The greatest spot to read a novel, for example.

I think this month's list is an especially good one. Books, movies & television show ideas for the month of May including a tv show that I'm obsessed with - yet cannot find a single OTHER person who is watching it. Unless you are? For any of my readers who prefer reading material that's longer...Read More

Just a few of the things I enjoyed immensely last month. Other than the bag of Frito corn chips I polished off this morning. Because it's winter and you're stuck inside, it's dark out at like 3 o'clock and they're all the perfect accompaniment to flannel pajamas. I try VERY very hard to download books from...Read More

Do people still say Netflix and chill? I hope so because today’s post is about what I’m watching on Netflix, listening to on my iPhone, and reading with my actual eyes. Paper books are still

Hello, dear friends. TGIF! I didn't think Friday would ever get here! Do you have a big weekend planned? We are going to a dinner party at our dear friends' beautiful home. Nothing is better than spending a cold winter evening with great friends and fabulous food. This is a long one, so grab a cup of joe or a glass of vino and make yourself comfy. My dear friend, Suzanne, is kind enough to join us again and to share her latest favorite podcasts. I know my buddy, Mary, the original Sudbury Sweetheart, will be happy about that. Last but not least, I have heard from a few readers that they are having difficulty leaving comments. I spoke with Linda, my blog designer, and she needs to know what browser and what device you are using. Pop me an email at preppyemptynester @ gmail.com. Amazon I got this novel through Amazon First Reads. Do you ever get any? Usually, I'm not crazy about the selection. But this time, good old Amazon hit it out of the ballpark. Phillip and Charlotte meet on a flight. Instantly, there are sparks even though Phillip is much older than Charlotte. He is also very successful and wealthy. Did I mention he is good looking too? Charlotte and Phillip move in together, and he buys them a gorgeous house in the Keys. His best friend, Goose, owns a restaurant in town, and the three of them hang out together along with Goose's young son. Phillip travels a lot, though, and little by little, he becomes very distant with Charlotte. That's all I'm going to tell you except that this is an emotionally-charged novel. It is the story of love and second chances. I openly admit to shedding a few tears while reading it. Amazon This is the story of Edward, a twelve-year-old boy who is the sole survivor of a commercial airliner carrying 200 people. He becomes an icon, and people want to touch him because they think that he has special powers. He goes to live with his only living relatives, his mother's sister, who is in mourning after losing a baby, and her husband. I could not stop thinking about this book. It is beautifully written, and the characters are multi-dimensional. I felt like I knew Edward, and every emotion that he experienced was passed on to me. This book touched my heart like none other. Amazon American Dirt can only be described as riveting. I could not stop listening to this compulsive, spine-tingling story. Lydia is happily married to Sebastian, and they have an eight-year-old son named Luca. Their family lives in Alcapolco, where Lydia owns a bookstore while her husband is a journalist. One day, a gentleman comes into the shop and buys all of Lydia's favorite books. She strikes up a conversation, and a friendship is born. The man, Javier, is very well-read. He tells Lydia about his wife, his mistress, and his daughter. It is after several visits that Lydia discovers that dear friend, Javier, is the jefe of the largest drug cartel. He has a reputation for being extremely cruel and also is responsible for many murders. Lydia tells her husband about him, and he confides in her that he is writing an expose of Javier. After the article is published, Lydia's life changes forever. She and her son begin a long, arduous trek to the US. I positively loved this book. There is not a dull moment in it. I highly recommend listening to this book when you have some time on your hands because you won't want to turn it off. The narrator of this book is one of the best that I have listened to. She has a pleasing voice, a lovely accent, and gives just enough drama to the words. Amazon Fasten your seatbelt, you are in for one wild ride. The author gives you a birds-eye view of growing up with her narcissistic, wackadoodle of a mother, Malobar. She is raised in NYC and the Cape with her crazy mother and stepfather, who seems like a lovely guy. In the middle of the night, when Adrienne was fourteen, she is awakened by her mother. Mama Dearest spills the beans that her stepfather's best friend kissed her. Malobar has the emotional intelligence of an oversexed twelve-year-old. The daughter ends up being the Mother's alibi and covers up the affair for the next fifteen years. I never expected to enjoy this memoir as much as I did. I became very curious about all the real characters and did some research. All I can say is... very interesting. Amazon When I read the raving reviews of Nothing To See Here it piqued my curiosity. The premise of the book centers around a set of twins that combust into flames the minute that they become upset or anxious. They were living with their mother until she passes away. Their father is an up and coming politician and is remarried to Madison. She is at a loss as to what she is going to do with these bothersome brats. She calls on her estranged friend, Lillian, who is stretched for money. As the story progresses, Lillian and the twins become very attached. I never