do your own zodiac sign or you can do the zodiacpersonality quiz and do the zodiac sign that best represents you.
If you opt to do the quiz, please state your real Zodiac, as well as the quiz result
If you finish the first level and want to do it again, feel free to pick a different sign – the only catch is that you need to pick one that is in a different ruling element (fire/earth/air/water), than the first one you did. For example, you could do Pisces for your first level which is a Water element, for your second (and subsequent levels), you would pick a sign from Earth, Air, or Fire.
Rules
Books must be minimum of 100 pages or 30k words
Books can ONLY be used for one task
Contributions to anthologies can only be used if they reach the 100 pg minimum or you use the whole anthology for a task (i.e. you couldn't read 2 stories in the same anthology for different tasks, unless their individual pages exceed 100 pages each)
1. Spell It Out: Spell out your zodiac sign
You can use book or series titles, or authors’ first or last names to spell your word. You can ignore a, an, the articles.
2. Zodiac Sign Number: Series Number
Aries: 1st Zodiac sign - Read a book that is first in a series or has the number 1/one/first/1st in its title
Taurus: 2nd Zodiac sign - Read a book that is second in a series or has the number 2/two/second/2nd in its title
Gemini: 3rd Zodiac sign - Read a book that is third in a series or has the number 3/three/third/3rd in its title
Cancer: 4th Zodiac sign - Read a book that is fourth in a series or has the number 4/four/fourth/4th in its title
Leo: 5th Zodiac sign - Read a book that is fifth in a series or has the number 5/five/fifth/5th in its title
Virgo: 6th Zodiac sign - Read a book that is sixth in a series or has the number 6/six/sixth/6th in its title
Libra: 7th Zodiac sign - Read a book that is seventh in a series or has the number 7/seven/seventh/7th in its title
Scorpio: 8th Zodiac sign - Read a book that is eighth in a series or has the number 8/eight/eighth/8th in its title
Sagittarius: 9th Zodiac sign - Read a book that is ninth in a series or has the number 9/nine/ninth/9th in its title
Capricorn: 10th Zodiac sign - Read a book that is tenth in a series or has the number 10/ten/tenth/10th in its title
Aquarius: 11th Zodiac sign - Read a book that is eleventh in a series or has the number 11/eleven/eleventh/11th in its title
Pisces: 12th Zodiac sign - Read a book that is twelfth in a series or has the number 12/twelve/twelfth/12th in its title
3. Ruling Element:
The signs of the zodiac are broken down into the elements of fire, earth, air, and water. Read a book that has your element in the title or cover or the element color on the cover.
Fire - Red/Orange - Aries, Leo and Sagittarius
Earth - Brown - Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn
Air - Light Blue - Gemini, Libra and Aquarius
Water - Dark Blue - Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces
4. Chinese Zodiac: Animal
Read a book that has your Chinese zodiac animal in the title/on the cover or featured in the book (To find your animal click on link chinese-astrology)
5.Career: Best Career for Your Zodiac Sign
Read a book where one of the main character is in a job that is most compatible with your zodiac sign
Aries - entrepreneur, soldier, rescue worker; in the fields of government and politics, television, or recreation.
Taurus - accountant, educator, engineer, lawyer, designer, landscaper, chef
Gemini - stockbroker, switchboard operator, technical support, teacher, architect, machine operator, rescue worker.
Cancer - gardener, social worker, childcare, human resources, lawyer, teacher, CEO, soldier.
Leo - CEO, performer, tour guide, real estate agent, interior decorator, fashion designer, government, salesperson.
Virgo - editor/writer, teacher, critic, technician, translator, detective, statistician.
Libra - diplomat, dancer, salesperson, host, negotiator, travel agent, supervisor.
Scorpio - detective, lawyer, educator, scientist, surgeon, physicist.
Sagittarius - minister, animal trainer, editor, public relations, coach, anything having to do with travel.
Capricorn - manager, administrator, editor, banker, IT, or anything science-related.
Aquarius - scientist, inventor, organic farmer, aviator, designer, musician.
Pisces - artist, nurse, physical therapist, philanthropist, veterinarian, psychologist.
6. Birthstone:
Read a book where your birthstone appears in the title or the color appears on the cover (birthstones)
January – Garnet (Red)
February – Amethyst (Purple)
March - Aquamarine (Light Blue)
April - Diamond (White/Silver)
May - Emerald (Dark Green)
June - Pearl (White/ Pink)
July - Ruby (Red)
August - Peridot (Light Green)
September - Sapphire (Dark Blue)
October - Opal (White)
November - Citrine/Topaz (Orange/Amber/Yellow)
December - Turquoise (Dark Blue)
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Rules for Level 2
If you finish the first level and want to do it again, feel free to pick a different sign – the only catch is that you need to pick one that is in a different ruling element (fire/earth/air/water), than the first one you did.
For example, you could do Pisces for your first level which is a Water element, for your second (and subsequent levels), you would pick a sign from Earth, Air, or Fire.
Books being used for level 2 have to be read after the date you completed level 1.
For #4. Chinese Zodiac - The twelve animal signs can be divided into four groups of three. The groups are based on the surmise that each of the three animals concerned have similar ways of thinking or temperament, or at least the style of thinking and understanding.
Group One:Rat, Dragon, Monkey
They are action oriented and show traits of intelligence. They can complement in intellect and are compatible with each other.
Group Two: Ox, Snake, Rooster
They are deep thinkers and always conscious about attaining their objectives. They are complementary to each other in intellect and habits.
Group Three: Tiger, Horse, Dog
They incline to freedom and have strong sense of personal ego. They can understand each other but sometimes are egoistical.
Group Four: Rabbit, Sheep, Pig
They love peace and believe in mutual co-operation. They can be sympathetic and usually make great pairs.
You must choose an animal that is in a different group to the one you did in Level 1
For #6. Birthstone: - Pick a birthstone from either of the months in the Zodiac Sign you picked for Level 2
Aries: March 21 - April 19
Taurus: April 20 - May 20
Gemini: May 21 - June 20
Cancer: June 21 - July 22
Leo: July 23 - August 22
Virgo: August 23- September 22
Libra: September 23 - October 22
Scorpio: October 23 - November 21
Saggitarius: November 22 - December 21
Capricorn: December 22 - January 19
Aquarius: January 20 - February 18
Pisces: February 19 - March 20

