Todays book review is brought to you by Blogging for Books free book "The amazing make-ahead baby food book" written by Lisa Barrangou, PhD
I am overjoyed to review this free book.
This is the cutest little book I have laid my hands on since my last book review. The front cover is adorned with delicious looking peach slices siting next to a glass jar full of pureed baby food. I wont lie, I would totally eat it myself, it looks so scrumptious! The rather peculiar thing about this book is that the pages inside are upside down and backwards from the orientation of the cover. I am not sure if this was a mix up or if it was intentionally done. It make me smile and takes absolutely nothing away from the contents of the book and the wonder that the pages inside hold.
The photographs in this book are mouth watering. Erin Scott did an amazing job with each one that she took. everything looks like you could just pick it right off the pages and eat it.
There are 6 steps in the make ahead strategy and this book guides you through each and every one of them.
step 1: select a menu of whole foods
step 2: prepare a shopping list
step 3: create space
step 4: shop for whole foods
step 5: create a mise en place plan
step 6: prepare baby food.
for all of you who though this was a hard and challenging process...it's easy!
Whole foods are really encouraged and pushed for the ingredients in this book. They are afterall, the best foods to be nurturing your babys body with. This book list nothing but the best of those whole foods from fruits to vegetables to legumes to grains. If you follow the guidelines of the book, its foolproof.
The first cooking sessions 1, 2 and 3 outline what to cook, how to cook it and how long to cook it along with how long to puree and or steam it. following that is an amazingly delicious three, yes I said three month menu and various ways to combine food together. What an amazing tool right at your fingertips!
Mix-in's. I never would have thought of these to, well, mix in! Yogurt, eggs, ground nuts and seeds, cheeses, meats and fish are just some of the suggestions. Of course there is a step by step method of how much to use and just how to mix it in. What an amazing way to expand your baby's taste pallet! The flavor compatibility guide is a genius addition to this book. I know I often get stumped when trying to come up with new combinations. there are literally hundreds of suggestions and ideas and every bit of it is good for your baby.
Chapter 3 talks about simple puree recipes. I rather enjoy this chapter of the book. sometimes I don't have the time to make 3 months of food ahead of time and just need a quick and simple recipe to get me through a few days. It would also be a great idea to try a few of these out before making a bulk supply of them in case its not a favorite. The author, Lisa Barrangou has literally though of everything in this book. In this section she has included a symbol guide for items that can be found frozen, part of the clean 15, are part of the dirty dozen list or has an edible skin that will not need to be peeled after ten to twelve months of age. She is simply amazing and has provided every bit of information to make this a painful and enjoyable process.
For those mommas with gluten free babies or who want to avoid it for other reasons, there is a recipe for gluten free whole grain cereal made from scratch.....I told you guys, she has thought of everything!
Chapter 4....combining puree recipes. Who would of though to combine spinach with bananas or curried squashed peas? I sure wouldn't have but reading some of these recipes is sure making me hungry! I may even be tempted to make some of these combinations for myself, unpureed of course.
Chapter 5 introduces finger foods and advanced meals for the older babies. homemade banana pancakes with mini chocolate chips just might have to be a breakfast menu item that is made soon in our home. How can your day go wrong when it is started with such wonderfully delicious food such as that! Cream fruit roll-ups are a bit deceiving. They are not the typical fruit roll up that you purchase in the store. These are made with a whole wheat tortilla filled with cream cheese and a fruit puree that is all rolled up and cut into finger food sized bites. I want to eat these myself, they look amazing! who wouldn't want to sneak a taste of some Gar-licky hummus dip!
This book is wrapped up with an appendix at the back of it. What kind of appendix you ask yourself, well none other than an "all about health" appendix. This appendix includes a wealth of background information on nutrients, digestive health, nitrate and mercury concerns, and special diets such as vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free. This book doesnt get any better!
Saturday, May 16, 2015
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Journaling through pregnancy...
I am excited to announce the newest book I received from blogging for books to blog about. This is the cutest little pregnancy planner and journal that I have seen in quite some time.
The cover is a sweet little blue with white circles and dots on it with a big circle in the middle to add a photo of your own into.