expected to enjoy this book as much as I did. I broke my cardinal rule of only listening to books while I walk. From the moment I turned this book on, I did not turn it off until I finished it. I don't know whether I would have liked the book as much if I read it. The narrator did an outstanding job reading. I highly recommend this delightful book. Amazon If you are looking for a romantic book that is pure escapism, this book is for you. A happily married woman has had dreams about the same man her whole life. She has never met the guy. One day, she is in the grocery line and guess who she spots? I really enjoyed this book. I expected it to be all fluff, but it was much deeper than I anticipated. It deals with the heartache of infertility, physical abuse, grief, and guilt. Amazon This is a short courtroom thriller that is packed with suspense. Two jurors are on a sensational murder trial. One is a somewhat unhappily married woman, and the man is a younger professor. Did I mention that they are sequestered? This is what I call Sexy Suspense! Amazon DNF I had high hopes for this true crime book. It got way too technical for me. Amazon This book opens to a woman murdered in the backyard of a beautiful home. The author backtracks, and we begin to try to figure out who the woman is and who did the dirty deed. A well-known married food blogger attends a blog conference out of state and runs into her children's married orthodontist. Sparks fly. They continue their affair when they get back to town. I've been to three blog conferences. How come nothing that exciting ever happens to me? Amazon A woman meets a handsome, successful man and falls head-over-heels in love with him. One complication: he is married. Another complication: he is married. Translation: he has two wives and wants to take her as his third wife. What can go wrong? Amazon The Mister and I like to listen to a book together when we are tooling around town on weekends. I got this audible on special. If you appreciate Sedaris' wry humor and quirky take on life, you are going to love to listen to this one. The Mister and I got our money's worth of chuckles on this one. Btw... I downloaded another one of his. In this audio, David attempts to learn French. Hmmm... sounds familiar. Amazon This book has gotten great reviews. I thought it was just okay. I know that my favorite Bookstagrammer, bookbimbo does not agree. Amazon I am listening to this one now. The jury's still out. Amazon Marie Benedict is one of my favorite authors. And not because I am buds with her Aunt Dell. Lady Clementine tells the story of Winston Churchill's ambitious, colorful wife. I can't wait to read it. Amazon Three women in the midst of two World Wars take refuge in the Ritz in Paris. I could think of worse places. I always enjoy books by these three authors. Amazon I've always judged a book by its cover. How cute is this one? For all the peeps like me who are going through The Crown withdrawal, this book is for you and me. This is a fictional account of Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret as young girls. During WWII, their parents secretly send them under assumed names to live in a castle in Ireland. Save me a seat on that imaginary bus. Amazon A woman is serving time for a crime that she did not commit. A mysterious visitor shows up at the prison and offers her a get out of jail card. She only needs to do one thing. I downloaded this one on audible. To be honest, I have been hot and cold on Chamberlain's books in the past. Amazon Thomas has everything he ever wanted until he does something that causes him to lose everything. Thomas is the sole narrator of this psychological thriller, which promises to keep you guessing until the bitter end. It sounds like my kind of read. I am thrilled to welcome back my Dallas friend, Suzanne. She was sweet enough to text me this list of her favorite podcasts from a flight bound from Europe. That's what I call being a good buddy. Take it away, Suzanne... Hidden Brain - NPR podcasts that always have excellent topics. Each episode is about 40 minutes Freakonomics Radio - Different thought patterns just like the book. Revisionist History-This is Malcolm Gladwell. There is one episode that is a must. It’s called The Hug Heard Round the World. It’s season 3, episode 6. It about Sammy Davis Jr. Excellent! How I Built This - Fascinating stories about how so many of our favorite companies started out. Great stories of perseverance. Dolly Patton’s America - Even if you are not a fan of Dolly, this is an interesting and well-done podcast. Dr. Death -This is the true story of a neurosurgeon who operated on people in the Dallas area about 10 years ago. You can’t stop listening once you start it. I just listened to the first 3 episodes of a new podcast called Spin Doctor about the late Dr. Frederic Brandt. It’s so good!! It’s all about how he made Botox and fillers so acceptable all the while using himself to experiment. Thanks so much, Suzanne. Trailer This was one of the best movies that I've seen in a long time. Trailer This movie is worth a second mention. Trailer I wouldn't believe it if I didn't see it with my own eyes. The Mister started watching Season 2 and liked it so much that he talked me into rewatching the first season. Trailer I love me some Cap'n Lee! Can't wait for the reunion. Trailer I love the entire cast in this show. I hope it never gets canceled. Trailer Not only do I love this show, but I wish the characters were my friends. Especially Gary. Do you have any recommendations for me? Until next time... Linking up with: Friday Favorites Friday at the Fire Station What's Up Weekend? Friendship Friday Blogger's Pit Stop Home Matters Best of the Month

