Julie Fenster's historical novel, Jefferson's American, The President, The Purchase, and the Explorers Who Transformed a Nation, is a gem for lover's of American history. I have studied and read many historical novels, both non-fiction, and fiction, but Fenster's novel is a rare jewel in the treasure trove of historical non-fiction.
Fenster covered the expansion of the American west through the efforts of President Thomas Jefferson and the explorers he employed. Many know the story of Lewis and Clark and the westward expansion, but Fenster writes about many more who were elemental in creating the American expansion into the western part of the continent: teams including William Dunbar, Zebulon Pike, George Hunter, Peter Custis and Thomas Freeman. Not only did these men brave the perils of surveying and making maps of the westward frontier but they also were charged with reporting to Jefferson their discoveries as they journeyed across the lands rife with many challenges and foreign adversaries. There was the Spanish Army, trying to protect their investments, and other obstacles in the way of progress. Yet the men prevailed to uphold Jefferson's investment in the Louisiana Purchase and the United States expansion into the western areas.
Fenster does a remarkable job of telling the historical narrative in a way that is compelling and informative. The reader is not only learning about the finesse of Jefferson's America and his time prior and including his presidency, but also the reader enjoys a very readable text that is pure entertainment all by itself.
I heartily encourage anyone who enjoys learning about American history to read Fenster's Jefferson's America. It is a quite enjoyable and informative read.
FTC disclaimer: I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review
About Me
- Laura Miller
- I am a recently retired high school educator who is learning to spend time doing what I want to do. This is a new challenge in its own sense. It's like walking into a buffet and knowing you can eat all you want and not get full or gain any weight and for once you have absolutely no idea what you want. But I look forward to the journey of figuring it out.
Sunday, June 19, 2016
Friday, May 20, 2016
America's Best Breakfasts
Another cookbook, I know, but I love them so....I try to read a variety of books for my blog but I do so love cooking! This installment is a book by Lee Brian Schrager and Adeena Sussman titled, America's Best Breakfasts.
I love to eat out any meal but I would have to say that breakfast is my ultimate favorite. In America's Best Breakfasts, Schrager and Sussman visit breakfast eateries throughout the United States to showcase the best offerings available from local recipes coast to coast.
I would like to live vicariously as them for this endeavor, as I would adore eating all those breakfasts in their original locations; however, thanks to their book I can recreate them in my own home.
America being the melting pot that it is, breakfast consists of many various offerings, not just bacon, eggs, and toast or cereal. In America's Best Breakfasts there are so many options to tempt the morning palate. A small sample of items are: hubbard squash puree with soft scrambled eggs from the Boulettes Larder in San Francisco, California, breakfast spaghetti with clams and crab from Little Goat Diner in Chicago, Illinois, biscuits with country ham and redeye gravy from Black Smith in Houston, Texas or even malawach which is a Yemenite fried bread with resek and charif (condiments offered with the malawach) served at the 27 Restaurant in Miami, Florida.
Of the recipes in the book I created a variation of avocado toast with pickled red onions and poached eggs. I added a few ingredients I had on hand and omitted a few that I did not have in my pantry but essentially came up with a very tasty option that was inspired by the recipe from the Plow restaurant in San Francisco, California. So not only are the recipes in the book enticing and easy to recreate, they also spark creative ideas for additional breakfast eats.
I have to say that I am thoroughly enjoying Schrager and Sussman's book, America's Best Breakfasts, and I encourage everyone to peruse their book, enjoy their adventure as they highlight the foods and locales of some of the finest breakfast eating houses and then recreate the experience in their own kitchen.
FTC disclaimer: I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review
I love to eat out any meal but I would have to say that breakfast is my ultimate favorite. In America's Best Breakfasts, Schrager and Sussman visit breakfast eateries throughout the United States to showcase the best offerings available from local recipes coast to coast.
I would like to live vicariously as them for this endeavor, as I would adore eating all those breakfasts in their original locations; however, thanks to their book I can recreate them in my own home.
America being the melting pot that it is, breakfast consists of many various offerings, not just bacon, eggs, and toast or cereal. In America's Best Breakfasts there are so many options to tempt the morning palate. A small sample of items are: hubbard squash puree with soft scrambled eggs from the Boulettes Larder in San Francisco, California, breakfast spaghetti with clams and crab from Little Goat Diner in Chicago, Illinois, biscuits with country ham and redeye gravy from Black Smith in Houston, Texas or even malawach which is a Yemenite fried bread with resek and charif (condiments offered with the malawach) served at the 27 Restaurant in Miami, Florida.
Of the recipes in the book I created a variation of avocado toast with pickled red onions and poached eggs. I added a few ingredients I had on hand and omitted a few that I did not have in my pantry but essentially came up with a very tasty option that was inspired by the recipe from the Plow restaurant in San Francisco, California. So not only are the recipes in the book enticing and easy to recreate, they also spark creative ideas for additional breakfast eats.