This book begins with a little congrats note regarding your sweet new bundle of joy, how adorable is that! It is then followed up with instructions on how to use the planner to get the most use out of it as well as including the website Thebump.com where you can add additional details that will not fit into the compact size of this book. What a great idea!
Important phone numbers, sections to write notes to your baby, prenatal text descriptions and explanations as to why they are necessary and a section to record your doctor visits are all some of the pages that are laid out leading up to your pouch for keepsakes throughout your first trimester.
Baby bump photos, the size of your baby, a section to record your reaction, thoughts and feelings regarding finding out you were expecting, Things to stop doing, things to start doing, what to eat, what not to eat, suggested questions for the OB at your next visit, due date chart and some wonderful exercise suggestions are what you will find leading up to your pouch for the second trimester keepsakes.
Maternity leave information, child care; daycare versus choosing a nanny, classes you should take to prepare for baby and the size of your baby.....sweet potato, mango, banana, papaya and grapefruit are all comparable sizes for week 18 through week 22.
This section also has a page for your mid-pregnancy ultrasound photo and all the great information that came along with getting it done. Baby shower planning, do's and don'ts and gender reveals, baby registry item suggestions. This is a great list that covers just about every angle of every item needed for that sweet bundle of joy. nursery decorating suggestions, baby proofing suggestions, baby kick log, and another page for a little letter to your sweet baby are some of the things included leading up to the third trimester goody pouch.
The last section of the book does not include a little keepsake pouch but it does include things such as, what to pack in your hospital bag, birth planning and every possible option that comes along with that, Questions for the hospital, signs of labor and all the stages that come along with it.
The last pages are dedicated to your sweet baby...first days, bringing them home, photos, check up's, feeding tracker and gift logs.
This book is smaller on size but packed full of priceless information, suggestions and ideas. It's the perfect size to fit into a purse or diaper bag and have with you at all times. I will purchase this for all of my soon to be mommy friends, and let me tell you, right now that is quite a few!
The cover is a sweet little blue with white circles and dots on it with a big circle in the middle to add a photo of your own into.
This book begins with a little congrats note regarding your sweet new bundle of joy, how adorable is that! It is then followed up with instructions on how to use the planner to get the most use out of it as well as including the website Thebump.com where you can add additional details that will not fit into the compact size of this book. What a great idea!
Important phone numbers, sections to write notes to your baby, prenatal text descriptions and explanations as to why they are necessary and a section to record your doctor visits are all some of the pages that are laid out leading up to your pouch for keepsakes throughout your first trimester.
Baby bump photos, the size of your baby, a section to record your reaction, thoughts and feelings regarding finding out you were expecting, Things to stop doing, things to start doing, what to eat, what not to eat, suggested questions for the OB at your next visit, due date chart and some wonderful exercise suggestions are what you will find leading up to your pouch for the second trimester keepsakes.
Maternity leave information, child care; daycare versus choosing a nanny, classes you should take to prepare for baby and the size of your baby.....sweet potato, mango, banana, papaya and grapefruit are all comparable sizes for week 18 through week 22.
This section also has a page for your mid-pregnancy ultrasound photo and all the great information that came along with getting it done. Baby shower planning, do's and don'ts and gender reveals, baby registry item suggestions. This is a great list that covers just about every angle of every item needed for that sweet bundle of joy. nursery decorating suggestions, baby proofing suggestions, baby kick log, and another page for a little letter to your sweet baby are some of the things included leading up to the third trimester goody pouch.
The last section of the book does not include a little keepsake pouch but it does include things such as, what to pack in your hospital bag, birth planning and every possible option that comes along with that, Questions for the hospital, signs of labor and all the stages that come along with it.
The last pages are dedicated to your sweet baby...first days, bringing them home, photos, check up's, feeding tracker and gift logs.
This book is smaller on size but packed full of priceless information, suggestions and ideas. It's the perfect size to fit into a purse or diaper bag and have with you at all times. I will purchase this for all of my soon to be mommy friends, and let me tell you, right now that is quite a few!
Thursday, April 2, 2015
point, click, shoot
I have never been so excited to receive a free book as I was this last book from blogging for books.
I have always enjoyed taking photographs and have really taught myself along the way but there is so much I have no clue about. I really have no idea what most of the settings on my camera are for or what they do when used. It's amazing that any of my pictures actually turn out!
This book review is on John Shaw's Guide to Digital Nature Photography.
