script async src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"> google.com, pub-0949974396517105, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0

Michael Crichton – The Andromeda Evolution

I received the new sci-fi novel The Andromeda Evolution, perfect for Michael Crichton fans everywhere, to review and share my thoughts with you guys. This post contains affiliate links.

Father’s Day is almost here. How many of you guys kinda… forgot? With all the craziness in the world right now, and with life off of it’s regular schedule – I barely realized it was June, let alone that Father’s Day was almost here! I have a really rad gift idea for you though – keep reading to check it out…

Who remembers the novel, The Andromeda Strain? Here’s a quick reminder: First published fifty years ago, The Andromeda Strain redefined the science fiction genre, and immediately established Michael Crichton as one of the brightest voices in contemporary literature worldwide. 

“A military space probe, sent to collect extraterrestrial organisms from the upper atmosphere, is knocked out of orbit and falls to Earth. Twelve miles from the crash site, an inexplicable and deadly phenomenon terrorizes the residents of a sleepy desert town in Arizona, leaving only two survivors: an elderly addict and a newborn infant.

The United States government is forced to mobilize Project Wildfire, a top-secret emergency response protocol. Four of the nation’s most elite biophysicists are summoned to a clandestine underground laboratory located five stories beneath the desert and fitted with an automated atomic self-destruction mechanism for cases of irremediable contamination. Under conditions of total news blackout and the utmost urgency, the scientists race to understand and contain the crisis. But the Andromeda Strain proves different from anything they’ve ever seen—and what they don’t know could not only hurt them, but lead to unprecedented worldwide catastrophe.”

I’m SUCH a junkie for science fiction, disasters, aliens, saving the world. So, The Andromeda Strain is a book that I have read many, many times. So good, you guys. And now, there’s a new chapter to the story…. The Andromeda Revolution. Here’s a bit about this new novel:

The Andromeda Evolution picks up the original story decades after The Andromeda Strain almost ended the human race. In the ensuing decades, research on the microparticle continued. And the world thought it was safe…

Deep inside Fairchild Air Force Base, Project Eternal Vigilance has continued to watch and wait for the Andromeda Strain to reappear. On the verge of being shut down, the project has registered no activity—until now. A Brazilian terrain-mapping drone has detected a bizarre anomaly of otherworldly matter in the middle of the jungle, and, worse yet, the tell-tale chemical signature of the deadly microparticle.

With this shocking discovery, the next-generation Project Wildfire is activated, and a diverse team of experts hailing from all over the world is dispatched to investigate the potentially apocalyptic threat.

But the microbe is growing—evolving. And if the Wildfire team can’t reach the quarantine zone, enter the anomaly, and figure out how to stop it, this new Andromeda Evolution will annihilate all life as we know it.

I’m only halfway through this book – stay tuned, I’ll update this with a full review shortly. This book feels super relevant to the state of affairs in this country today, as it seems like every day the news is filled with chaos, and major threats to life as we know it. There are some really great lines and quotes that you might have seen already, if you follow me on Instagram?

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by Meagan Paullin (@sunandsipcups) on

I’ve shared a few peeks at the book as I read it, in my Instagram Stories. If you’re not following me – do so here, and follow along as I finish the book. Or, pin this post to Pinterest, or bookmark it, to come back in a few days to see my full review. But I can tell you – so far, this is almost impossible to put down. It’s one of the best books I’ve read this year – and I have a read a LOT of books, you guys, lol. #quarantinelife ;)

“The Andromeda Evolution” is a great gift for any dads in your life – or grandads, or even yourself. Available in paperback as of May 19th via HarperCollins, “the New York Times’ bestseller uncovers the next exciting chapter of Michael Crichton’s game-changing novel.” The book can be easily purchased on Amazon.com or through a local bookstore as many are open for customer orders. And, you can follow Michael Crichton’s Facebook fan page too, for more cool stuff.