Parody, Ernest Hemingway said, is a step up from writing on the wall above the urinal. He was wrong.

Here are 6 motivational podcasts you should check out today. Do give yourself an extra advantage in life by listening to these meaningful motivational podcast.

Hello, dear friends. It's finally here... happy 2021! I hope that you had a good holiday. Ours was quiet - which was apropos considering last year. We spent some quality time with our #2 as well as face timing with our New Yorkers. Who knew that face-timing would be in my top five on my gratitude list for 2020? Unlike last year, I only took a few pics. We did plenty of resting. After 2020, I feel that I am the most well-rested person in the whole world. Lots of snacking. By the way, the Mister has turned into a huuuge fan of Trader Joe's. I think that he spends more time there than with Alexa or me. Lots of reading. And plenty of snuggling. Here's a rundown of what I have been doing for the past couple of weeks. What I Read Amazon When I arrive unannounced at my husband’s studio in need of a shoulder to cry on after hearing that my best student, Alex, has died, I see a pair of wine glasses drying by the sink, and my deepest fear is confirmed: my husband is having an affair. How's that for an intro? It moved along quickly with a few surprises along the way. Amazon To survive the Holocaust, a young Jewish woman must pose as a Christian farmer’s wife in this unforgettable novel from USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Robson—a story of terror, hope, love, and sacrifice. I really loved this one. I am a huge fan of Jennifer Robson. The Gown is one of my all-time faves. Amazon From the New York Times, bestselling author of The Light We Lost comes a tender and moving new novel about a woman at a crossroads after the death of her father, and caught between the love of two men. I really enjoyed this one. The plotline and the well-developed characters made for a sweet read. Amazon A new historical novel based on the dazzling story of one of Hollywood’s most celebrated Hispanic actresses and her daughter’s search for closure. I don't know why, but I am always drawn to historical fiction centering around Cuba. This one did not disappoint - well-written and a captivating storyline. Amazon A delicious twist on a Gothic classic, Rachel Hawkins's The Wife Upstairs pairs Southern charm with atmospheric domestic suspense. Pretty good, but a bit predictable. Amazon An epic novel of love and heroism and hope, set against the backdrop of one of America’s most defining eras―the Great Depression. No one does it better than Kristin Hannah when it comes to writing a heartbreaking love story. I think this one is one of her best. Amazon What did her son do in the woods last night? Does a mother really want to know? This was my Amazon First Reads last month. It's an interesting story centering around a murder and a self-serving, entitled, wealthy family. Amazon Between life and death, there is a library, and within that library, the shelves go on forever. I am so curious about this one. It won the Goodreads Choice Award. Just started listening to it. The jury is still out. Amazon A modern take on loss, Widowish illuminates the twists of fate that break our world, the determination that keeps us moving forward, and the surprises in life we never see coming. This is one of my Amazon First picks. I'm about halfway through and enjoying it. On My Radar Amazon Who will you cross to protect your own? Amazon The late 1980s come alive in this moving and keenly observed story of one boy's unforgettable sophomore year, and his parents' surprising journey alongside him. Amazon "Meet Me in Bombay" is a powerful, poignant, and deeply emotional tale of love, mystery, loss, and joy." Amazon “A fully immersive, intricately crafted story inspired by the pages of history." Amazon A poignant and unforgettable tale of five women living across three different times whose lives are all connected by one very special place. What I Watched Trailer We thought this season kept up with its usual royal standards. This may be a less-than-popular opinion, but I'm going to share it anyway. I was not impressed with the actress who played Diana, especially in the early years. I felt that she was doing an imitation of the Princess, rather than feeling her character. Trailer The second season is riveting! Trailer The only thing I don't like about this show is that it airs 3 or 4 episodes and then doesn't come back for 4 months. At my tender age, I can't even remember what I had for lunch, let alone what happened in my show months ago! Trailer You know that I am a sucker for Southern Charm. I love the new addition of Pringle. I really miss Cam and Chelsea, though. Trailer Dawn French is one of my favorite actresses. This was a cute show, but not nearly as wonderful as Delicious. Trailer Who knew Hugh Grant can act? Great show. Trailer I read the book and thought it was pretty good. It is nothing like the show. The Mister liked this show better than me. Trailer This show is my favorite miniseries of 2020. Bryan Cranston steals the show. And it hasn't even ended yet! Trailer Very entertaining. Trailer We had heard so much about The Great British Baking Show. Now we get it - what a fun show. I think that the most appealing part of this show is that the bakers, as well as the judges, are so likable. There is no back-stabbing like a lot of the American shows. All Paul's baby blues aren't so bad either! Trailer I had high hopes for this one. It was okay, not great. Trailer Although this one sported an all-star cast, I only found this one to be so-so. Trailer Although this one was sad, it was very good. Trailer Cute movie. Especially the scenes that Rob Lowe is in. Trailer No Emmy nominations for this one, but mildly entertaining. Trailer I don't know which one I look forward to the most on Christmas - opening my gifts or watching the Call The Midwife Christmas Special. This year's show did not disappoint. Trailer This one gets better with every glass of wine. By the way... Sista's upcoming book, The Gobble Book now has its own Instagram! Follow her here! Until next time... Linking up with: Metamorphosis Monday Hello Monday! Over The Moon Lou Lou Girls Hearth & Soul You're the Star