Let me just start off by saying that this book is RAD!
This book starts off with the contents page that is sectioned off into 6 different categories that cover literally everything from your gear to composition to what John Shaw uses himself personally.
John includes both information for Cannon AND Nikon cameras. That in itself is great information. Everyone has their own preference on what brand of camera they like to use. I myself prefer a Cannon but I know several photographer friends who really do love their Nikon cameras.
each section is detailed things like shutter speed, aperture, ISO (which is something I desperately need help to understand) manual exposure and when to use it and how to use it.
This book covers everything you need to know to operate your camera and or to keep your knowledge up to date.
My favorite part of the book is that he includes photos on almost every page and off to the side of the photo is a little section that explains what the photo is of, what camera he used and all the settings on the camera when the photo was taken. Now to someone who understands all that lingo, that information is pretty darn important.
After reading this book cover to cover there is no doubt that you will be ready to pick up your camera and be ready to go shoot some amazing photos of the great outdoors and all of the beauty that she provides on a daily basis.
I have always enjoyed taking photographs and have really taught myself along the way but there is so much I have no clue about. I really have no idea what most of the settings on my camera are for or what they do when used. It's amazing that any of my pictures actually turn out!
This book review is on John Shaw's Guide to Digital Nature Photography.
Let me just start off by saying that this book is RAD!
This book starts off with the contents page that is sectioned off into 6 different categories that cover literally everything from your gear to composition to what John Shaw uses himself personally.
John includes both information for Cannon AND Nikon cameras. That in itself is great information. Everyone has their own preference on what brand of camera they like to use. I myself prefer a Cannon but I know several photographer friends who really do love their Nikon cameras.
each section is detailed things like shutter speed, aperture, ISO (which is something I desperately need help to understand) manual exposure and when to use it and how to use it.
This book covers everything you need to know to operate your camera and or to keep your knowledge up to date.
My favorite part of the book is that he includes photos on almost every page and off to the side of the photo is a little section that explains what the photo is of, what camera he used and all the settings on the camera when the photo was taken. Now to someone who understands all that lingo, that information is pretty darn important.
After reading this book cover to cover there is no doubt that you will be ready to pick up your camera and be ready to go shoot some amazing photos of the great outdoors and all of the beauty that she provides on a daily basis.
Saturday, March 14, 2015
who knew eating healthy was so darn delicious!
I am completely in love with my latest book from blogging for books! I am so thankful that I signed up with them to receive free books in exchange for a review.
I have been gluten free for about 6 years now. The transition was really hard at first as everything has gluten in it, or so I though! The Paleo Chef written by Pete Evans is simply AMAZING! Have I already said that I'm in love with this book?
Over the years I have come across cook books that have had a few recipes in it that I would find appealing and think about making but could never bring myself to buy the book for just one or two of the recipes. This book has not one single thing in it that I would not eat!
We are a big fish eating family because we live in the north west and the ocean is close and full of tasty fish that we like to catch. :) Finding new and creative ways to cook the fish is the biggest challenge but this cook book has a few varieties that will knock your socks off. I am eagerly awaiting a time to give the Fish & Chips recipe a try. How can you go wrong with Macadamia nuts, unsweetened shredded dried coconut, fresh parsley, tapioca flour and eggs mixed together and topped on your fish fillets??? right? now you are leaking from the mouth too aren't ya?!
I used to love eating hamburgers but once you take the tasty gluten filled bun out of the equations and you have a boring burger wrapped in lettuce that leaks juice all over your hands. well, the Paleo Chef has a simply and tasty solution to that pesky little bun issue.......are you ready for this.....A delicious portabello mushroom! yes, you read that right! How in the world did I not think of this! Pete Evans pairs this tasty bun up with a burger compiled of coconut oil, ground beef chuck, yellow onion, eggs, garlic, fresh mint, red peppers, dried oregano and nitrate free bacon. Oh my goodness, I never thought eating healthy could be so delightfully delicious!
each one of these amazing mouth watering recipes is completed with a photograph that will leave you wanting to eat the pages of this book, step by step instructions of how to put the tasty meal together, the ingredients needed and the correct amounts of each and a sweet little story to go along with his first memory of the meal and why he chose it to be included in this book.