I’m here in Yakima, Washington, where we are still in Phase 1 of lockdown, because we are the fastest-growing coronavirus outbreak on the west coast. Big yikes, and super scary for an immune compromised, chronically ill girl like me. So, no stores to shop in, or local bookstores to browse – but these books are both available on Amazon, which is where I do the majority of my shopping anyway. 

And – right now, both are part of the Amazon sale, Get 3 for the price of 2, meaning, pick three books, movies, or games in this section, and you’ll get the lowest priced one for free! You can find The Andromeda Strain, The Andromeda Evolution, and tons more cool stuff in the promo.

You can order this set as a Father’s Day gift – if you order today it will be here by Friday – and then you still get to choose another book for yourself too if you use this promo. Sweet, right?

Written by Daniel H. Wilson, “The Andromeda Evolution” is the perfect gift for any Sci-Fi thriller fans! It’s the first book sequel ever authorized on behalf of Crichton’s estate, which is a big deal – and coincides with the anniversary of the bestselling novel he first introduced to the world in 1969, “The Andromeda Strain.” It’s a wonderful continuation of the Crichton legacy as mastermind behind some of the world’s greatest pop culture masterpieces such as “Jurassic Park,” “The Lost World: Jurassic Park,” WestworldERComa and Twister, among others. Check out a few more Crichton faves here on Amazon too:


signature

Celebrate the Dads Who Care

“He didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.” – Clarence Budington Kelland Father’s Day is almost upon us. A time to think about all of the fathers who have made a difference in our lives – our own, friends, or our kiddo’s dads. As much as us women kick butt on a daily basis, there are some amazing men in our lives that need some appreciation too, right? :)

Disney with Mike

One dad that I want to talk about is my Mister – we’ve been together for almost 9 years. He’s the best dad to Abby that I could ever ask for. He works with me in my online business, he does almost all of the cooking {and even the dishes!}, and helps and supports me so much. Love this guy – we make a great team. <3 The picture above is from when we visited Disneyland for the first time, for #DisneySMMoms – it was awesome to have my family with me at an event. And Abby had the most fun I think I’ve ever seen her have! During conference day, he and Abby got to spend a lot of father-daughter bonding time, riding the rides and seeing the sites. It was so great seeing them both smile so much!

So to celebrate all of those real amazing dads out there, and recognize all the ways that they show that they care -Dove Men+Care has launched a really moving new campaign. Check out the video below…

[Read more…]

signature

5 Epic Father’s Day Gift Ideas

I have been compensated for this #GreatestDad Father’s Day gifts idea post in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

I would share a photo of here of my Mister, but he’d kill me. He might let me photograph an arm while it’s showing off a recipe he’s making on the grill. Maybe a foot that accidentally gets into the photo. But he’s not much of a fan of fame, lol. So – instead, I’ll just have to tell you about my favorite guy, and some of the awesome gifts he helped inspire as I put together this epic Father’s Day gift ideas list.

Epic Father's Day Gift Ideas for the Entertaining Type Dad

There are a lot of different types of guys – gizmo gurus, fitness fanatics, memory makers – but my Mister falls into the entertainer category. We don’t go out much, and have been working on creating some pretty awesome spaces here at the house, since we entertain a lot. We’ve got a bit pool, a sweet patio space, a huge “man cave” style shop where he and his friends work on race cars, and a giant back field filled with a garden and kids play area. And I’ll admit it – while I want to get him a Father’s Day gift he’ll love, I want to spend my money on something the rest of us will enjoy too :) So here are a few of my FAVE gift ideas, and why. And I’d love comments later on which one you think I should get – it’s such a tough choice when I shop at Best Buy, seriously.