I have to say that I am thoroughly enjoying Schrager and Sussman's book, America's Best Breakfasts, and I encourage everyone to peruse their book, enjoy their adventure as they highlight the foods and locales of some of the finest breakfast eating houses and then recreate the experience in their own kitchen.
FTC disclaimer: I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
The I Quit Sugar Cookbook:306 Recipes for a Clean, Healthy Life
Upon first opening Sarah Wilson's book, The I Quit Sugar Cookbook: 306 Recipes for a Clean, Healthy Life, my initial thought was that I would eat any one of the foods that she included in her book. My second thought happened to be, yep, I'd eat them, but it sure would be nice if someone else prepared them for me.
Wilson's book is engaging and a certain delight for the reader. The photos and illustrations are inviting. The recipe formats are simple to follow, including clear, concise instructions that help to make the preparation of the foods error free. After trying one recipe, which worked quite amazingly, I am eager to try more of her foods.
However, I would not necessarily say that her recipes are for a novice cook. The ingredients are not ones that every kitchen has on hand. Depending on the area one lives, the ingredients may be more readily stocked, but in my hometown, where there are only three grocery store options, the ingredients were a bit of a stretch. The preparation time is considerable. Because she uses all parts of her ingredients, there is considerable chopping, straining, and saving ingredients for future recipes. This is not a bad thing, but it is time consuming. For example, I made the NoMato sauce. This sauce is primarily created from beets, carrots, shallots, celery, fresh oregano, garlic, lemon juice and some additional ingredients. The description in Wilson's book made it sound so good that I was excited to try it out. The sauce, when completed, looked just like a tomato pasta sauce. It also tasted very close to tomato marinara sauce. The sauce was just a little less acidy, more of a smooth palate experience.
My husband and I did enjoy it immensely and because I made a double batch, I have some in the freezer. The effort to make the sauce was a definite factor. I had to grate beet roots, carrots, celery, shallots, garlic, and other ingredients, then sauté and cook down the ingredients before blending in a blender or using an immersion blender (which is what I used).
Was the time and effort worth it? Definitely. Will I make more of the items in the cookbook? Certainly, I can hardly wait. Is the cooking easy? Nope, but that's okay if you have the time.
Overall, I like the premise of Wilson's book. She promotes clean living and sustainability. She is wholeheartedly invested in using all parts of the food and having no waste. She even confesses to asking for strangers leftovers at restaurants, and taking home fish carcasses from a friend's dinner party to make broth. More power to her, these things I could or would not do, yet I understand her concern for food waste.
I would suggest anyone looking for a whole foods, sugar-free oriented cookbook, check into
The I Quit Sugar Cookbook: 306 Recipes for a Clean, Healthy Life. You will be pleased.
FTC disclaimer: I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review
Wilson's book is engaging and a certain delight for the reader. The photos and illustrations are inviting. The recipe formats are simple to follow, including clear, concise instructions that help to make the preparation of the foods error free. After trying one recipe, which worked quite amazingly, I am eager to try more of her foods.
However, I would not necessarily say that her recipes are for a novice cook. The ingredients are not ones that every kitchen has on hand. Depending on the area one lives, the ingredients may be more readily stocked, but in my hometown, where there are only three grocery store options, the ingredients were a bit of a stretch. The preparation time is considerable. Because she uses all parts of her ingredients, there is considerable chopping, straining, and saving ingredients for future recipes. This is not a bad thing, but it is time consuming. For example, I made the NoMato sauce. This sauce is primarily created from beets, carrots, shallots, celery, fresh oregano, garlic, lemon juice and some additional ingredients. The description in Wilson's book made it sound so good that I was excited to try it out. The sauce, when completed, looked just like a tomato pasta sauce. It also tasted very close to tomato marinara sauce. The sauce was just a little less acidy, more of a smooth palate experience.
My husband and I did enjoy it immensely and because I made a double batch, I have some in the freezer. The effort to make the sauce was a definite factor. I had to grate beet roots, carrots, celery, shallots, garlic, and other ingredients, then sauté and cook down the ingredients before blending in a blender or using an immersion blender (which is what I used).
Was the time and effort worth it? Definitely. Will I make more of the items in the cookbook? Certainly, I can hardly wait. Is the cooking easy? Nope, but that's okay if you have the time.
Overall, I like the premise of Wilson's book. She promotes clean living and sustainability. She is wholeheartedly invested in using all parts of the food and having no waste. She even confesses to asking for strangers leftovers at restaurants, and taking home fish carcasses from a friend's dinner party to make broth. More power to her, these things I could or would not do, yet I understand her concern for food waste.