I have never before been so excited to eat something so darn healthy and yes, I know you are all wanting to know.....He DOES include dessert recipes as well! squeal! The "strawberry bliss balls" look to be just that....bliss!
Are you wondering who this Pete Evans guy is and how in the world he has compiled a book full of such tasty, mouth watering, delectable foods? Well he is an award winning international chef, seeker, and father. He recently made his debut in the United States as host on a wonderful show on PBS called The Moveable Feast. He graduated from New Yorks institute for integrative nutrition, he is a health coach and an enthusiastic supporter of the paleo movement. I for one am thankful that he is! He is also on a mission to revolutionize the way we eat and live and I for one and thankful for that too!
I guarantee that you will not be sorry you purchased this cookbook! The cover is adorned with the adorable Pete Evans himself. (yes, he really is adorable) Once you open the cover of the book you are greeted with wonderful words from Mr Evans himself. He talks about how and why he chose the Paleo lifestyle, the research he did to come up with the best way possible to live the Paleo lifestyle, the kinds of foods to eat and drink, what NOT to eat, how to find the balance with the ever challenging omega fatty acids and my three favorites, restoring your rest and bliss, breathe deeply and move often outdoors and learn lots and think POSITIVELY! This man truly has a way with words that make you want to smile and feel good about yourself. He then moves on to talk about the ingredients that are used in the Paleo diet lifestyle and why they are used. This man is a wealth of information and knowledge!
Each meal group is covered in this book from Hazelnut & banana pancakes at breakfast to Cauliflower rice for a snack. (I cant wait to try this, is simply sounds amazingly delicious!) Chorizo & Seafood Paella would be amazing for lunch or dinner as would the Lamb Liver Kebabs. I promise that you will drool over the Pomegranate & Coconut Popsicles or the Chocolate Brownies for dessert. Some of this stuff simply does not look healthy or good for you, it looks irrestible!
The book is finished off the some "basic" recipes such as vegetable, fish, chicken and beef stock, mayonnaise (I don't know about you but I refuse to eat the store bought stuff so this was an amazing find!) Curry paste, the red and the yellow varieties, whipped coconut cream, paleo vanilla ice cream and vanilla marshmallows. Remember earlier when I said that some of this doesn't sound healthy, those last three "basics" were a good example of that statement but I certainly cannot wait to test them out!
'
The last few pages, of course are an index. I love it when cook books include this so that i'm not flipping through page after page looking for the recipe I have my heart set on to cook that night.
Now that I have your mouth watering, head to the store or pull up the online shopping forum you like best and order this book!
I have been gluten free for about 6 years now. The transition was really hard at first as everything has gluten in it, or so I though! The Paleo Chef written by Pete Evans is simply AMAZING! Have I already said that I'm in love with this book?
Over the years I have come across cook books that have had a few recipes in it that I would find appealing and think about making but could never bring myself to buy the book for just one or two of the recipes. This book has not one single thing in it that I would not eat!
We are a big fish eating family because we live in the north west and the ocean is close and full of tasty fish that we like to catch. :) Finding new and creative ways to cook the fish is the biggest challenge but this cook book has a few varieties that will knock your socks off. I am eagerly awaiting a time to give the Fish & Chips recipe a try. How can you go wrong with Macadamia nuts, unsweetened shredded dried coconut, fresh parsley, tapioca flour and eggs mixed together and topped on your fish fillets??? right? now you are leaking from the mouth too aren't ya?!
I used to love eating hamburgers but once you take the tasty gluten filled bun out of the equations and you have a boring burger wrapped in lettuce that leaks juice all over your hands. well, the Paleo Chef has a simply and tasty solution to that pesky little bun issue.......are you ready for this.....A delicious portabello mushroom! yes, you read that right! How in the world did I not think of this! Pete Evans pairs this tasty bun up with a burger compiled of coconut oil, ground beef chuck, yellow onion, eggs, garlic, fresh mint, red peppers, dried oregano and nitrate free bacon. Oh my goodness, I never thought eating healthy could be so delightfully delicious!
each one of these amazing mouth watering recipes is completed with a photograph that will leave you wanting to eat the pages of this book, step by step instructions of how to put the tasty meal together, the ingredients needed and the correct amounts of each and a sweet little story to go along with his first memory of the meal and why he chose it to be included in this book.
