Goodreads is finally telling me I’m on track with my reading goal–it’s because just 1 week in, I’m 1 book in.
Last night I sat down to plough through Heft by Liz Moore. This book ended up being nothing like what I was expecting and I was pleasantly surprised. It’s the story of Arthur Opp, a former college professor who is now morbidly obese and doesn’t leave the house, and teenager Kel Keller who struggles to fit in and tries to help his tragic mother. This story pulls at the heart-strings. I didn’t cry but I think I let out a few “Oh No”s while reading!
My cooking victory of the weekend was making a flank steak – it was great on salads. If you’re looking for a quick marinade, I’d recommend olive oil, Bragg’s liquid aminos, balsamic vinegar, garlic salt, and Italian seasoning.
Saturday night we gave a nigh-time candle-lit hike a try…dogs in tow. Wisconsin State Parks have these night hike/ski events that, when the weather is not freezing, are a great idea. A little bit crowded, but fun. Tucker extinguished a few candles along the way, and people on the trail thought Kostas looked like a polar bear in the dark. Next time we do this, I’m wearing my headlamp. I can’t believe I forgot it! Being in the woods at night, in the dark had a bit of a Hunger Games feel to it!
A huge thank you to Lora for creating the great New Year, New Gear badge. Check out my side bar…
There’s still time to sign up! I’ll send out the pairings tomorrow.
Edited to add – here’s the button info for participants:
<center><a href=”http://applesandarteries.com/2013/01/03/new-year-new-gear/” target=”_blank”><img src=”http://i49.tinypic.com/b4vton.jpg” HEIGHT=”200″ WIDTH=”200 border=”0″ alt=”Image and video hosting by TinyPic”></a>
Apples and Arteries 
I Love Bragg’s liquid aminos!!! Great product! I need to buy some more since I use it as a soy sauce substitute. I think they also have an apple cider vinegar version too…
Just signed up! How fun….Hey are you going to let the participants grab the New Year New Gear button for their Blogs?
So happy you signed up! I edited the post to include the button text. (Not sure if there’s a prettier way to do that.)
I just added it! It works perfect and Looks GOOD
Oh, I like the idea of a nighttime hike. I love the sounds of nature at night. So different from what I hear during the day, and I find myself paying more attention to the noises at night.
Congrats on finishing your first read of the year! Adding ‘Heft’ to my book list. It does sound interesting.
I want to try liquid aminos so bad. I am adding that book to my list, sounds interesting
The aminos are great for so many different dishes. I also am a fan of the Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar.
Hunger Games reference! 😀
Sounds like an interesting book! I wish I had more time to read
Maybe this summer? I love the badge btw 🙂
I am outraged! What happened to the tab for The Guys? Please restore it ASAP.
Thank You.
QAG
I love Bragg’s Liquid Aminos. They are also really good on eggs, tofu, or as a soy sauce alternative.
The night hike you did sounds cool. Headlamps are great for walking dogs. A lot of my neighbors use them. Heck, I use mine just to go into our backyard to do the laundry at night. So handy they are.
What is the New Year New Gear thing you’re talking about? I’m interested in learning more!