Students read the scenarios and fill in what they would do in that situation. Compare with classmates, discuss. Great for ELL discussion and ESL and EFL student listening. First page of scenarios has a video (click play) which students watch and listen for the narrator's solution. Compare with their own. prediction, conditionals, scenarios, situations, life skills, grammar, watching, listening, ESL, EFL, ESOL, worksheets, learning English, printables, teaching English, vocabulary, homework, blackline master, powerpoint, pdf, book, examples, tefl, tesol, video, lesson, spelling, reading, writing, presentation, phonics, workbook ***************************************************************************** View Other Great Teaching Resources The Top 100 Youtube Videos for teaching English + Resources Get Speaking Conversation Cards Beginner English Vocabulary Worksheets / Flashcards This or That. Get to know each other worksheets Funny Stories. Vol 1 (audio) Vol 2 Guess The Sound Warmer Activities Bundle Get Talkin' - Conversation Gambits ***************************************************************************** Customer Tips: How to get TPT credit to use on future purchases: • Please go to your My Purchases page (you may need to login). Beside each purchase you'll see a Provide Feedback button. Simply click it and you will be taken to a page where you can give a quick rating and leave a short comment for the product. Each time you give feedback, TPT gives you feedback credits that you use to lower the cost of your future purchases. I value your feedback greatly as it helps me determine which products are most valuable for your classroom so I can create more for you. ☺ Be the first to know about my new discounts, freebies and product launches: • Look for the green star next to my store logo and click it to become a follower. Voila! You will now receive email updates about this store. ☺ *****************************************************************************

Are your relatives not interested in learning about your shared ancestors? Discover four reasons to write your family history anyway.

A young girl’s search for belonging, family lore exposed to the light, and a novelist’s wife with trust issues

Watch, listen and learn from podcasts, videos and courses about the craft of writing from Become a Writer Today.