Audio Encounters of the Third Kind Audiobook Challenge

Audio Encounters of the Third Kind Audiobook Challenge
Duration: July 1, 2013 through September 30, 2013
For this challenge, we are using three basic genres - Contemporary, Historical and Paranormal. They will be defined in the most general of terms:
1. Contemporary (essentially anything set during your lifetime) - RS, humor, m/m, erotica, contemporary fiction, chick-lit - Jill Shalvis, Julie James, Lorelei James, John Grisham, etc.
2. Historical (anything set before you were born) - Regency, Victorian, Highlander, Colonial, Western, Classics - Amanda Quick, Julie Garwood, John Jakes, Mark Twain, Jane Austen, etc.
3. Paranormal PNR, UF, futuristic, time-travel, fantasy, sci-fi - JD Robb, Lara Adrian, Larissa Ione, JR Ward, Douglas Adams, George Orwell, etc.
It is easy to complete this challenge, just three simple steps!
Pick a level.
Pick your books.
Listen and Rate them.
Levels: Pick one option for your level.
1. Six(teen) Candles - Listen to 6 books;
Option 1: All from one genre,
Option 2: A minimum of 1 from each of the three genres,
Option 3: At least 2 from each of 2 selected genres.
2. Love Potion #9 - Listen to 9 books;
Option 1:  All from one genre, 
Option 2:  A minimum of 2 from each of the three genres,
Option 3:  At least 4 from each of 2 selected genres.
3. Cheaper by the Dozen - Listen to 12 books;
Option 1: All from one genre,
Option 2: A minimum of 3 from each of the three genres,
Option 3: At least 5 from each of 2 selected genres.
4. Fifteen Minutes of Fame - Listen to 15 books;
Option 1: All from one genre,
Option 2: A minimum of 4 from each of the three genres,
Option 3: At least 6 from each of 2 selected genres.
5. 21 & Over - Listen to 21 books;
Option 1: All from one genre,
Option 2: A minimum of 5 from each of the three genres,
Option 3: At least 9 from each of 2 selected genres.
6. Jack Bauer's Back - Listen to 24 books;
Option 1: All from one genre,
Option 2: A minimum of 6 from each of the three genres,
Option 3: At least 10 from each of 2 selected genres.
Each book must fit one of the three following criteria:
1. Under 12 hours or over 15 hours in length.
2. New (in audio) to you author or narrator - you may have read the author before but this is the first book you have listened to or a new to you narrator.
3. Favorite author or narrator - you must have listened to at least one book by the author and rated it highly or enjoyed at least one book the narrator has done before.
To Finish: Three steps - Rate the book, Rate the Narrator and Rate the Experience.
1. Give a rating to each book using Goodreads five star system.
2. Rate the narrator using Goodreads five star system.
3. Rate your listening experience:

A. The book was a better experience in audio - the narrator improved the story for you. You can't imagine just reading the book.
B. Eh, could take or leave the audio. The narrator didn't add anything for you, but wasn't bad either. You could listen or read, doesn't matter.
C. Blech, the narrator ruined the experience for you. There was something that pulled you out of the story or distracted you enough that you would not consider listening again - that would be a read only experience in the future.

Rules/Guidelines:
Rereads/listens are acceptable.
You may use any author and/or narrator multiple times if desired.
There is no length requirement.
You must listen to at least 80% of the book to use if for this challenge
If the third option for a level, reading from only two genres is chosen, this of course means that the third genre cannot be used.
Some books may seem to be in two genres. You should choose the genre that fits the books best. For example, Kresley Cole's IAD or JR Ward's BDB series are primarily PNR that happens to be in a contemporary setting - choose paranormal. On the other hand, Molly Harper's Naked Werewolf books are set in the current times with many normal people and happens to have werewolves in them - you could choose either contemporary or paranormal. Basically if they are evenly balanced you can choose either, but if it is heavily weighted to one side you should choose that one. Other examples of those that could fit more than one genre could include several of Nora Roberts trilogies (contemporary and paranormal), Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate series (paranormal and historical), Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series (contemporary, historical and paranormal).
When posting your progress, please include the book, the narrator, which criteria it fits, the date you finished the audiobook and your ratings. Examples below.
If you finish your challenge, you can move up to the next level. If you finish the last level (Jack Bauer's Back) and wish to continue you will need to start over at the beginning again. You may also start over with a new level after completing one level if you wish to switch options.
Please repost your progress rather than updating! If you would rather update your post, please make a separate post with your progress and mention of where your progress is located or a link. Otherwise, I am likely to miss your status and I won't be able to update the stats.
Happy Listening!!

2013 September Monthly Challenges

2013 September Monthly Challenges
This thread is for the participants to post their list and update their progress. The suggestions thread is located HERE.
1. 'S' is for September: Read a book that starts with 'S' or a book whose author's first or last name starts with 'S'
2. Member of the Month - Pollyanna: Pollyanna has been a member of the RRRC since January 2010. Here is the link to Pollyanna's shelves. Please read a book from any of Pollyanna's shelves or a book published in 2010.
3. Geography - Connecticut: Read a book whose author, character or setting is from Connecticut.

Fun Facts about Connecticut:
★ Connecticut is known as the "Constitution State".
★ Connecticut is named after the Connecticut River. The word is a French corruption of the Algonquian word quinetucket, which means "long tidal river".
★ The famous author Mark Twain was a resident of Connecticut.

So you can also read a historical romance set in the United States or any book where a MC works for the government. Or you could read a book with a body of water on the cover or is set on a body of water. In addition, you may read The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn or any other classic.
4. Fight Procrastination Day (Sept. 6): One problem with this group, it makes your TBR grow and grow and many books get neglected. Read a book that has been on your to-read (or similar) shelf for over a year. Or if you are a newer member to goodreads, one that has been on that shelf since you joined.
5. Make Your Bed Day (Sept. 11): Or don't! Read a book where someone ends up in a bed at some point - alone or otherwise! =P
6. Defy Superstition Day (Sept. 13): Knock on Wood, Cross Your Fingers or maybe counting on Beginner's Luck - all things we might be doing this Friday the 13th! Or you could read instead! Read a PNR, UF, horror or a book with any good or bad luck symbol on the cover.
7. Blame Someone Else Day (Sept. 13): Read a book recommended to you by someone or a book from your GR recommendations. Then you can blame, or credit, someone else!
8. Elephant Appreciation Day (Sept. 22): And there is so much to appreciate...! Read a book with an animal (or shifter) on the cover or in the story.
9. National Good Neighbor Day (Sept. 28): I have some and I hope you do too! Read a book where a neighbor plays part in the story or a friends to lovers story.
10. Reader's Choice: Read any book of your choosing!
You can choose 3, 5, 8 or all 10 categories depending on your reading speed, book availability and/or time commitment.
When posting your challenge progress, please make sure to put the date/s when you finished your book/s.
Please repost your progress as it helps when updating.
Happy Reading!!

Review: The Cat Who Robbed a Bank

The Cat Who Robbed a Bank by Lilian Jackson Braun

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Like most the other cat who stories a new twist in the town of Pickax. I did enjoy reading the new things KoKo did to grab Jim's attention and help solve yet another mystery



View all my reviews

Read the Month Dutch Edition

Read the Month Dutch Edition
Juni (June)
Duration: June 1, 2013 - June 30, 2013
The challenge lasts the entire month of June, starting on the first and ending on the thirtieth.
Rules: Using the letters of the month, you may read a book by an author whose first or last name starts with that letter or you may read a book whose title or series title starts with that letter. Feel free to disregard articles: a, an, the, etc. If you use the series title, please make sure to include that in your book list.

Read the Month Dutch Edition

Read the Month Dutch Edition
Juli (July)
Duration: July 1, 2013 - July 31, 2013
The challenge lasts the entire month of July, starting on the first and ending on the thirty-first.
Rules: Using the letters of the month, you may read a book by an author whose first or last name starts with that letter or you may read a book whose title or series title starts with that letter. Feel free to disregard articles: a, an, the, etc. If you use the series title, please make sure to include that in your book list.

Beach Blanket Bingo

 

Join us for some Summer fun! Pick a card, or do all three. You have all Summer to do these.
Duration: June 21st through September 21st, 2013.
How to Play: Read a row across, down, or diagonally to get B.I.N.G.O. Also see below for Anything Goes!
Free Space, or "center square" is always Reader’s Choice.