I would suggest anyone looking for a whole foods, sugar-free oriented cookbook, check into
The I Quit Sugar Cookbook: 306 Recipes for a Clean, Healthy Life. You will be pleased.
FTC disclaimer: I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
The Prime: Ancient Secrets to Heal Your Brain and Gut for Spontaneous Weight Loss
The Ancient science of
Ayurveda, a system of preventive medicine and health care
that was developed in India more than 5,000 years ago, is the basis for
Dr.
Kulreet Chaudhardy’s book, The Prime. Dr.
Chaudhardy, is a neurologist whose early years were spent with her grandfather,
an Ayurveda medicine practitioner in India. When Dr. Chaudhardy moved to the United States with her
parents as a young girl, many of the practices of her culture were abandoned in
the embrace of the American culture and food habits.
While in the early years of her practice, she
found that she was having health problems, and in her resolve to improve her
health, Dr. Chaudhardy reestablished her practice of Ayurveda. Her health improved and she shared her
knowledge with her patients, finding that their health improved also without
the use of so much “modern” western medicines.
The book, The
Prime, outlines her journey in restoring her Ayurveda practices. The practices are
explained to the reader so that one might also try the holistic art of Ayurveda. Dr. Chaudhardy claims that with the
practice of Ayurveda, and the realignment of the gut through use of Indian foods
and herbs, excess weight will spontaneously be lost.
I enjoyed
the book and the premise. Dr.
Chaudhardy speaks of simple changes that one can do to find a healthier
lifestyle. My one reservation may
be the difficulty in obtaining some of the herbs and foods used, as well as
accepting the change in cultural ideology, flavors and cooking. However, in lieu of health concerns, I believe
a person should consider the Ayurveda practices as a road to a healthier life
style.
FTC disclaimer: I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review
FTC disclaimer: I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review
Thursday, March 10, 2016
The Mapmaker's Children: A Novel
I love a good historical fiction and The Mapmaker’s Children by Sarah McCoy did not disappoint. The Mapmaker’s Children is the story of the true heroine and artist, Sarah Brown, daughter of famous abolitionist John Brown. McCoy weaves the story of Sarah Brown and her involvement with the Underground Railroad alongside a modern day Eden Anderson, a woman looking for her own independence from the stress of trying to have a child with her husband Jack.
In the novel, Sarah Brown is unable to bear children due to being damaged through a childhood bout of dysentery . She vows to make her life useful in another way by devoting her life and artistic skills to create picture maps that aid runaway slaves along the route of the Underground Railroad. Sarah meets additional real historical figures throughout the novel. One of my favorite parts of the story was discovering the various ways Sarah would paint her maps.
Eden Anderson finds remnants of items left in her historical home, later learning that her house was a stop for passengers on the Underground Railroad. Throughout her discoveries, she learns that New Charleston, West Virginia is filled with wonderful people who help Eden and her husband Jack create a family of their own, a family of friends.
McCoy does an admirable job of marrying just the right amount of true facts from Sarah Brown’s life to make the fictional character come to life for the reader. Growing up in Kansas, I knew of the Underground Railroad, and of the famous John Brown. However, I did not know anything of his family. I truly enjoyed reading McCoy’s novel and discovering bits and pieces of Sarah Brown’s life in an engaging read. Now that I have read McCoy’s novel, The Mapmaker’s Children, I can’t wait to read more of her work.
FTC disclaimer: I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Ten important truths I've learned from AMC's: The Walking Dead ~ or my silly side unleashed...
Those who know me are often surprised that I am a fan of the television series on AMC, The Walking Dead. I'm not certain why. Perhaps I don't strike many as a zombie enthusiast. I am, however, and have actually learned many things that make my life much more interesting having followed the series. Allow me to share these revelations with you, dear reader.
1. Life is a dangerous adventure: From the very beginning of the series we learn that something terrible has gone wrong in the world and existing each day is dangerous. Our ancestors knew this well as they eked out a home, livelihood and government in a new land. Disease, pestilence, and finding or growing enough food for survival was a constant struggle. Over time American society has become complacent for the most part, not having to watch for dangers around every corner. The Walking Dead (TWD) is a reminder that life was at one time a struggle but we are lucky that for the most part, it is not that way now. However, it still bodes well to be aware of one's surroundings and watch for dangers, just in case.
2. Trust must be earned: The characters meet many people through the seasons of TWD and learn over time to be wary. Even a good friend can turn against you, or your group (Way to go Shane). Trust in a group is important for surviving. Whether you are surviving the daily grind of a career or a hoard of zombies, relying on others is essential.