I have never before been so excited to eat something so darn healthy and yes, I know you are all wanting to know.....He DOES include dessert recipes as well! squeal! The "strawberry bliss balls" look to be just that....bliss!
Are you wondering who this Pete Evans guy is and how in the world he has compiled a book full of such tasty, mouth watering, delectable foods? Well he is an award winning international chef, seeker, and father. He recently made his debut in the United States as host on a wonderful show on PBS called The Moveable Feast. He graduated from New Yorks institute for integrative nutrition, he is a health coach and an enthusiastic supporter of the paleo movement. I for one am thankful that he is! He is also on a mission to revolutionize the way we eat and live and I for one and thankful for that too!
I guarantee that you will not be sorry you purchased this cookbook! The cover is adorned with the adorable Pete Evans himself. (yes, he really is adorable) Once you open the cover of the book you are greeted with wonderful words from Mr Evans himself. He talks about how and why he chose the Paleo lifestyle, the research he did to come up with the best way possible to live the Paleo lifestyle, the kinds of foods to eat and drink, what NOT to eat, how to find the balance with the ever challenging omega fatty acids and my three favorites, restoring your rest and bliss, breathe deeply and move often outdoors and learn lots and think POSITIVELY! This man truly has a way with words that make you want to smile and feel good about yourself. He then moves on to talk about the ingredients that are used in the Paleo diet lifestyle and why they are used. This man is a wealth of information and knowledge!
Each meal group is covered in this book from Hazelnut & banana pancakes at breakfast to Cauliflower rice for a snack. (I cant wait to try this, is simply sounds amazingly delicious!) Chorizo & Seafood Paella would be amazing for lunch or dinner as would the Lamb Liver Kebabs. I promise that you will drool over the Pomegranate & Coconut Popsicles or the Chocolate Brownies for dessert. Some of this stuff simply does not look healthy or good for you, it looks irrestible!
The book is finished off the some "basic" recipes such as vegetable, fish, chicken and beef stock, mayonnaise (I don't know about you but I refuse to eat the store bought stuff so this was an amazing find!) Curry paste, the red and the yellow varieties, whipped coconut cream, paleo vanilla ice cream and vanilla marshmallows. Remember earlier when I said that some of this doesn't sound healthy, those last three "basics" were a good example of that statement but I certainly cannot wait to test them out!
'
The last few pages, of course are an index. I love it when cook books include this so that i'm not flipping through page after page looking for the recipe I have my heart set on to cook that night.
Now that I have your mouth watering, head to the store or pull up the online shopping forum you like best and order this book!
Sunday, February 22, 2015
I have never wanted to eat so much after reviewing a book!
The latest book I received free from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review was "In Her Kitchen, Stories and recipes from Grandmas Around the World" by Gabriele Galimberti
I have never wanted to eat so much food at one time as I did going through this book. Every page of this book has something that is mouth watering and scrumptious looking! Every continent is covered, with a delightful food. Every dish in this book is accompanied with a photo of the amazing woman who provided the recipe along with a photo of what ingredients went into making the dish. My favorite part of the whole book is that there is a little story provided by the editor as to where, when and how he met each amazing lady.
The book starts off with a map of the world with a little page number on each location that has a dish featured within the pages of the book. There is also a table of contents, which lists each lady's name, where she is from and the delicious dish she is sharing with us.
I truly enjoyed reading the introduction and by the time I had finished reading it, felt like I really knew Gabriele Galimberti. I loved the way he talked about his grandmother, whom of which this book is dedicated to. I enjoyed the story of him sitting down to lunch with her, telling her the news that he was going to embark on a 2 year journey across the world that would land him in 50 countries. Her main concern with this trip was what he was going to eat along the way.
Gabriele's photos in this book are stunning and capture each woman in her own surroundings, her own kitchen, wearing her everyday clothing and doing what she loves to do.....cook. The food photos leave me hungry after viewing each one. I really like how each dish is accompanied with a photo of the finished product. It's nice to know what my finished product should look like when I duplicate the recipe, and I fully plan to try and test out each and every one! Okay, maybe not the Finkubala (caterpillars in tomato sauce)from Mchinji, Malawi, but the Prawn Pirao (garlic prawns with rice) from France, the Soto Betawi (beef soup with coconut and vegetables) from Jakarta, Indonesia; look and sound delicious and will be amongst the first I try!