LEVELS

Wet Behind the Ears = 5 books
Beach Bum = 6-10
Sun Diva = 11-20
All Wet = 21-30
Shell Shocked = 31-40
Water Logged = 41-50

CARD #1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CARD #1
Across, from Left to Right
Sunglasses: Read a book with sunglasses on the cover. Or read a book about a bodyguard.
Umbrella: Read a book with an umbrella or parasol on the cover.
Blanket: Read a book with a blanket on the cover. Or with a title that starts with one of the letters from the word "blanket."
Beach: Read a book with a beach picture on the cover. Or book with beach related object on cover.
Life Preserver: Read a book with a life preserver on the cover, is either orange or white, or is so light weight it might float.
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Boat/Ship: Read a book with a boat or ship on the cover. (Or any part of a ship is showing, such as a guardrail.)
Beach Bag: Read a book that you might tuck into your beach bag for a great summer read.
Visor Hat: Read a book with a visor or hat on the cover.
Seashell: Read a book with a seashell on the cover. Or has a close up of an ear.
Passport: Read a book set somewhere you would need a passport to visit.
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Waves: Read a controversial book, or one making waves. Or shows waves on the cover.
Ice Cream: Read a book showing ice cream on the cover.
Free Space: Reader's Choice.
Cocktails: Read a book with a cocktail on the cover.
Sand Castles: Read a book with a castle on the cover, sand or otherwise.
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Blockbuster: Read a summer blockbuster.
Swimming: Read a book where the main character is a smimmer, or there is someone swimming or floating on a raft on the cover.
Lifeguard: Read a book about a lifeguard, or the cover model is certainly built like one.
Sunburn: Read a book with a predominantly pink or red color cover.
Beach Towel: Read a book that shows a beach towel on the cover, or is bright & multicolored like more beach towels.
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Tan: Read a book showing someone with a great tan, or with a predominantly tan color cover.
Cricket: Read a book where someone plays cricket.
Volleyball: Read a book where someone plays volleyball, or there is quick-witted bantering back and forth.
Seaweed: Read a book that is predominantly dark green, shows weeds on the cover, or has a tangled plot.
Mermaids: Read a book about a mermaid, or is about a singer.

 

CARD #2

CARD #2
Across, from Left to Right

Heat: Read a book that depicts heat on the cover, or is H.O.T., or where the protagonist is “packing heat” (i.e. a gun).
Dogs:  Read a book about a dog, or where a dog plays a major part in the plot-point.
Sun:  Read a book with a sun on the cover.
Frisbee:  Read a book that flies by, or is a “freebie.”
Fish & Chips:  Read a book that has a fish on the cover, where the protagonists go fishing, or has an author or character named Chip. Or the cover shows gambling chips, wood chips, potato chips. Or is set in the U.K.
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Flippers:  Read a book with flippers on the cover, or you find yourself flipping the pages quickly.
Travel:  Read a book where the protagonists travels.
Sunbathing:  Read a book where someone sunbathes.  Or the person on the cover would make a great bathing beauty.
Bar-B-Q:  Read a book with a bit of a bite to it.  (i.e. with vampires!)
Swimsuit:  Read a book with a swimsuit on the cover.
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Pippies:  Pippies are small Australian crabs.  Read a book with a crab on the cover or takes place in Australia.
Shorts:  Read an anthology of short stories, or is a novella.
Free Space:  Reader’s Choice.
Sizzle!:  Read a hot romance.
Beach Chair:  Read a book with a chair on the cover.
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Sunglasses:  Read a book with sunglasses on the cover, or is about a bodyguard.
Sandals:  Read a book showing sandals on the cover.
Baseball:  Read a book about baseball, or is ninth in the series.
Picnic:  Read a book with a picnic basket on the cover, or where someone goes on a picnic.
Lazy Days:  Read a book that is set in the lazy days of summer.
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Waves: Read a controversial book, or one making waves. Or shows waves on the cover.  
Sundress:  Read a book with a sundress on the cover.
Road Trip!: Read a book where the protagonists take a road trip.
Fan:  Read a book by an author of whom you are a fan. Or one where you have to fan yourself to cool off.
Summer Movie:  Read a book that has been made into a summer movie.

 

 

CARD #3

CARD #3
Across, from Left to Right
[
Watermelon:  Read a book with a predominantly green, pink, white or black cover.  Or one with a watermelon on the cover.
Pedicure:  Read a book depicting a nice pedicure.  Or one you read any part of while getting a pedicure.
Camp:  Read a book that takes place in a camp. Or one that is a ghost story.
Straw bag:  Read a book that fits nicely into your straw bag.
Lemonade:  Read book with a yellow cover or where things turn sour.
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National Park: Summer is the most popular time for visiting one of these.  Read a book that is set in a National Park.

• Nat'l Geographic U.S. National Parks
• Nat'l Geographic Canada National Parks
• Nat'l Geographic European National Parks
• Nat'l Geographic U.K. National Parks

Car Wash:  Read a book with a car on the cover.
Halter Tops:  Read a book that is bit skimpy.  
Starfish:  Read a book that has a lot of five star ratings, or one with a star on the cover.
Fireflies:  Read a Sci-Fi book, or one with fireflies on the cover.
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Staycation:  Read a book that takes place near where you life.
Water Balloon: Read a book where a surprise attack occurs. Or has a multiple-colored cover. Or where something mischievous happened within the book. Or the action is set in Brazil, New Orleans, or during Carnival or Mardi Grass. Or has maybe has some samba dancing?
Free Space:  Reader’s Choice.
S’mores:  Read a book with chocolate on the cover, is super sweet, or has a dark brown cover.
Double Scoop:  Read a two in one book (two stories), or is written by two authors.
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Blackberries:  Read a book that is dark blue, or has berries or fresh fruit on the cover.
Vacation:  Read a book set somewhere you would like to take your ideal vacation.
State Fair:  Read a book that is set turning a county or state fair, or won a prize. Or is set in an amusement park or circus.
Sunflower:  Read a book with a flower on the cover.
Convertible:  Read a book that is available to you in two formats.  (i.e. Both eBook and audio, or both audio and hardcover.) 
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Shade:  Read a book showing shade or shadows.
Wimbledon: Read a book with a protagonist that plays tennis, that is set in England, or that you read between June 24th through July 7th.
Bon Fires:  Read a book with fire on the cover.
Breezy:  Read a book that is light and breezy. Or depicts wind on the cover.
Saltwater Taffy:  Read a book that pulls you into the plot.

 

Or try Anything Goes and see if you get a B.I.N.G.O. from anything you can match. Sort of a make your own B.I.N.G.O. by seeing if you get five in a row by choosing the summer items from the three different cards, without moving them around.

Example for Anything Goes
For example, using the diagonal down from left to right, choose the "Sunglasses" then the "Beach Bag" from Card #1; use the "Free Space" and "Picnic" from Card #2, and last use the "Saltwater Tally" from Card #3.

Herbs and Spices A - Z

                     ~ Herbs and Spices A - Z ~

RULES: This is a Spell-It-Out challenge. Pick an herb or spice for each letter of the alphabet and read books with titles, series names, authors (first or last name), character (first or last name), that begin with letters that correspond to letter of the herb or spice you choose. You may ignore the indefinite and definite articles (a, an, the, etc.)

DURATION: You set the pace!

IDEAS: Below are some ideas, but you are NOT restricted to them.