3. Expiration dates are suggestions, not absolutes. This revelation is a constant struggle for me. I see a date on a can or carton and think, well it's the day after the date, it must be rotten now. Wrong! In a world where food is scarce, food is food. If it isn't bulging, smelling bad, or looking spoiled, chances are it is just fine. Cook it well and go ahead. I watch the show and see the people scavenge for supplies and actually feel really fortunate to have such an abundance. So, I now just keep tasting the milk in the the carton after the date and if it tastes fine, I assume it is and keep on drinking it instead of pouring it out. (Take that little Miss Worrywart).
4. When it seems too good to be true...Be it a credit card offer, a "free" trip or product, or a town named Terminus, it is definitely not a good thing to pursue. Mark Twain's, "It's too good for true, honey, it's too good for true" (Huckleberry Finn, 1884) pretty much sums up the whole thing, all in one swell quote.
5. A woman can be domestic and still strong: Casseroles and cunning = Carol.
Carol is definitely my favorite character in TWD, I think because she is such a round and dynamic character. Carol began the series as an abused, frightened, and oppressed wife and mother. She watched her abusive husband die, her daughter was lost, turned into a walker, and then had to be destroyed, and instead of being destroyed herself in her grief she just becomes stronger. She is the definition of resilient. I don't think she ever loses her fear, but she doesn't let it disable her. I once heard a saying: "If you weren't afraid what would you do?" Be Carol, that's what I would do. I think Carol has it all figured out, she can be the domestic that she once was, but she isn't afraid to be strong. Go Carol!
6. Chocolate pudding is just plain yummy and sometimes you just need to indulge yourself: When all the world as you know it has been forever changed, and a big ole' virus has infected everyone so that following death one turns into a body eating monster, a little somethin' somethin' is in order. Ergo, chocolate pudding, or chocolate anything, cause chocolate is just plain yummy!
7. Teddy Roosevelt was right: "Speak softly but carry a big stick." Morgan understands this well. Morgan tries to save others, he has lost much, just as Carol has, but he still feels others who are damaged may be saved. That's the speak softly part. But sometimes "things" be it people or zombies just need to be taken care of, and a big stick comes in handy. Not overly threatening, helps on long hikes, yet can be lethal when properly employed. I tend to be a soft talker. I don't make waves, more of a adaptable go with the flow sort of gal. Maybe I need to get a big stick...hmmmm.
8. Be prepared: pretty self explanatory that one is. I try to be prepared. Other's I'm sure are more so, but I try. I know that my sister is much more prepared than I am. In my basement I have a stale box of Twinkies (in honor of Zombieland), a freezer with some items, and a little wine. I need to add a radio and some water. I would not be able to survive a zombie apocalypse for long, but a storm, perhaps. Maybe I should carry a few more things downstairs.
9. Love others well and make each day count, it very well may be your last. I have lost several important people in my life, so TWD did not teach me this concept, but it certainly reinforced the idea home. Life is precious, whether one is living among zombies or simply just living a life. So for the love of pete, love well, love completely, and don't waste your time. (No, TWD is not a waste, it simply is an entertainment- thank you very much!)
10. Live your faith but don't hide behind it: Father Gabriel has been a wishy-washy character. He is a priest but has hidden in his church, afraid to go into the new world of the walkers. When others came into his realm he didn't want the violence, he couldn't deal with his fear. He hid in his church and behind his faith, he didn't live his faith by going out and ministering to others in need. This past week Father Gabriel manned up with his fear and his God! Go Gabe! He told his parishioners that they would be believers, but also defend their town. So, What is the truth I gleaned from this? As a Christian I think sometimes it's easy to hide in the walls of the church, worship and believe but not grow as a Christian. Taking the faith outside of the walls to serve and take risks is scary, but important for spiritual growth.
So there you go, I'm a fan of TWD, I enjoy all the little and large intricacies within the plot and characters of the series. I look past the walkers, and simply enjoy the show, and learn a little too!
1. Life is a dangerous adventure: From the very beginning of the series we learn that something terrible has gone wrong in the world and existing each day is dangerous. Our ancestors knew this well as they eked out a home, livelihood and government in a new land. Disease, pestilence, and finding or growing enough food for survival was a constant struggle. Over time American society has become complacent for the most part, not having to watch for dangers around every corner. The Walking Dead (TWD) is a reminder that life was at one time a struggle but we are lucky that for the most part, it is not that way now. However, it still bodes well to be aware of one's surroundings and watch for dangers, just in case.
2. Trust must be earned: The characters meet many people through the seasons of TWD and learn over time to be wary. Even a good friend can turn against you, or your group (Way to go Shane). Trust in a group is important for surviving. Whether you are surviving the daily grind of a career or a hoard of zombies, relying on others is essential.
