Mocking Jay Spoiler Alert

I've finally finished The Hunger Games series and, unlike what seems like the rest of America, actually liked the last book.  However, instead of giving you all the reasons why, I want to go straight into the Peeta vs. Gale discussion.  If you haven't read the books don't let me ruin it for you- stop reading this post now.

So here it goes.  I'm Team Peeta.  Yeah, I said it.  I like Peeta way better than Gale.  He loved her from the beginning... it didn't take him years to feel that way and he certainly didn't have the advantage of her time and attention which Gale did and still took forever to respond to.  And sure, while I don't like some of the things that happened to Peeta in Mockingjay, in the end I'm happy that he got it together enough to have a real relationship with Katniss (finally!).   Lastly, I'm t.h.r.i.l.l.e.d that she threw in the epilogue; I don't know what it is but I love catching a glimpse into the far future for characters.  It's like I just can't leave the story at that point, I have to know more about the characters before I can be done with a book.  Call me quirky.

On another note, I can see why some might view the last book as a little abrupt.  Personally, I feel like I have closure and nothing went unanswered for me (again, thank you epilogue).  Plus, it jsut helps when I'm happy with an ending since that can make or break my opinion of an entire book.   I loved the series and so did Jake, we give it four thumbs up!

easy holiday treat

I came across this holiday pretzels recipe on Pinterest and they are the perfect combination of salty and sweet. We like them so much that I've already made them for both of our work Christmas parties... and with any luck I'll find some festive containers and give them out as gifts. 

Here is everything you need to know to make them yourself, enjoy!

what you need:
-bag of M&Ms
-bag of square pretzels
-hershey kisses (2 bags)
-parchment paper

instructions:
-Heat oven to 170°
-line cookie sheet with parchment paper
-line pretzels along cookie sheet and center a hershey kiss on each
-bake for approximately 6 minutes
-remove from oven and press down each kiss with a M&M
-let cool then place in fridge

lessons learned:
-the white chocolate kisses melt faster (6 min is plenty) so if you're going to mix them with the regular hershey kisses then try putting them on separate cookie sheets and add another 1-2 minutes for the milk chocolate kisses
-once out of the oven test if they are ready by pressing one down with an M&M to make sure they flatten; you do not want them to look like Rolos (they'll break off too easily)
-keep them refrigerated until serving (they just take better)

Catching Fire

Ahhh, I knew the Hunger Games series would be good, but I had no idea I'd like it this much!  I've finished Catching Fire and am already onto the third and final book in the series.  The suspense is killing me and I even packed my nook in my purse this morning hoping for some reading time during lunch, but I wasn't so lucky.  Of course, I'll let you know when I finish and what I thought about it, but obviously you can tell I'm enjoying it.  However, if a book doesn't end quite the way I'd like you can forget me having anything nice to say about it.  I don't know what happens, but it's like I forget everything I liked leading up to the end because I'm obsessing over how I wish it had ended differently.  The same thing goes for movies.

Also, per my usual WW update, I've lost another 2.6 pounds and am less than a one pound away from having lost a total of 10!   Once I hit that, I'll be back to my wedding weight, although I'm not looking exactly the same.  I mean I can tell I'm losing a little weight here and there but I still feel pretty hippy, so where I'm losing is different from where I gained... but so goes a lot of people's stories.  Regardless, I'm happy to see the weight coming off and revel in the compliments from Jake.  I know we've been together forever, but it's always nice to know the person you try the hardest to look your best for notices.  He's been really great, constantly telling me how proud he is of my progress and it's really encouraging.  I still have a lot to go, but I can't complain about the results to date. 

As always, thanks for all your support.  I love hearing it, despite that on average it takes the people around you 12 weeks to notice the change and I'm only 4 weeks in (a little tidbit from Alison, my sister-in-law, who also has lost a ton of weight!).  Not to mention the fact that some of you are sending the love my way and haven't even seen me!