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By Aimee, April 22, 2010 7:58 pm

I recently got a review copy of a book called The Lumby Lines. Not sure what to expect, but excited to read it, it was the first book I reached for when I finished this semester! Would it be any surprise that this book drew me in right away? After all, one of the main characters in The Lumby Lines is a plastic pink flamingo named Hank. Complete with an ever changing wardrobe. Does that remind you of anything?

This is the first book in a series, and I am looking forward to reading the rest of them. The Lumby Lines is a fun story, with quirky characters who live in a small town called Lumby, and a couple of “outsiders” who decide to make an old Abbey their new home. Here is something to pique your interest, without giving away too much of the story of course.

Nearly destroyed by fire, Montis Abbey remains a ruin on the outskirts of Lumby. Once home to a resourceful order of monks, it stands abandoned, surrounded by its overgrown orchards. Then Mark and Pam Walker, a vacationing couple from the East Coast, stumble upon it — and upon the answer to their prayers. Leaving behind their hectic lives to restore the monastery and turn it into an inn is a dream come true.

But some residents of Lumby take a while to warm up to outsiders. One of them is irascible William Beezer, owner of The Lumby Lines — the newspaper “worth the paper it’s printed on.” At every turn, he tries to hinder the Walkers’ efforts. The couple soon learns that for every citizen like William, there are many more willing to lend a hand, and that Lumby isn’t just a place — it’s a way of life.

I really liked the story. It drew me in with the funny articles from the paper, the touching friendships, and of course a bit of drama and mystery. Of course I was always looking forward to knowing what Hank the flamingo would end up wearing next too! The book even includes some recipes! Which is good, because there were parts which were giving me cravings, especially for cake. It ends somewhat abruptly, leaving the story hanging (which makes sense since it is a series)! I need to find a copy of the next book so I can find out who, what, and where. Will my predictions be correct? Or will I get to enjoy more twists and turns?

You can find The Lumby Lines online at Amazon, or anywhere books are sold. Visit your library too, it’s worth checking out!

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By Aimee, February 12, 2010 11:35 am

If you have been following this blog for even a second, you know that we love our pets, and that we totally spoil them. Baby the Maltese is especially spoiled due to her love of clothing, and admittedly she has quiet the large wardrobe. Well, there is a new shop on the block called Designer Doggy, and they have tons of great products for spoiling your favorite pooch.

They carry products by some of the major pet designers like Oscar Newman, Cece Kent, Foufou Dog, and more. They even offer some Hello Kitty themed shirts for dogs, which of course I loved. They have more than just clothes though, they have beds, carriers, toys, collars, bowls, leashes, and even jewelry! But one thing that really caught my attention were the pet puzzles!

They offer a lot of different styles, so there should be something for every dog out there. I love the idea of a toy that can challenge the dog to use it’s mental abilities as well as motor skills. Treats are hidden under different pieces, which the dog has to figure out how to move in order to get the treat. What a fun way to interact and bond with your dog! I have seen other puzzle type soft toys for dogs before, but nothing like the puzzles offered at Designer Doggy!

Another thing that they offer for sale are Crypton beds. I happen to own a tote bag which was made from the same material that the beds are made of. It is one of my favorite bags, especially great for taking outside because this stuff is super cool! Crypton is specially engineered to remain spill, moisture, odor and bacteria free. All the Crypton fabric is breathable but also provides a moisture barrier. The fabrics used in the dog beds prohibit growth of molds. It’s some serious science that can make your life (and your dog’s life) a lot better.

Designer Doggy looks like a great online shop! They even offer $5 flat rate shipping on all orders, which is great if you plan to order a little, or a lot! Check out their website if you are in the mood to spoil your furry friend.

*Though I was paid to review the Designer Doggy website, the opinions in this post are my own.*

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By Aimee, February 10, 2010 10:34 pm

The Mayo Clinic has recently come out with a diet book! It’s called The Mayo Clinic Diet: Eat Well, Enjoy Life, Lose Weight, and offers very practical advice for how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Of course, a lot of people won’t like what’s inside, after all, it’s not a quick fix!

Eating healthy foods, watching your calories, and of course adding physical exercise to the mix, is going to give you weight loss that will last. It’s a book that focuses on lifestyle changes that can last for a lifetime, instead of quick fixes like a fad diet. The book is laid out in three sections:

1. Loose it! is a two-week quick-start program designed to help you lose 6 to 10 pounds in a safe and healthy way.
2. Live it! is a long-term plan in which you continue to lose 1 to 2 pounds a week until you reach your goal. Then, you learn how to maintain your healthy weight for life.
3. All the extra stuff includes meal planners, recipes, tips on overcoming challenges and much more to help you along the way.

It’s not really anything new or groundbreaking, but I did like the way they approached the subject and how the broke it down into steps. And of course I liked that they were honest in the fact that real change takes time and doesn’t happen overnight. They also offer a companion journal that helps you easily keep track of what changes you are making. I really liked the journal because it made it so easy to keep track of changes. The recipes look tasty too, though I haven’t had a chance to try them yet!

The Mayo Clinic Diet: Eat Well, Enjoy Life, Lose Weight is a good read if you are interested in the topics of health and wellness, and if you want to lose a few pounds.