Timothy S. Johnston strikes again.

Remember that time I told you here that I was friends with a published author (and I'm basically famous through association)? Ya, well that friend of mine has done it again and wrote another stellar book. NBD. I read his first book The Furnace and it was kick-ass. If you haven't read it stop being ridiculous and order it. Better yet, order both. They are only $2.99 each wherever eBooks are available. Buy a copy for yourself, your mom, your BFF, your BFF's mom, or your mom's BFF. Whoever. They will all love it. Here is a quick peek at the new adventure.

 

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Evidence at a crime scene has led Homicide Investigator Kyle Tanner to Europa, Jupiter's frozen moon. There on the icy surface is a small outpost where scientists are searching for life in the ocean ten kilometers beneath them. However, the inhabitants are hardly pleased at the intrusion, and someone there will do anything possible to protect their secret --- even kill.

The Freezer is both Sci-Fi thriller and claustrophobic murder mystery. The tension is huge and Tanner faces a powerful killer in a hostile and unique environment.  It is a classic murder mystery featuring all the important elements:  a confined location, a limited number of characters, a homicide investigator, a rising body count, a hostile environment, a power outage, etc. etc. etc.

 

Reviews for The Furnace were stellar.  "Riveting," "Compelling," and "Gripping" were common descriptors.  The Freezer is a standalone mystery, and the two books can be read in any order.

 

The book is digital wherever eBooks are sold.  It is $2.99.  The release day was yesterday so you are already a day late. Go. Quick. Order it.

 

TSJ's website:  www.timothysjohnston.com

Reviews:  www.timothysjohnston.com/freezerreviews

Purchase:  www.timothysjohnston.com/freezerpurchase

 

 

Do it.

Veggie Garden & Zucchini Muffins

Since peanut has arrived I haven't had time/energy to do some of the things I used to do.  My husband has been amazing at picking up the slack whether it be dishes, cooking or tidying.  He was determined to get a vegetable garden in this summer and he has done an amazing job at maintaining it.  This year the garden is more of a spectator sport for me. I wander our there with peanut to check it out a few times a week, but beyond that I have absolutely nothing to do with it. This year my husband planted zucchini, buttercup squash, spinach, green beans, two varieties of lettuce, tomatoes, asparagus, rhubarb, and mini red peppers. Since it was planted a little late we haven't had much yet but there is certainly a ton of homegrown goodness coming our way. So far the lettuce and beans have been amazing! Our tomato plants are now 6 feet tall!  My mother in law gave me one of her huge zucchinis since ours aren't ready yet so I whipped up a double batch of my healthy-ish zucchini muffins. If you have an abundance of zucchini try out this recipe. It's pretty darn healthy and they taste great.

 

Can't Live Without You - 2nd Edition

A few months ago I wrote a post about items that I couldn't live without.  I've quickly learned that must-have-items come and go so quickly. Some of the items that I couldn't live without in those first few months are hardly used nowadays. I thought I'd piece together another list of our must-have items over that we have found super duper helpful.


1. Play Mat - Peanut spends hours a day playing on this mat! It's super handy because it collapses down and can travel well and is also light weight so I can move it from room to room while carrying my daughter.  It is also handy to have removable toys so we can change them around to add variety.



2. Burp Cloths - These are the BEST! They are the perfect size and shape to fit on your shoulder. Super convenient for those up-chuck moments.


3. The Jumperoo - Peanut is still super duper little - weighing in at 12 lbs but she is super strong and I decided to try out the jumperoo about 3 weeks ago and she totally loved it. I put a pillow under her feet and stuffed the sides with blankets which does the trick.  She can spend up to 30 minutes at a time in it tinkering around independently.


4. Probiotics - We started on BioGaia (found at Costco at the pharmacy counter) after my lactation consultant recommended it for peanuts gas pains when she was 8 weeks old. I have noticed a huge improvement and will continue to give it to her daily for the long haul. You can give 1-5 drops daily but I've found 2 drops daily do the trick for her.


5. Wrist Rattles - A God sent! We strap these on peanut when we go in the car or when we are doing errands. She chews on them and checks them out. She isn't into her feet yet but once she is we will be using the sock style toys as well.


6. HoMedic Sound Spa Noise Machine - We were away at a cottage with 4 other children under 4 and found the noise machine completely blocked out all of the night time noise. We didn't even hear the baby in the room beneath our room cry in the night. The one we found is from Bed, Bath & Beyond and has 6 different sounds and can either stay on all night or shut off after 15, 30 or 60 minutes. Worth the $30 for sure. We use it every night.




Items that were on the previous list that are still can't live without you items;
1. Halo Swaddle Sleep sack
2. U shaped pillow
3. Two Camera Video Monitor
4. Natural Baby Wipes

Naps.

My life for the last four weeks...

 

Damn you sleep regression.