3. Expiration dates are suggestions, not absolutes. This revelation is a constant struggle for me. I see a date on a can or carton and think, well it's the day after the date, it must be rotten now. Wrong! In a world where food is scarce, food is food. If it isn't bulging, smelling bad, or looking spoiled, chances are it is just fine. Cook it well and go ahead. I watch the show and see the people scavenge for supplies and actually feel really fortunate to have such an abundance. So, I now just keep tasting the milk in the the carton after the date and if it tastes fine, I assume it is and keep on drinking it instead of pouring it out. (Take that little Miss Worrywart).
4. When it seems too good to be true...Be it a credit card offer, a "free" trip or product, or a town named Terminus, it is definitely not a good thing to pursue. Mark Twain's, "It's too good for true, honey, it's too good for true" (Huckleberry Finn, 1884) pretty much sums up the whole thing, all in one swell quote.
5. A woman can be domestic and still strong: Casseroles and cunning = Carol.
Carol is definitely my favorite character in TWD, I think because she is such a round and dynamic character. Carol began the series as an abused, frightened, and oppressed wife and mother. She watched her abusive husband die, her daughter was lost, turned into a walker, and then had to be destroyed, and instead of being destroyed herself in her grief she just becomes stronger. She is the definition of resilient. I don't think she ever loses her fear, but she doesn't let it disable her. I once heard a saying: "If you weren't afraid what would you do?" Be Carol, that's what I would do. I think Carol has it all figured out, she can be the domestic that she once was, but she isn't afraid to be strong. Go Carol!
6. Chocolate pudding is just plain yummy and sometimes you just need to indulge yourself: When all the world as you know it has been forever changed, and a big ole' virus has infected everyone so that following death one turns into a body eating monster, a little somethin' somethin' is in order. Ergo, chocolate pudding, or chocolate anything, cause chocolate is just plain yummy!
7. Teddy Roosevelt was right: "Speak softly but carry a big stick." Morgan understands this well. Morgan tries to save others, he has lost much, just as Carol has, but he still feels others who are damaged may be saved. That's the speak softly part. But sometimes "things" be it people or zombies just need to be taken care of, and a big stick comes in handy. Not overly threatening, helps on long hikes, yet can be lethal when properly employed. I tend to be a soft talker. I don't make waves, more of a adaptable go with the flow sort of gal. Maybe I need to get a big stick...hmmmm.
8. Be prepared: pretty self explanatory that one is. I try to be prepared. Other's I'm sure are more so, but I try. I know that my sister is much more prepared than I am. In my basement I have a stale box of Twinkies (in honor of Zombieland), a freezer with some items, and a little wine. I need to add a radio and some water. I would not be able to survive a zombie apocalypse for long, but a storm, perhaps. Maybe I should carry a few more things downstairs.
9. Love others well and make each day count, it very well may be your last. I have lost several important people in my life, so TWD did not teach me this concept, but it certainly reinforced the idea home. Life is precious, whether one is living among zombies or simply just living a life. So for the love of pete, love well, love completely, and don't waste your time. (No, TWD is not a waste, it simply is an entertainment- thank you very much!)
10. Live your faith but don't hide behind it: Father Gabriel has been a wishy-washy character. He is a priest but has hidden in his church, afraid to go into the new world of the walkers. When others came into his realm he didn't want the violence, he couldn't deal with his fear. He hid in his church and behind his faith, he didn't live his faith by going out and ministering to others in need. This past week Father Gabriel manned up with his fear and his God! Go Gabe! He told his parishioners that they would be believers, but also defend their town. So, What is the truth I gleaned from this? As a Christian I think sometimes it's easy to hide in the walls of the church, worship and believe but not grow as a Christian. Taking the faith outside of the walls to serve and take risks is scary, but important for spiritual growth.
So there you go, I'm a fan of TWD, I enjoy all the little and large intricacies within the plot and characters of the series. I look past the walkers, and simply enjoy the show, and learn a little too!
Sunday, February 21, 2016
The Lucky Rice Cookbook
I have always been a fan of Asian cooking. The flavors and ingredients simply speak to me. When I saw the Lucky Rice Cookbook by Danielle Chang, I simply had to have it! Chang's cookbook is a mix of stories, and recipes from various markets and festivals as well as families. As an Asian cookbook, I think what I liked the most was the approachability of the format. Some of the ethnic cookbooks, both Asian and other cultures have felt too intimidating to use. The Lucky Rice Cookbook is the absolute opposite of intimidating. All the recipes included seem approachable and enticing to any level of cook.
Some recipes included are ABC Beef Broccoli, Macanese African Chicken and Garlicky Smashed Cucumber Pickles. These dishes include ingredients available to anyone at a local grocery store. Other recipes have ingredients that may be more difficult to attain, unless one has access to an Asian market, but a persistent cook could locate the ingredients either at a specialty market or online.