 

A
-Ajwain, carom seeds (Trachyspermum ammi)
-Akudjura (Solanum centrale)
-Alexanders (Smyrnium olusatrum)
-Alkanet (Alkanna tinctoria)
-Alligator pepper, mbongo spice (mbongochobi), hepper pepper (Aframomum danielli, A. citratum, A. exscapum)
-Allspice (Pimenta dioica)
-Angelica (Angelica archangelica)
-Anise (Pimpinella anisum)
-Aniseed myrtle (Syzygium anisatum)
-Annatto (Bixa orellana)
-Apple mint (Mentha suaveolens)
-Arrowroot
-Artichoke
-Asafoetida (Ferula assafoetida)
-Asarabacca (Asarum europaeum)
-Ashwagandha
-Astragalus
-Avens (Geum urbanum)
-Avocado leaf (Peresea americana) 

B
-Barberry (Berberis vulgaris and other Berberis spp.)
-Basil, Holy (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
-Basil, lemon (Ocimum × citriodorum)
-Basil, sweet (Ocimum basilicum)
-Basil, Thai (O. basilicum var. thyrsiflora)
-Bay leaf (Laurus nobilis)
-Bay leaf, Indian, tejpat, malabathrum
-Bilberry
-Black cardamom (Amomum subulatum, Amomum costatum)
-Black Cohosh
-Black mustard (Brassica nigra)
-Blue fenugreek, blue melilot (Trigonella caerulea)
-Boldo (Peumus boldus)
-Borage (Borago officinalis)
-Boswella
-Brown mustard (Brassica juncea) 

C
-Caraway (Carum carvi)
-Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)
-Carob (Ceratonia siliqua)
-Cassia (Cinnamomum aromaticum)
-Cat's Claw
-Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
-Cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum)
-Celery leaf (Apium graveolens)
-Celery seed (Apium graveolens)
-Chasteberry
-Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium)
-Chicory (Cichorium intybus)
-Chili pepper (Capsicum spp.)
-Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
-Cicely, sweet cicely (Myrrhis odorata)
-Cilantro, coriander greens, coriander herb (Coriandrum sativum)
-Cinnamon myrtle (Backhousia myrtifolia)
-Cinnamon, Indonesian (Cinnamomum burmannii, Cassia vera)
-Cinnamon, Saigon or Vietnamese (Cinnamomum loureiroi)
-Cinnamon, true or Ceylon (Cinnamomum verum, C. zeylanicum)
-Cinnamon, white (Canella winterana)
-Clary, Clary sage (Salvia sclarea)
-Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)
-Coriander seed (Coriandrum sativum)
-Costmary (Tanacetum balsamita)
-Cranberry
-Cuban oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus)
-Cubeb pepper (Piper cubeba)
-Cudweed (Gnaphalium spp.)
-Culantro, culangot, long coriander (Eryngium foetidum)
-Cumin (Cuminum cyminum)
-Curry leaf (Murraya koenigii)
-Curry plant (Helichrysum italicum) 

D
-Dandelion Root
-Dill herb or weed (Anethum graveolens)
-Dill seed (Anethum graveolens)
-Dong Quai Root 

E
-Echinacea
-Echinacea Purpurea
-Elderberry
-Elderflower (Sambucus spp.)
-Epazote (Dysphania ambrosioides) 

F
-Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
-Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
-Feverfew
-Filé powder, gumbo filé (Sassafras albidum)
-Fingerroot, krachai, temu kuntji (Boesenbergia rotunda) 

G
-Galangal, greater (Alpinia galanga)
-Galangal, lesser (Alpinia officinarum)
-Galingale (Cyperus spp.)
-Garlic (Allium sativum)
-Garlic chives (Allium tuberosum)
-Garlic, elephant (Allium ampeloprasum var. ampeloprasum)
-Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
-Ginger, torch, bunga siantan (Etlingera elatior)
-Ginseng
-Goldenseal
-Golpar, Persian hogweed (Heracleum persicum)
-Gotu Kola
-Grains of paradise (Aframomum melegueta)
-Grains of Selim, Kani pepper (Xylopia aethiopica)
-Grape Seed
-Green Tea
-Guarana
-Gymnema Sylvestre 

H
-Hawthorn
-Horse Chestnut
-Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana)
-Houttuynia cordata (Vietnam)
-Huacatay, Mexican marigold, mint marigold (Tagetes minuta)
-Huperzine A
-Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) 

I
-Indonesian bay leaf, daun salam (Syzygium polyanthum) 

J
-Jasmine flowers
-Jimbu (Allium hypsistum)
-Juniper berry (Juniperus communis) 

K
-Kaffir lime leaves, Makrud lime leaves (Citrus hystrix)
-Kala zeera (or kala jira), black cumin (Bunium persicum)
-Kawakawa seeds (Macropiper excelsum)
-Keluak, kluwak, kepayang (Pangium edule)
-Kencur, galangal, kentjur (Kaempferia galanga)
-Kinh gioi, Vietnamese balm (Elsholtzia ciliata)
-Kokam seed (Garcinia indica)
-Korarima, Ethiopian cardamom, false cardamom (Aframomum corrorima)
-Korean Ginseng
-Koseret leaves (Lippia adoensis) 

L
-Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
-Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
-Lemon ironbark (Eucalyptus staigeriana) (Australia)
-Lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) (Australia)
-Lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora)
-Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus, C. flexuosus, and other Cymbopogon)
-Leptotes bicolor
-Lesser calamint (Calamintha nepeta), nipitella, nepitella
-Licorice Root
-Licorice, liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
-Lime flower, linden flower (Tilia spp.)
-Lovage (Levisticum officinale) 

M
-Maca Root
-Mace (Myristica fragrans)
-Mahlab, St. Lucie cherry (Prunus mahaleb)
-Marjoram (Origanum majorana)
-Marsh mallow (Althaea officinalis)
-Mastic (Pistacia lentiscus)
-Milk Thistle
-Mint (Mentha spp.) 25 species, hundreds of varieties
-Mountain horopito (Pseudowintera colorata) 'Pepper-plant'
-Musk mallow, abelmosk (Abelmoschus moschatus)
-Mustard, black, mustard plant, mustard seed (Brassica nigra)
-Mustard, brown, mustard plant, mustard seed (Brassica juncea)
-Mustard, white, mustard plant, mustard seed (Sinapis alba) 

N
-Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
-Neem
-Nigella, kalonji, black caraway, black onion seed (Nigella sativa)
-Njangsa, djansang (Ricinodendron heudelotii)
-Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) 

O
-Olida (Eucalyptus olida)
-Olive Leaf
-Oregano (Origanum vulgare, O. heracleoticum)
-Orris root (Iris germanica, I. florentina, I. pallida) 

P
-Panax Ginseng
-Pandan flower, kewra (Pandanus odoratissimus)
-Pandan leaf, screwpine (Pandanus amaryllifolius
-Pandanus amaryllifolius
-Paprika (Capsicum annuum)
-Paracress (Spilanthes acmella, Soleracea)
-Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
-Pepper, Dorrigo (Tasmannia stipitata)
-Pepper, long (Piper longum)
-Pepper, mountain, Cornish pepper leaf (Tasmannia lanceolata)
-Pepper: black, white, and green (Piper nigrum)
-Peppermint (Mentha piperata)
-Peppermint gum leaf (Eucalyptus dives)
-Perilla, shiso (Perilla spp.)
-Peruvian pepper (Schinus molle)
-Pink pepper or Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius)
-Pomegranate  

Q
-Quassia (Quassia amara) (bitter spice in aperitifs and some beers and fortified wines) 

R
-Ramsons, wood garlic (Allium ursinum)
-Rhodiola
-Rice paddy herb (Limnophila aromatica)
-Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
-Rue (Ruta graveolens) 

S
-Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius)
-Saffron (Crocus sativus)
-Sage (Salvia officinalis)
-Saigon cinnamon (Cinnamomum loureiroi)
-Salad burnet (Sanguisorba minor)
-Salep (Orchis mascula)
-Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)
-Savory, summer (Satureja hortensis)
-Savory, winter (Satureja montana)
-Saw Palemetto
-Senna
-Shiso (Perilla frutescens)
-Silphium, silphion, laser, laserpicium, lasarpicium (Ancient Roman cuisine, Ancient Greek cuisine)
-Sorrel (Rumex acetosa)
-Sorrel, sheep (Rumex acetosella)
-Spearmint (Mentha spicata)
-Spikenard (Nardostachys grandiflora or N. jatamansi)
-St. John's Wart
-Star anise (Illicium verum)
-Sumac (Rhus coriaria)
-Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum)
-Szechuan pepper, Sichuan pepper (Zanthoxylum piperitum) 

