Reading Princess: P.C. & Kristin Cast's novella, Kalona's Fall

Welcome readers! We are here on this lovely Thursday to review another House of Night novella, Kalona's Fall.

 

(Click the photo to purchase your own copy via Amazon)

This is the latest installment in the House of Night Series and, by far, my personal favorite. Kalona is a fallen immortal and anti-hero of the series. Much like Neferet's Curse (my review of that novella is here), novella is an origin story. 

Check out a snippet from the House of Night website below:

In KALONA’S FALL, the shadows in Kalona’s past will finally come to light… We will learn about the winged immortal’s secret history and discover how he went from being the Goddess’s Warrior and Guardian to her enemy and betrayer. Did Darkness taint Kalona as it did Neferet, or has the powerful immortal always preferred power over honor, and control over faith? This novella will be crucial to fans’ understanding of Kalona, before his role in the explosive final installment of the House of Night, REDEEMED coming in October 2014.

Ah-ha! Besides this novella being insanely wonderful, this book also has a lot of key character information that is supposed to play a big part in the final novel. Exciting!

Kalona has been a favorite character of mine since his debut in Untamed, the fourth book in the house of night series. He started out as a "conduit of evil" but his character has progressed and developed by leaps and bounds since that early novel. I love Kalona's sassy dialogue that covers his more trusting and loving nature.

The only fault I had with Kalona's Fall was that I felt the first few chapters were very stiff. It almost read like the first few verses of the book of Genesis in the Bible, but not quite as memorable. This novel also follows the classic "trials of three" trope which is a little played out, in my opinion.

In conclusion, I found Kalona's Fall to be a great read with lots of character information for Kalona. 

I give Kalona's Fall 4 out 5 crowns!

PRINCESS APPROVED!

 Be sure to leave comments below!

Princess K, out!

Fitness Princess: The Wedding Dress Challenge Week 4

Welcome back! We are now in Week 4 of the Redbook Wedding Dress Challenge and last week was tough! That Tabata style workout was killer on my legs. I barely made it through the sixth round without crying!
Here is the video from last week.
I don't feel like last week was really productive. I was lacking in posts and just so busy. I only did the Tabata workout once (although I liked it and plan to add it to my routine) and I barely got to finish my yoga video. Also, I didn't write down any of my food last week as my planner pages weren't printed. Oops!
Last week I tried a very different type of yoga video that focused more on relaxation. (I needed it last week!) Here is the video:

I set up my yoga mat next to my bed and followed this video right before I was ready to go to sleep. Man, did I get some great sleep after doing this! I think I will have to add this, as well as the tabata exercises, to my weekly routine.


Now, on to this week!
Looks like this week is gonna be all about cardio! The workout is intervals of 30 seconds of jump rope or jumping jacks, followed by a series of strength training exercises. I am going to need to modify the push ups and dips for my shoulders.
Also, looks like we are dumping yoga this week to repeat the week two workout. Awesome! Here is the link for easy access.
Finally, here is the nutrition guide for anyone who wants it. I usually just write down what I eat and try not to worry about calorie counting. Do what works best for you!

Looks like dinner is getting a makeover! I agree that more veggies at dinner is a great idea. I usually try to supplement this differently, as I don't really eat big portions. I will make a big glass of fresh squeezed juice, like my Green Lemonade, and drink that in addition to my small portion of meat or grains.

Good luck this week and be sure to leave a comment below on your progress!

Princess K, out!

52 Questions: Question #9

I am BACK! Sorry for the delay in posts, everyone. Last week was insane! We are getting ready for flu season at my office, Labor Day threw my whole week off, and life is just crazy in general.

BUT! We are back with our question of the week!

Question #9: What were some of the family traditions that you remember?

 
Yeah, my family is strange (in case that fact bypassed you.) However, like many families, most of our traditions took place around the holidays.
 

Thankfully, nothing quite as bad as this! Phew!

There are two traditions that I remember very fondly.

Number 1: The Hanging of the Family Mice! This is not as weird as it sounds. My mother had little, wooden mice decorations made for each of us as we were born and we put them on the wall around a central candy cane. As we have all gotten older, more mice have been added to include spouses and grand-children.

Number 2: The naming of the Christmas Tree. Ok, this is where things get weird. My family had a strange tradition for a few years that we started naming the tree. And giving it a back story. And a theme song. And a costume.....yeah, its strange but it was very fun! This tradition was actually started by my when my dad brought home a crooked little tree. My mom was not pleased but I told her our tree had character (and scoliosis.) So, I named him "Bert", wrote a story about him, and presented it to our family when it came time to decorate him. We have had a "Dolores", a "Bruce the Super Tree," and many more over the years.

Share some of your family traditions below!

Princess K, out!

Fitness Princess: Wedding Dress Challenge Week 3

I'm back! Sorry to all about missing yesterday's post. It was a strange happenstance that Jeremy and I both had the day off so I didn't get around to posting the question of the week.

Anyway, today is Tuesday so it is time for an update on the Wedding Dress Challenge!

Here is the link to last week's workout and fit list.
Man, those plank walk ups were tough!

That's pretty much how my arms felt by the end of the week. Phew!
My "sneaky fitness" was Just Dance 3 (that game is so much fun!) and I did the following video from Youtube for Yoga.

Since my arms will probably be the most visible part of me on my wedding day, I though focusing on my upper body this week would be beneficial. Also, there are lots of great (and free!) Yoga videos and tutorials available online.

So far I have lost 4 pounds and 3 inches on my waist and hips.

Here is the video for this week!
Tabata? I've seen a ton of videos and workouts for this particular style on Pinterest but I haven't tried it personally. At least these are more basic moves, like the first week.
Squats, push ups, plank, and supermans. 20 x 10 seconds for 8 rounds.

Here is this weeks nutrition guide.

 

Looks like we are limiting dinner down to one plate in addition to our usual fare. I've been working on cutting dinner time back to before 8pm but it is difficult! Since I have my crock pot up and running now, things should run a bit smoother.

That's all for this week! Be sure to leave a comment on your progress below

Princess K, out!