A few of the book's recipes that I particularly loved were the fusion ones. I am always intrigued with fusion. The thought of combining Asian concepts with other flavors captures my attention. One recipe that I will try soon is the Jewish Pastrami Egg Rolls. I love a good reuben sandwich, and this recipe which has deli pastrami, sauerkraut, spicy mustard, onion and mayonnaise all rolled up into a egg roll wrapper and fried sounds like a concoction that I would enjoy.
If you enjoy the tastes and flavors of Asian cuisine, I highly recommend The Lucky Rice Cookbook. You will not only enjoy the well-written and easy to follow recipes, but the book itself is a true treat for the recipe aficionado.
FTC disclaimer: I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review
Some recipes included are ABC Beef Broccoli, Macanese African Chicken and Garlicky Smashed Cucumber Pickles. These dishes include ingredients available to anyone at a local grocery store. Other recipes have ingredients that may be more difficult to attain, unless one has access to an Asian market, but a persistent cook could locate the ingredients either at a specialty market or online.
A few of the book's recipes that I particularly loved were the fusion ones. I am always intrigued with fusion. The thought of combining Asian concepts with other flavors captures my attention. One recipe that I will try soon is the Jewish Pastrami Egg Rolls. I love a good reuben sandwich, and this recipe which has deli pastrami, sauerkraut, spicy mustard, onion and mayonnaise all rolled up into a egg roll wrapper and fried sounds like a concoction that I would enjoy.
If you enjoy the tastes and flavors of Asian cuisine, I highly recommend The Lucky Rice Cookbook. You will not only enjoy the well-written and easy to follow recipes, but the book itself is a true treat for the recipe aficionado.
FTC disclaimer: I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Positivity: Sometimes You've Gotta Stack the Deck
Spring is around the corner, we are being teased by the proximity of it everyday, but spring's not here yet and that can make this time of year the toughest on keeping a positive outlook. The beginning of winter is filled with holiday and family, but mid to late winter is when the "going gets tough..." All the cliques flood my mind at this time of year. One that particularly nags me is, "Don't sweat the small stuff, and - it's all small stuff," This quote from Dr. Richard Carlson's well known book tells us to just let it go and move on, but sometimes that is not as easy as it sounds.
When one is flirting with spring days in February, yet knows that a winter storm could reappear at anytime, and summer is still a season away, the days seem to lengthen and negativity can creep on in. Now, add in the Lenten season. This is a time for reflection and self examination of all the sins we are held accountable for and the sacrifice made for our transgressions. When all these things are put together, it tends to add up to a battle with keeping a positive attitude and outlook. So when life seems to gang up on the psyche, then... cheat and stack the deck.
How do you cheat a negative attitude? Simple, find ways to motivate yourself and remind yourself that life isn't so bad, in fact, it's amazingly awesome. I caught myself recently entering a valley of the doldrums, and decided it was time to find my happy again. First, I dug through my jewelry box and pulled out a simple elastic bracelet that a friend gave me a few years ago. On the bracelet is a metal bar that says, "positivity". I put it on this morning as a reminder that I should choose my attitude and that choice should be a positive one. Next to it, I put on my John 3:16 bracelet. It is my lenten reminder that an unfathomable sacrifice was made on my behalf, Jesus died for me, so I'd better put on my big girl panties and put a smile on this face, no matter my feelings, things just aren't that bad.
Second, go outside and get some air. Granted, March winds may be gathering force to blow a bit of a "bitey" breeze in your face, but do it anyway. Instead of feeling the cold, feel the exhilaration of renewal on the cusp of Spring.
Next, challenge yourself to try something new. If your work day seems stagnant, think about what you do each day and devise a plan to improve. Maybe you can hone a skill you already have, but could increase your productivity in that area. Perhaps, you might find a way to connect with a co-worker, or begin to study an area to add to your skill set. Boredom is a choice, and continued learning is one also.
Finally, make some plans. Doesn't really matter what the plans are, just dream a little. Maybe plan a nice meal for a spouse or partner. Look online to find a new recipe or menu and go outside your comfort zone. Plan a vacation, even if it is one you'd have to save a long time to afford. Find the lodging, the restaurants, tourist attractions, souvenirs you will want to buy, just make it a virtual vacation for the mind, heck, even make your daily itinerary. Even if it doesn't come to fruition, the activity will brighten your mood for the time being.
The act of feeling positive truly is a choice one has to make each and everyday. Getting sucked into a cycle of negativity is easy, getting back out is necessary. Cheat the feeling by stacking your deck and you will come out a winner.
When one is flirting with spring days in February, yet knows that a winter storm could reappear at anytime, and summer is still a season away, the days seem to lengthen and negativity can creep on in. Now, add in the Lenten season. This is a time for reflection and self examination of all the sins we are held accountable for and the sacrifice made for our transgressions. When all these things are put together, it tends to add up to a battle with keeping a positive attitude and outlook. So when life seems to gang up on the psyche, then... cheat and stack the deck.