T
-Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus)
-Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
-Thyme, lemon (Thymus × citriodorus)
-Triple Ginsa (Ginseng)
-Turmeric (Curcuma longa) 

V
-Valerian Root
-Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia)
-Vietnamese cinnamon (Cinnamomum loureiroi)
-Vietnamese coriander (Persicaria odorata)
-Voatsiperifery (Piper borbonense) 

W
-Wasabi (Wasabia japonica)
-Water-pepper, smartweed (Polygonum hydropiper)
-Watercress (Rorippa nasturtium-aquatica)
-Wattleseed (from about 120 spp. of Australian Acacia)
-White mustard (Sinapis alba)
-White Willow Bark
-Wild betel (Piper sarmentosum) (Southeast Asia)
-Wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
-Willow herb (Epilobium parviflorum)
-Winter savory (Satureja montana)
-Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)
-Wood avens, herb bennet (Geum urbanum)
-Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
-Wormwood, absinthe (Artemisia absinthium) 

X
-Xanthan gum
-Xylopia aethiopica or Xylopia striata, (also known as Sénégal Pepper, Negro Pepper, Grains of Selim, African Grains of Selim, Moor Pepper, Kili, Congo Pepper, Kani Pepper, Country Pepper, Selim Kili Pepper and Poivre de Sénégal) 

Y
-Yellow mustard (Brassica hirta = Sinapis alba)
-Yerba buena
-Yohimbe 

Z
-Za'atar (herbs from genera Origanum, Calamintha, Thymus, & Satureja)
-Zedoary (Curcuma zedoaria) 

**Many of these from Wiki

July 2013 Monthly Challenge - Participants Thread

1. “J" is for July: Read a book that starts with 'J’ or a book whose author's first or last name starts with 'J’.
2. Member of the Month: Gea- Gea has been a member of the RRRC since October 2011. Here is the link to Gea's shelves- Gea's shelves . Please read a book from any of Gea's shelves or a book published in 2011.
3. Geography: Read a book whose author, character or setting is from Turkey.
Fun Facts about Turkey:
A. St. Nicholas, the inspiration for Santa Claus, was born in Patara, Turkey.
B. Istanbul is the only city in the world located on 2 continents - Europe and Asia.
C. The Trojan War took place in Turkey.
You may also read a book with a Christmas theme, or where there is travel involved from one continent to another, or a book with a military character or setting, or a book with a horse on the cover or located within the story.
4. Stay Out Of The Sun Day (July 3rd): Read a book with a vampire/shifter character or a book that has a moon or night scene on the cover.
5. Independence Day (July 4th): Read a book with a red, white, and/or blue cover or a book with a character who lives alone.
6. Embrace Your Geekness Day (July 13th): Read a book with a nerdy/geeky character or a book with glasses or a book on the cover.
7. I Forgot Day (July 2nd): Read a book that has been lingering on your tbr shelf for awhile, or maybe there is a series you have been neglecting and you would like to get back to it.
8. National Nude Day (July 14th): Read a book with a painter or sculptor, or a book with a bare chest or beach scene on the cover, or a book with a beach scene in the story.
9. Sidewalk Egg Frying Day (July 4th): Read a book with a Summer setting, cover, or a book with a character in the food industry or a book with food or a sidewalk on the cover.
10. Readers Choice:
Challenge Duration: July 1 to July 31, 2013
You can choose 3, 5, 8 or all 10 categories depending on your reading speed, book availability and/or time commitment.
When posting your challenge progress, please make sure to put the date/s when you finished your book/s.
Please repost your progress as it helps when updating.
Happy Reading!

Tarot Card Reading Challenge

Duration: You set the pace!
Rules:
There are 78 cards in a tarot deck split between 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana. The Minor Aracana are split into four suits of wands, pentacles, swords and cups.
Major Arcana and their meanings
0 The Fool ------------ Fresh Starts, Important Decisions, Optimism
1 The Magician -------- Confidence, Good Communications, Practical Skills
2 The High Priestess -- Foresight, Understanding, Inner Wisdom
3 The Empress --------- Fulfilment, Well=Being, Creative Abundance
4 The Emperor --------- Male Influences, Authority, Rationality
5 The Hierophant ------ Conformity, Good Counsel
6 The Lovers ---------- Relationships, Conflicting Choices
7 The Chariot --------- Effort Leading To Success, Strength Of Character
8 Strength ------------ Confronting Problems, Strength Of Will
9 The Hermit ---------- Introspection, Solitude
10 Wheel of Fortune --- Cyclical Change, Good Fortune
11 Justice ------------ Justice, Fair Treatment, Balance
12 The Hanged Man ----- Transition, Sacrifice, Change
13 Death -------------- Dramatic Change, New Beginnings
14 Temperance --------- Self Assurance Capability, Harmony
15 The Devil ---------- Bound To A Situation, Self-Delusion, Anger
16 The Tower ---------- Drastic Change, Unexpected Events, New Life
17 The Star ----------- Serenity, Renewal, Hope
18 The Moon ----------- Confusion, Delsion, Introspection
19 The Sun ------------ Success, Joy, Achievement
20 Judgement ---------- Change, Decisions, Achievement
21 The World ---------- Completion, Satisfaction, Enlightenment
Minor Arcana and their meanings - SUITS

Swords Swords represent action, change, force, power, oppression, ambition, courage, violence and conflict. This suit can also mean hatred, battle, and enemies, and of all the suits, this one is considered to be the most powerful and dangerous.

Wands Wands represent primal energy, spirituality, inspiration, determination, strength, intuition, creativity, ambition and expansion, original thought and the seeds through which life springs forth. Wands are also indicative of all things that you do during the day to keep you busy, be it working at the office, home or the great outdoors. Wands have to do with movement, action and initiatives and the launching of new ideas.

Cups Cups represent love, feelings, relationships and connections. Cups are about displays of emotion, expression of feelings and the role of emotions in relation to others. Cups are also linked to creativity, romanticism, fantasy and imagination

Pentacles (coins)Pentacles (coins) cover material aspects of life including work, business, trade, property, money and other material possessions. The positive aspects of the Suit of Pentacles include manifestation, realisation, proof and prosperity
**********************************************************
OPTION ONE
For this challenge, you can start by choosing a suit and then working your way up through four levels if you choose
Level 1 – Mystic
3 card spread: Preferred use is to help understand options regarding a current problem
Choose a suit and read three books that are themed to the suit meanings
Level 2 - Telepathic
7 card infinity spread: Used to give guidance by reviewing the past, present, and future
Complete Mystic level and choose one book to read from a different suit, and three cards from the Major Aracana and read books that are themed to these card meanings
Level 3 - Supersensory
Centic Cross spread (10 cards): The most popular spread, but not for novices! Used to give guidance to a specific problem
Complete Telepathic level and choose one book to read from a different suit, and two cards from the Major Aracana and read books that are themed to these card meanings
Level 4 - Psychic
Choices spread (13 cards): Useful when you have already decided on a solution to a problem, but would still like to explore alternatives
Complete supersensory level and choose one book to read from the remaining suit, andtwo cards from the Major Aracana and read books that are themed to these card meanings
BONUS - Clairvoyant
Read a book that involves the characters using tarot cards

Cooking and Cookware: A to Z

RULES: This is a Spell-It-Out challenge. Pick a cookware item, cooking term, or ingredient for each letter of the alphabet and read books with titles, series names, authors (first or last name), character (first or last name), that begin with letters that correspond to letter of the item or term you choose. You may ignore the indefinite and definite articles (a, an, the, etc.)