Each dish featured is healthy and full of vegetables. Delish!
The book is ended with a wonderful heartfelt acknowledgements section, where Gabriele first thanks his grandma, family, all grandmothers in the book and all of their families. That heart, love and dedication to family alone makes me want to purchase every book he has ever produced.
I have never wanted to eat so much food at one time as I did going through this book. Every page of this book has something that is mouth watering and scrumptious looking! Every continent is covered, with a delightful food. Every dish in this book is accompanied with a photo of the amazing woman who provided the recipe along with a photo of what ingredients went into making the dish. My favorite part of the whole book is that there is a little story provided by the editor as to where, when and how he met each amazing lady.
The book starts off with a map of the world with a little page number on each location that has a dish featured within the pages of the book. There is also a table of contents, which lists each lady's name, where she is from and the delicious dish she is sharing with us.
I truly enjoyed reading the introduction and by the time I had finished reading it, felt like I really knew Gabriele Galimberti. I loved the way he talked about his grandmother, whom of which this book is dedicated to. I enjoyed the story of him sitting down to lunch with her, telling her the news that he was going to embark on a 2 year journey across the world that would land him in 50 countries. Her main concern with this trip was what he was going to eat along the way.
Gabriele's photos in this book are stunning and capture each woman in her own surroundings, her own kitchen, wearing her everyday clothing and doing what she loves to do.....cook. The food photos leave me hungry after viewing each one. I really like how each dish is accompanied with a photo of the finished product. It's nice to know what my finished product should look like when I duplicate the recipe, and I fully plan to try and test out each and every one! Okay, maybe not the Finkubala (caterpillars in tomato sauce)from Mchinji, Malawi, but the Prawn Pirao (garlic prawns with rice) from France, the Soto Betawi (beef soup with coconut and vegetables) from Jakarta, Indonesia; look and sound delicious and will be amongst the first I try!
Each dish featured is healthy and full of vegetables. Delish!
The book is ended with a wonderful heartfelt acknowledgements section, where Gabriele first thanks his grandma, family, all grandmothers in the book and all of their families. That heart, love and dedication to family alone makes me want to purchase every book he has ever produced.
Friday, January 2, 2015
lions, tigers, bears, oh my.....and knitting needles.
A few days before Christmas I received the latest book from Blogging for books to review.
This is the cutest craft book ever! It's called "Gramma Nancy's animal hats (and booties, too!) by Nancy Nielsen and foreworded by Vanna White.
First I have to say that the cover of this book is the cutest darn thing ever! It has two babies on the front with crocheted chicken hats and booties on. They are in front of a yellow picket fence to round out the barn theme to go with their accessories. ADORABLE!
If you like to knit, this is the book you need! It has step by step instructions on how to make hats, fingerless gloves, socks, and animal faces. They take you through each step to making and assembling the animal faces for all the hats with worded instructions as well as illustrated instructions with photos.
Within the pages of this book you get to choose from
The back of the book has felt templates for the bootie paw prints. (they think of everything!)
Each pattern is accompanied with a finished product modeled by a sweet and utterly adorable baby. That alone is worth the purchase of the book in my opinion.
The back of the book has an index that is pretty amazing. You can look up any hat by any key word that is related to it and you will be directed to the right page to get you knitting right away.
My heart strings blossomed when I was reading the acknowledgements in the back of the book and seeing all the people that the author gave a special thanks to, but the very last paragraph is what made me smile and feel good inside.
The authors aunt became a patron of Danny Thomas St. Jude Children's Research Hospital the same year she taught Nancy to knit. This just so happens to be Vanna White's favorite charity as well and if you purchase "Vanna's Coice yarns" a portion of the sales from each skein of yarn that is bought is donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. How can you pass up an amazing book that also encourages you to purchase materials that go to help children. This is definitely one of the best $18.99 that I have spent in a very long time!
Now where are my knitting needles??
This is the cutest craft book ever! It's called "Gramma Nancy's animal hats (and booties, too!) by Nancy Nielsen and foreworded by Vanna White.