How do you cheat a negative attitude? Simple, find ways to motivate yourself and remind yourself that life isn't so bad, in fact, it's amazingly awesome. I caught myself recently entering a valley of the doldrums, and decided it was time to find my happy again. First, I dug through my jewelry box and pulled out a simple elastic bracelet that a friend gave me a few years ago. On the bracelet is a metal bar that says, "positivity". I put it on this morning as a reminder that I should choose my attitude and that choice should be a positive one. Next to it, I put on my John 3:16 bracelet. It is my lenten reminder that an unfathomable sacrifice was made on my behalf, Jesus died for me, so I'd better put on my big girl panties and put a smile on this face, no matter my feelings, things just aren't that bad.
Second, go outside and get some air. Granted, March winds may be gathering force to blow a bit of a "bitey" breeze in your face, but do it anyway. Instead of feeling the cold, feel the exhilaration of renewal on the cusp of Spring.
Next, challenge yourself to try something new. If your work day seems stagnant, think about what you do each day and devise a plan to improve. Maybe you can hone a skill you already have, but could increase your productivity in that area. Perhaps, you might find a way to connect with a co-worker, or begin to study an area to add to your skill set. Boredom is a choice, and continued learning is one also.
Finally, make some plans. Doesn't really matter what the plans are, just dream a little. Maybe plan a nice meal for a spouse or partner. Look online to find a new recipe or menu and go outside your comfort zone. Plan a vacation, even if it is one you'd have to save a long time to afford. Find the lodging, the restaurants, tourist attractions, souvenirs you will want to buy, just make it a virtual vacation for the mind, heck, even make your daily itinerary. Even if it doesn't come to fruition, the activity will brighten your mood for the time being.
The act of feeling positive truly is a choice one has to make each and everyday. Getting sucked into a cycle of negativity is easy, getting back out is necessary. Cheat the feeling by stacking your deck and you will come out a winner.
Monday, February 8, 2016
The Emotional Edge
Growth and renewal begins with a new calendar year, and I believe that this is why the book, The Emotional Edge, written by Crystal Andrus Morissette intrigued me when I saw it listed on the "Blogging For Books" website. Morissette states in her book's introduction that, "The Emotional Edge will not only help you identify the events that have defined your life, it will also prepare you to be better equipped to deal with the future." Quite the intriguing premise, and a goldmine of a book if the claim comes to fruition.
Morissette begins her book with explaining the three forms of emotional age, which she terms, "the parent", "the child', and "the adult." The book then offers a test to determine which emotional age the reader personifies. She then continues her book explaining the traits of each emotional age and why it is a goal to work at achieving the emotional age of "the adult." Morissette acknowledges the connection of the three emotional ages as mirroring some of Sigmund Freud's theory of the Id, Ego and Super Ego.
As the book continues, Morissette explores various forms of communication that pair with the various emotional ages. She continues through the book to move the reader into evaluating the communication style of the reader, and instructing the reader to learn "empowered communication" to aid in reaching the "adult" level of emotional age.
Finally, Morissette explores the reader's destiny in a chapter titled, "What's My Purpose."
The Emotional Edge is a book that encourages the reader to self-evaluate their present emotional status and work toward achieving a more evolved status. As a reader, I enjoyed the quiz and the chapters on communication that instructed one to work towards "empowered" communication. However, I did feel at times the book read as though the author pulled together many self help notions and molded them into one concept.
Overall, I would recommend The Emotional Edge, as an intriguing read. Although I am not certain that it can stand up to the book quote that it will make the reader "better equipped to deal with the future," I do feel that The Emotional Edge is a thought provoking book to do some self evaluation and make positive changes towards becoming more self assured.
FTC disclaimer: I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review
Morissette begins her book with explaining the three forms of emotional age, which she terms, "the parent", "the child', and "the adult." The book then offers a test to determine which emotional age the reader personifies. She then continues her book explaining the traits of each emotional age and why it is a goal to work at achieving the emotional age of "the adult." Morissette acknowledges the connection of the three emotional ages as mirroring some of Sigmund Freud's theory of the Id, Ego and Super Ego.
As the book continues, Morissette explores various forms of communication that pair with the various emotional ages. She continues through the book to move the reader into evaluating the communication style of the reader, and instructing the reader to learn "empowered communication" to aid in reaching the "adult" level of emotional age.
Finally, Morissette explores the reader's destiny in a chapter titled, "What's My Purpose."