DURATION: You set the pace!

IDEAS: Below are some ideas, but you are NOT restricted to them. Cooking terms in another language are in italics.

 

A 
-a la mode
-Aebleskiver
-al dente
-Aperitif
-Apple
-Aprons
-Arborio
-Armoniche
-Aroma
-Asparagus
-Aspic Cutters
-Atlas Pasta Maker-
-au Gratin
-au Jus
-Avocado 

B 
-Baba
-Baking:
· Bakers
· Cups
· Helpers
· Ingredients
· Mats
· Shells
-Banana
-Banneton
-Baste
-Barbecue
-Barware
-Baskets:
· Grilling
· Steaming
-Béarnaise
-Beat
-Béchamel
-Bellman
-Beurre Manie
-Bias-slice
-Blanch
-Blackened
-Blancmange
-Blend
-Blenders, Electric
-Blenders, Pastry
-Blintz
-Boil
-Bottles:
· Glass
· Oil/Vinegar
· Openers
· Spice
· Stoppers
-Bouillon
-Bourguignon
-Bouquet Garni
-Bowls:
· KitchenAid
· Prep/Mixing
· Soup
· Wood
-Bread
-Braise
-Brioche
-Brisker Crisper
-Broil
-Bron Mandolin Instr
-Brotform
-Bruise
-Brushes:
· Cleaning
· Cooking
-Bundt Pan
-Butane Burner
-Butter
-Butterfly 

C 
-Cake Cutters
-Cake Decorating:
· Courses
· Flavors
· Food Colors
· Gum Paste
· Icing Tools
· Ingredients
· Pastry Bags
· Tips
-Cake Pans:
· Characters
· Christmas
· Cookie
· Easter
· Flan
· Halloween
· Jelly Roll Sheet
· Panettone
· Patriotic
· Rectangular
· Ring
· Round
· Shapes
· Sheet
· Shortbread
· Springform
· Square
· St Patrick
· Stacks
· Steam Pudding
· Tube
-Cake Rings
-Calculators
-Can Covers
-Can Openers
-Candied
-Canners, Pressure
-Canning Jars
-Cannoli
-Capers
-Cappuccino:
· Accessories
· Cups
· Espresso Makers
· Milk Frothers
-Carmelize
-Carve
-Casseroles
-Cast Iron Pans
-Caviar
-Cazuela
-Ceramics Guide
-Charlotte
-Cheese Graters
-Cheese Utensils
-Cheesecloth
-Chestnut
-Chiffonade
-Chinois
-Chocolate
-Chop
-Choppers
-Chopsticks
-Clarify
-Cleaners
-Cleavers
-Coddle
-Coeur a la Crème
-Coffee Pages:
· About Coffee
· Accessories
· Beans
· Cappuccino
· Chemex
· Drip Auto
· Drip Manual
· Espresso
· Filters
· French Press
· Mills & Grinders
· Percolators
· Roasters
· Turkish
· Vacuum
-Colander
-Compote
-Condiment
-Consommé
-Conversion Tool
-Cookie Cutters:
· General
· Gingerbread
· Easter
· Halloween
· Leaves
· Patriotic
· Sets & More
· St Patrick
· Winter
-Cookie Press
-Cookie Sheet
-Cookie Stamp
-Cookware Guide
-Cooling Rack
-Copper:
· Cookware
· Molds
· Re-Tinning
-Cordon bleu
-Corers
-Cornichon
-Corkscrews
-Couscoussier
-Cream Horns
-Cream Whipper
-Crème Brulee
-Crème Fraîche
-Crepe
-Crimp
-Crudités
-Crumkake
-Crush
-Cube
-Cuisinart
-Cupcakes
-Curdle
-Cure
-Custard Cups
-Cutlet
-Cutting Boards 

D 
-Dash
-Deglaze
-Dehydrator
-Demiglace
-Demitasse
-Dice
-Dijon
-Dilute
-Dip
-Dissolve
-Dolci
-Double Boilers
-Doughnut Maker
-Dredge
-Dressed
-Drizzle
-Duck Press
-Du jour
-Dumplings
-Dust
-Dutch Oven
-Duxelles 

E 
-Eau-De-Vie
-Éclair
-Egg Cooker
-Emincé
-Emulsify
-En brochette
-En chemise
-En coquille
-En tasse
-Enamelware
-Entree
-Epergne
-Escargot
-Espagnole
-Espresso:
· Cups
· Frothers
· Makers, Electric
· Makers, Stovetop
· Spoons
-Extracts Flavors & Oils 

F 
-Fat & Gravy
-Filé
-Fillet
-Fish Barbecue
-Fish Pans
-Flake
-Flambé
-Flan
-Flavors Oils & Extracts
-Flour
-Flute
-Fold
-Fondue
-Food Colors
-Food Mills
-Food Processors
-French Fry
-French Presses
-Frost
-Frothers
-Fruit Ripener
-Fruit Tools
-Frittata
-Fromage Frais
-Fry
-Fry Pans:
· Copper
· Crepe
· Iron
· Omelet
-Fryers, Deep
-Fumet
-Funnel Cake
-Funnels 

G 
-Galette
-Ganache
-Garlic
-Garnish
-Gastrique
-Gaufrette
-Gazpacho
-Gingerbread
-Glacé
-Glaze
-Gourmet
-Grain Mills
-Grapefruit
-Grate
-Graters
-Gratin Pan
-Gravy
-Griddles
-Grill Pans
-Grilling Baskets
-Grind
-Grinders, Coffee
-Grinders, Food/Meat
-Gum Paste 

H 
-Ham Rack
-Hanging Racks
-Hasenpfeffer
-Heat Diffusers
-Herb Mincers
-Hollandaise
-Homogenize
-Honey
-Hooks, Magnetic
-Hooks, Pot Racks
-Hors d'oeuvres 

I 
-Ice
-Ice Bath
-Ice Cream
-Ice Pick
-Ice Utensils
-Icing:
· Bags
· Tips
· Tools
-Infusion
-Iodized Salt 

J 
-Jalapeño
-Jam
-Jambalaya
-Jar
-Jar Openers
-Jardiniere
-Jelly Roll Pan
-Jeroboam
-Jigger
-Joint
-Juicer
-Julienne
-Junket
-Jus 

K 
-Kabob or Kebob
-Kakavia
-Kettle
-Kielbasa
-Kippered
-Knead
-Knives:
· Cleavers
· Electric
· Sharpeners
· Storage
-Kosher
-Kransekake
-Krumkake
-Kuchen
-Kugelhopf
-Kulich
-Kummel 

L 
-Ladles
-Lazy Susan
-Leaves
-Leavener
-Legumes
-Liaison
-Linguine
-Linzer Torte
-Liqueur
-Lyonnaise
-Loaf 

M 
-Madeleines
-Mandoline
-Marble
-Marinade
-Mats:
· Baking
· Cutting
· Grilling
· Pastry
· Sushi
-Marsala
-Mash
-Measure
-Measuring:
· Charts
· Cups
· Scales
· Spoons
· Thermometers
· Timers
-Meat:
· Grinders
· Slicers
· Smokers
· Tools
-Melon Baller
-Melt
-Menu
-Mezzaluna
-Microwave
-Milk Frother
-Mince
-Mincers
-Mitts & Potholders
-Mix
-Mixers:
· Cuisinart
· Hand
· KitchenAid
-Mixing Bowl
-Molecular
-Mongolian Fire Pot
-Moravian Loaf
-Mortar & Pestle
-Mousse
-Muddler
-Muffin:
· Cups
· Pans
-Mug
-Mull
-Mulligatawny
-Mushrooms 