BeerTender

Krups BeerTender: This would be the perfect addition to my Mister’s “Man Cave” out in the shop, for just a little over a hundred bucks. And, it would be super fun to bring out when we have pool parties, BBQs, and… well, any other darn time we entertain. It has an LED temp indicator to let you know when your beer is frosty cold enough. The sleek design works in your kitchen, den, man cave, movie room, anywhere. And it fits perfectly with DraughtKegs you can buy at most stores. [Read more…]

signature

Cheap and Unusual Ways to Celebrate Father’s Day

Not sure what to get dad for Father’s Day? Well, you could make him these amazing Peanut Butter Bacon Beer Brownies I found yesterday. You could go with the Oscar Mayer Bacon Gift Sets {the video is TOO funny.} Go with the traditional tools, ties, or t-shirt with a “You’re the best, Dad” logo. But why not go with something fun and adventurous? Check out this great infographic below to spark some creative ideas… And leave me some comments below telling me what your family has planned for Father’s Day this weekend! {We’re doing a HUGE BBQ here at my house. Good times.}

 

signature

This Father’s Day, When Words Aren’t Enough – Say It With Bacon

Give the world’s most tasteful gift this Father’s Day…. There are a lot of gifts that are traditionally given to men on Father’s Day – ties, soap on a rope, tools, cologne. But don’t we all know that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach? And isn’t there one thing that is pretty much universally loved by all men? Yes, ladies, I’m talking about bacon. Sweet, savory, on a sandwich or burger, topping a salad or as a main dish at breakfast – bacon means love. And when you want to show your mister you love him, you want to give him the best….

[Read more…]

signature

“Because I’m Your Dad” – the Perfect Way to Celebrate Dad this Father’s Day

“Because I’m your dad, you can have spaghetti for breakfast, French toast for dinner, and rocky road ice cream in the bathtub” Father’s Day is just around the corner, making it a great time to take a few moments to stop and think about all of the amazing dads in our lives. Dads who helped bring you into the world, dads who adopted you, men who were like a dad to you, the dad to your children, friends and family who are rockin’ the job of dad. So what better time to share an amazing book that we have totally fallen in love with here in my home, called “Because I’m Your Dad” – right?

Because I'm Your Dad

Because I’m Your Dad, by Ahmet Zappa

Ahmet Zappa is the son of late rock musician/composer Frank Zappa and, as he puts it, “My awesome mother, Gail.” Because I’m Your Dad is both a tribute to his happy childhood and a promise to his daughter, Halo. Ahmet grew up with a learning disability and now writes books to help children discover how wonderful reading can be. Through his production company, Monsterfoot Productions, Ahmet has developed several television shows and movies, including “The Odd Life of Timothy Green.” {And if you saw the film, you know he’s an absolutely amazing storyteller. Like, stellar.}

Celebrate all the Dads in your life this Father’s Day

If you’re looking for some fun Father’s Day ideas, I’ve got a whole board of pins that are all about dad – from bacon and beer based recipes, to creative DIY gift ideas – on my Father’s Day Pinterest board. And speaking of DIY – check out this adorable set of Printable “Fun Time with Dad” Coupons that you can use to make your own free gift for dad. And why not include a copy of this super fun book too? {Buy it here – Because You’re My Dad official site.} It’s got a really great message – uplifting and positive, and a great way to share with any dad in your life that you love and appreciate them. But it’s not too mushy or sappy, and the rhyming text is silly enough to make the little ones giggle as you read it. Get a feel for it here:

Why this book rocks

In a text that’s both playful and loving, a father expresses his hopes and dreams for a one-of-a-kind relationship with his child. Whimsical monster characters bring the silly and sweet scenes to life and keep the book universal. The book’s ending, a moving tribute to the author’s father, guarantees intergenerational appeal.

Father's Day book prize package

Want to get your hands on a free copy of this adorable book?

Get ready to fall in love before you’re even done reading this book for the first time, and be prepared for it to become the most requested story in your home. One of you will win a free copy of Because I’m Your Dad, plus a fun set of bongo drums to play along! Enter below using the easy peasy Rafflecopter form. Have fun & good luck!

Because I’m your dad, I will do all of these things for you and more . . .
because that’s what my dad did for me.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

signature

Design Your Own Free Father’s Day Card

If you missed the  FREE Father’s Day card offer from Treat earlier this week, I have good news for you… They extended it through the end of the month! So you’ve got a couple more days to take advantage of this amazing freebie from one of my all-time fave card creation sites.

Free Father's Day Card from Treat [Read more…]

signature