The Emotional Edge is a book that encourages the reader to self-evaluate their present emotional status and work toward achieving a more evolved status. As a reader, I enjoyed the quiz and the chapters on communication that instructed one to work towards "empowered" communication. However, I did feel at times the book read as though the author pulled together many self help notions and molded them into one concept.
Overall, I would recommend The Emotional Edge, as an intriguing read. Although I am not certain that it can stand up to the book quote that it will make the reader "better equipped to deal with the future," I do feel that The Emotional Edge is a thought provoking book to do some self evaluation and make positive changes towards becoming more self assured.
FTC disclaimer: I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review
Sunday, January 24, 2016
The Hot Bread Kitchen Cookbook
It is diet season, and as fate would have it, the most beautiful cookbook arrived on my doorstep to entice me. The Hot Bread Kitchen Cookbook, written by Jessamyn Walman Rodriguez and the bakers of Hot Bread Kitchen with Julia Turshen is a culinary and literary gem.
Many would agree that the concept of hot bread is tempting all by itself, the comfort of hot bread and melting butter speaks to all the senses. What makes this book such a treasure is the artistry that the authors have used to marry the multicultural staple of hot bread with the people and countries that the products come from.
Hot Bread Kitchen in East Harlem, New York, may seem similar to many bakeries around the world. The part that makes this one unique is that the bakery offers education and opportunity to low-income minority women. The women become trainees and learn skills and the English language. Through this education and training the women are then able to begin their own businesses or obtain management positions in other food production businesses. The sale of the breads that are made at the bakery support the training of the women. The Hot Bread Kitchen Cookbook, highlights the breads and the people that make both the bakery and the book a wonderful thing.
Aside from the stories of this incredible enterprise that is helping minority women achieve sustainability in our economy, the book is a wealth of information in the art of baking breads from many cultural venues. From unleavened flatbreads to tortillas and crusty baguettes to challahs the recipes and instructions in the book are well illustrated and easy to follow. The book even includes many recipes for dishes that compliment the cultural breads.
I love a good cookbook, but honestly, most cookbooks that I peruse I simply flip the pages until something captures my eye and then I read the recipe and ingredients. In The Hot Bread Kitchen Cookbook, I was hooked from the introduction page to the final page. The layout, the stories, the pictures the instructions and of course the recipes were all wonderfully done.
I tried my hand at one of the recipes. I made the "Rustic Batard," a crusty hearty bread. I followed all the directions which included making "Pâte Fermentée" the day before which had to set overnight in the refrigerator. My dough shaping leaves a bit to be desired, as my loaf did not have the exact shape as the one in the illustration, but the taste and texture of the bread was perfect. This means the recipe works, which makes me anxious to try all the others in the book.
Bread is a universal sustenance and a true joy to make and eat. Whether one is a bread baking master or novice, The Hot Bread Kitchen Cookbook is an enchanting addition to any cookbook library.
FTC disclaimer: I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review
Many would agree that the concept of hot bread is tempting all by itself, the comfort of hot bread and melting butter speaks to all the senses. What makes this book such a treasure is the artistry that the authors have used to marry the multicultural staple of hot bread with the people and countries that the products come from.
Hot Bread Kitchen in East Harlem, New York, may seem similar to many bakeries around the world. The part that makes this one unique is that the bakery offers education and opportunity to low-income minority women. The women become trainees and learn skills and the English language. Through this education and training the women are then able to begin their own businesses or obtain management positions in other food production businesses. The sale of the breads that are made at the bakery support the training of the women. The Hot Bread Kitchen Cookbook, highlights the breads and the people that make both the bakery and the book a wonderful thing.
Aside from the stories of this incredible enterprise that is helping minority women achieve sustainability in our economy, the book is a wealth of information in the art of baking breads from many cultural venues. From unleavened flatbreads to tortillas and crusty baguettes to challahs the recipes and instructions in the book are well illustrated and easy to follow. The book even includes many recipes for dishes that compliment the cultural breads.
I love a good cookbook, but honestly, most cookbooks that I peruse I simply flip the pages until something captures my eye and then I read the recipe and ingredients. In The Hot Bread Kitchen Cookbook, I was hooked from the introduction page to the final page. The layout, the stories, the pictures the instructions and of course the recipes were all wonderfully done.
I tried my hand at one of the recipes. I made the "Rustic Batard," a crusty hearty bread. I followed all the directions which included making "Pâte Fermentée" the day before which had to set overnight in the refrigerator. My dough shaping leaves a bit to be desired, as my loaf did not have the exact shape as the one in the illustration, but the taste and texture of the bread was perfect. This means the recipe works, which makes me anxious to try all the others in the book.
Bread is a universal sustenance and a true joy to make and eat. Whether one is a bread baking master or novice, The Hot Bread Kitchen Cookbook is an enchanting addition to any cookbook library.
FTC disclaimer: I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review
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