N 
-Navarin
-Nesselrode
-Newburg
-Nicoise, à la
-Noisette
-Nonstick Cooking Spray
-Nonstick Pan
-Non-metallic Pan
-Noodles
-Nougat
-Nutmeg
-Nuts 

O 
-Oats
-Oil
-Olive
-Omelet Pan
-Openers
-Ossobucco
-Ostie Wafer
-Orzo
-Oyster 

P 
-Paella
-Panache
-Pancake
-Pandoro
-Panettone
-Parbroil
-Parchment Paper
-Parchment Triangles
-Pare
-Parfait
-Pasta:
· Cutters
· Makers
· Rolling Pins
· Utensils
-Pastasciutta
-Pastry:
· Bags
· Blenders
· Boards
· Brushes
· Cutters
-Pâté
-Pâté à choux
-Pâté en croute
-Patriotic Bakeware
-Peach Cakes Mold
-Pectin
-Peel
-Peelers
-Penne
-Pepper/Salt:
· Mills
· Peugeot Mills
· Salt Utensils
· Shakers
-Peppercorn
-Percolator
-Périgeux
-Pesto
-Philadelphia Links
-Phyllo Dough
-Pie Pans/Plates
-Pierogi
-Pinch
-Pineapple Corer
-Pipe
-Pit
-Pitchers
-Pitters
-Pizza Cutter
-Pizzelle
-Plate Racks
-Plump
-Poach
-Pocket Pastry
-Poffertjes
-Polenta Board
-Pomegranate Remover Tool
-Popcorn Poppers
-Pot de Crème
-Pot Holders
-Pot Racks
-Potato Ricer
-Potato Masher
-Potato Peelers
-Poultry Tools
-Pound
-Pourers
-Precook
-Preheat
-Prep Bowls
-Pressure Cooker
-Proof
-Puree 

Q 
-Quart
-Quassia
-Quenelle
-Quiche
-Quinoa
 

R 
-Racks:
· Hanging
· Roast-Cool
-Raclettes
-Ramekin
-Rasher
-Ravigote
-Ravioli Cutter
-Recipe Card
-Recipe Holder
-Relish
-Render
-Rice Maker
-Ricers
-Reconstitute
-Reduce
-Rind
-Ring Molds
-Roasters:
· Ceramic
· Coffee
· Metal
-Roe
-Roller Docker
-Rolling Pin
-Romertopf Baker
-Rosettes
-Roulade
-Roux
-Rumtopf Crock 

S 
-Salad Spinner
-Salt/Pepper:
· Mills
· Peugeot Mills
· Salt Utensils
· Shakers
-Sausage Funnels
-Sauté
-Scald
-Scale
-Schlemmertopf
-Scissors & Shears
-Scoop
-Scraper
-Seafood Bakeware
-Sear
-Seasoning Metals
-Section
-Seltzer Siphon
-Serving Spatula
-Serving Utensil
-Shakers:
· Bar
· Powder
· Salt/Pepper
-Sharpener
-Sheet Pan
-Shellfish Scraper
-Sherry
-Shortbread
-Shred
-Shuck
-Sieve
-Sift
-Sifter
-Silicone Guide
-Skewer
-Skim
-Slicers:
· Electric
· Mandolines
-Slotted Spoon
-Smoker
-Snails
-Snip
-Soapstone
-Soda Siphon
-Soufflè
-Soup Bowl
-Sous Vide
-Spaetzle
-Spatula
-Spice Jars & Racks
-Spider
-Spoon Rest
-Spoon
-Springerle
-Springform
-Stacks & Rings
-Steam
-Steam Pudding
-Steamer
-Steel Pan
-Steep
-Stew
-Stew Pot
-Stir
-Stir-fry
-Stock
-Stollen
-Stopper
-Strainer
-Stroopwafel Iron
-Stuff
-Sugar Bowl
-Sushi Roller
-Syrup Dispenser 

T 
-Tagines
-Tahini
-Tamari
-Tamarind Paste
-Tamis
-Tart Pan
-Tava
-Tea:
· About
· Infusers
· Kettles
· Leaves
· Pots
-Thermal Mug
-Thermal Server
-Thermometer
-Timer
-Tin Care Guide
-Toast
-Tongs
-Toothpick
-Torte
-Tortilla
-Tortellini-
-Toss
-Towel
-Trivet
-Truffle Slicer
-Trussing Needle
-Tube Pan
-Tubes, Decorating
-Tuile
-Tureen
-Turner
-Turnover
-Turntable 

U 
-Utensil
-Unleavened
· baking powder
· baking soda
· yeast
-Unmold
-Unsweetened Chocolate
-Upside-Down Cake 

V 
-Vacuum Seal
-Vacuum Sealer
-Vanilla
-Veloute
-Verjus
-Vermicelli
-Vermouth
-Veronique
-Vichyssoise
-Vinaigrette
-Vinegar
-Vintage Cookware/Cookbooks 

W 
-Waffle Maker
-Warmers
-Wasabi
-Watercress
-Waterzooi
-Weeping
-Wellington
-White Chocolate
-Whip
-Whipped Cream
-Whisk
-Wine
-Wonton Wrappers
-Wok
-Wood Bowl
-Wooden Spoons 

X 
-Xavier
-Xérès
-Xiami Huanggua
-Xiang Cài
-Xiaren
-Xiè
-XL
-Xoconostle 

Y 
-Y Salt & Pepper Grinder
-Y Shaped Peeler
-Yarrow
-Yellow Mustard
-Yeast
-Yogurt Maker 

Z
-Za'atar
-Zabaglione Pan
-Zedoary
-Zesters
-Ziti
-Zuppa Inglese
-Zwieback

Picnic in July

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summer is a time for getting out of the house and getting together with friends and family for a picnic. So for July we decided a Picnic in July would be the perfect theme for a challenge.
For this challenge read/do one or more of the following:
- Read books which contain scenes of a picnic on the cover or picnic related items or events.
- Do a traditional spell-it-out challenge spelling out the word(s) associated with picnic (or the word picnic itself) using the first or last letter of a character's or author's first, last, or 'nick' name. Or you can use the first letter of the title. If the title begins with A, An, The, etc then you may use the first letter of the second word of the title.
Example of a Spell-it-out challenge:
A - America; character in The Selection by Kiera Cass
N - Nicholas Sparks author of The Lucky One
T - Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Examples of books with Picnic Baskets on the cover:

Examples of books with characters who go on a picnic:

Books with picnic tables:

Books with food items found at picnics:

Levels of Play:
Ants in your pants - Read 1 - 3 Books
Easy Breezy - Read 4 - 6 Book
Dog Days of Summer - Read 7 - 9 Books
Summer Loving - Read 10 - 12 Books
Smarter than your average bear - Read 13 +

Food and other items you might find or take on a picnic:
Basket
Plates
Napkins
Cups
Forks
Spoons
Knives
Wine
Cheese
Fruit
Ants
Picnic table
Condiments
Soft drinks
Cooler
Ice
Sandwiches
Hamburgers
Hot Dogs
Chips
Baked Beans
Potato Salad
Blanket
Watermelon
Fried Chicken
Watermelon
Iced Tea
Kool-aid
Lemonade
Fruit Salad
Macaroni Salad
Potato Salad
Bears
Raccoons

Activities:
Sack races
Tug of war
Three legged race
Egg Relay Race
Horseshoes
Frisbee
Croquet
Bocce
Volleyball
Hoola hoops

Summer Camping Reading Challenge

Duration: June 21st through September 21st, 2013.
Levels of Play:
Tenderfoot - Read 3 to 5 Books
Scavenger - Read 6 to 8 Books
Scout - Read 9 to 11 Books
Explorer - Read 12 to 14 Books
Survivor - Read 15+ Books
How to play:
- Read books that have pictures of people camping on the covers or in the book
- Read books which have camping related items or activities on the cover, or have people doing camp related activities in the book (see lists below for examples)
- Do a Spell-it-out Challenge with a word associated with camping (see list below or come up with your own) Use the letter of an author's or character's first, middle, or last name or nickname to spell out a word or use the first letters of a book's title. (If the title begins with a, an, the, etc. then you may use the second word of the title.)
- Do any combination of the above
Example of a Spell-it-out Challenge:
F - F. Scott Fitzgerald author of The Great Gatsby
R - The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
O - Evie O'Neill (character) from The Diviners by Libba Bray
G - John Green author of The Fault in Our Stars
Check list:
tents
s'mores
Ants
laterns
frying pans
sleeping bags
campfire
stars
hot dogs
bears
backpacks
Fire
Water
Food
Protection
Boat
Hiking Boots
First Aid
swimsuit
life preserver
mesquitoes
bug spray/Insect repellent
swimming
frogs
spiders
snakes
dutch ovens
pocket knife
Compass
Whistle
Raincoat
Matches
Fishing poles
Flashlights/Torches
Bait
Fishing new
Headlamp
bandannas
Camera
Camcorder
Memory cards/film
Binoculars
Maps
Guidebook
Interpretive field guides (flowers, insects)
Star chart/night-sky identifier
books
Notebook and pen/pencil
Sketchpad with art supplies
Radio or music player with headphones
Two-way radios
GPS receiver
Cell phone
Travel alarm clock
Umbrella
foil
Water bottles
spatula

Activities:
hiking
fishing
Rock Climbing
Cooking
canoeing
shadow puppets
Archery
Ghost Stories
knot tying
Tracking

Camp Gottaread Summer Reading Challenge

In the margins of one thousand pages lake
where the trees of all shades of cover colors reside,
there lurks a camp that the most devout of all readers wish to find.
It's name is Camp Gottaread and I've got to say,
action and adventure are mere moments away.
Just pick up a book and what you most desire,
can be found within its pages in only one, two, or possibly several hours.
Take a trip, live in a castle, or gain mysterious powers,
for books are the genies which make everything we desire ours.

 

 

Duration:
June 21st through September 21st, 2013.
Levels:
Bookie Rookie; Read 3 - 5 Books
Book Bandit; Read 6 - 8 Books
Book Worm; Read 9 - 11 Books
Book Aficionado; Read 12 - 14 Books
Book Addict; Read 15+ Books
Camp Gottaread Activities:
- Climb the intimidating heights of Mount TBR
(Read books from your to-be-read stack)
- Fish for new novels you never knew existed
(Read books you just discovered)
- Hike the books you've felt were too big to read
(Read books you've always found intimidating)
- Swim the seas of series you've always meant to finish but never have
(Read books in series you've meant to finish but never found the time to do so)
- Explore the tales of new named authors
(Read books written by new-to-you authors)
- Listen to Campfire tales
(Read assorted novellas or short stories in anthologies that are scary)

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Review: Nightfall

Nightfall by L.J. Smith

My rating: 2 of 5 stars



This book took forever for me to get through and even then I do not remember any of it will try to reread later maybe in the summer when I need a dull book



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Review: Silence

Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



For one I loved it second even tho I read the first 100 pages and waited a good 6 months to pick back up I was able to catch back on fast. I have idea's of what the next book will hold and I hope I am right. WIth Nora left to lead the army i see them splitting soon and the army turning against one another but that is just what I think



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Review: The Commitment Chronicles: The Power of Staying Together

The Commitment Chronicles: The Power of Staying Together by Cheryl McClary

My rating: 2 of 5 stars



I picked up this book to see what it was all about after a friend had mentioned it to me and figured "What the hey I need a easy read". It is ehh if my marriage was suffering this would not be a book I would pick up on my own or even mention to another. The author gets off course and I find my self skimming paragraphs at a time..



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Books Read in 2013 (One Year)

Below are the book read from January 2nd 2013 – January 1st 2014

1. The Golden Lily (Bloodlines #2) - Richelle Mead
2. The Cat Who Ate Danish Modern (Cat Who #2) – Lilian Jackson Braun
3. The Cat Who Turned On and Off (Cat Who #3) – Lilian Jackson Braun
4. The Commitment Chronicles: The Power of Staying Together - Cheryl McClary
5. Screw Calm and Get Angry - LLC Publishing
6. The Cat Who Saw Red (Cat Who... #4) - Lilian Jackson Braun
7. The Cat Who Played Brahms (Cat Who... #5) - Lilian Jackson Braun
8. The Cat Who Played Post Office (Cat Who... #6) - Lilian Jackson Braun
9. Silence (Hush, Hush #3) - Becca Fitzpatrick
10. Nightfall (The Vampire Diaries: The Return #1) - L.J. Smith
11. Taken - Selena Kitt
12. Unbroken - Carolynn Amara
13. The Cat Who Knew Shakespeare (Cat Who... #7) - Lilian Jackson Braun
14. The Cat Who Sniffed Glue (Cat Who... #8) - Lilian Jackson Braun
15. The Cat Who Went Underground (Cat Who... #9) - Lilian Jackson Braun
16. Unspoken - Carolynn Amara
17. The Cat Who Talked to Ghosts (Cat Who... #10) - Lilian Jackson Braun
18. The Cat Who Lived High (Cat Who... #11) - Lilian Jackson Braun
19. The Cat Who Knew a Cardinal (Cat Who... #12) - Lilian Jackson Braun
20. The Cat Who Moved a Mountain (Cat Who... #13) - Lilian Jackson Braun
21. The Cat Who Wasn't There (Cat Who... #14) - Lilian Jackson Braun
22. The Cat Who Went Into the Closet (Cat Who... #15) - Lilian Jackson Braun
23. The Cat Who Came to Breakfast (Cat Who... #16) - Lilian Jackson Braun
24. The Cat Who Blew the Whistle (Cat Who... #17) - Lilian Jackson Braun
25. Love in a Nutshell - Janet Evanovich, Dorien Kelly
26. A Cousin's Promise (Indiana Cousins Trilogy #1) - Wanda E. Brunstetter
27. A Cousin's Prayer (Indiana Cousins Trilogy #2) - Wanda E. Brunstetter
28. A Cousin's Challenge (Indiana Cousins Trilogy #3) - Wanda E. Brunstetter
29. Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices #3) - Cassandra Clare

Review: The Cat Who Ate Danish Modern

The Cat Who Ate Danish Modern by Lilian Jackson Braun

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Jim assigned to a new assignment a magazine on Interior Design. Fresh off the press and a new story breaks and Jim and Koko both get there whiskers twitching to solve the story.

To say I loved the book is going to far tho I did like it more then the first. While not rushed it could of added a tad more to the story. Once again I did not know who to point my finger at until the end. Koko was full of it again and took a rather odd way of asking for a companion in walks Yum Yum. I look forward to reading the rest in the series and seeing what Yum Yum and Koko can manage to get into.




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