First I have to say that the cover of this book is the cutest darn thing ever! It has two babies on the front with crocheted chicken hats and booties on. They are in front of a yellow picket fence to round out the barn theme to go with their accessories. ADORABLE!
If you like to knit, this is the book you need! It has step by step instructions on how to make hats, fingerless gloves, socks, and animal faces. They take you through each step to making and assembling the animal faces for all the hats with worded instructions as well as illustrated instructions with photos.
Within the pages of this book you get to choose from
- rolled brim hats
- earflap hats
- fingerless handsies
- The forest favorites collection; which include bear, beaver, fox, owl, rabbit and toad
- The Jungle Jubilee; which includes monkey, fish, lion, elephant, panda and turtle.
- The Barnyard Buddies; which include cat, chicken, bluebird, dog, duck, lamb, and pig.
The back of the book has felt templates for the bootie paw prints. (they think of everything!)
Each pattern is accompanied with a finished product modeled by a sweet and utterly adorable baby. That alone is worth the purchase of the book in my opinion.
The back of the book has an index that is pretty amazing. You can look up any hat by any key word that is related to it and you will be directed to the right page to get you knitting right away.
My heart strings blossomed when I was reading the acknowledgements in the back of the book and seeing all the people that the author gave a special thanks to, but the very last paragraph is what made me smile and feel good inside.
The authors aunt became a patron of Danny Thomas St. Jude Children's Research Hospital the same year she taught Nancy to knit. This just so happens to be Vanna White's favorite charity as well and if you purchase "Vanna's Coice yarns" a portion of the sales from each skein of yarn that is bought is donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. How can you pass up an amazing book that also encourages you to purchase materials that go to help children. This is definitely one of the best $18.99 that I have spent in a very long time!
Now where are my knitting needles??
Saturday, December 27, 2014
coffee with a sweet surprise
Side note right off the bat: I got a free sample from Smiley360 and am posting my review for them.
Some of the best parts of my day is drinking my daily coffee. Morning, early afternoon and sometimes late afternoon - a cup of coffee can be found in my hands. My preference is quick and flavorful coffees. I own a Keurig (brews coffee fast!) and I routinely add flavor creamer to my coffee unless we are out of creamer and then I revert back to my days in the fire department and just add a little cold water to cool it down.
I'm very familiar with both the Nescafe and Coffee-mate brands having used their products for many years. Getting to try the French Vanilla Powder was exciting to me so I made a cup less than 10 minutes after the mailman dropped off the package.
I enjoyed how quick it was to make - just add water!, flavorful, sweet, a good amount of caffeine. This is wonderful in the mornings when I am stumbling out to the kitchen not fully awake to brew a cup of coffee to take back to the shower with me.
This isn't only an instant coffee, it's instant with sweetener and creamer already added so it's very quick to make. The taste is very sweet so if you're not used to having super sweet coffee, this may be more of a "con" than a "pro". The caffeine must be pretty decent since it got me out of my afternoon slump in record time.
The only negative thing I can find about this product is the after taste I was left with when I finished off my cup but drinking a glass of water got rid of most of that unpleasantness.
overall, This won't replace my regular coffee and creamer routine but it's a nice thing to have in the cabinet as backup when I run out of my usual coffee or to keep in my car for a mid afternoon on the go cold coffee. This may also be a good addition to regular coffee in place of creamer for an added caffeine boost! I would recommend this to most people to keep on hand for back up or for those guests who drink coffee while the regular occupants of the home don't.
Some of the best parts of my day is drinking my daily coffee. Morning, early afternoon and sometimes late afternoon - a cup of coffee can be found in my hands. My preference is quick and flavorful coffees. I own a Keurig (brews coffee fast!) and I routinely add flavor creamer to my coffee unless we are out of creamer and then I revert back to my days in the fire department and just add a little cold water to cool it down.
I'm very familiar with both the Nescafe and Coffee-mate brands having used their products for many years. Getting to try the French Vanilla Powder was exciting to me so I made a cup less than 10 minutes after the mailman dropped off the package.
I enjoyed how quick it was to make - just add water!, flavorful, sweet, a good amount of caffeine. This is wonderful in the mornings when I am stumbling out to the kitchen not fully awake to brew a cup of coffee to take back to the shower with me.
This isn't only an instant coffee, it's instant with sweetener and creamer already added so it's very quick to make. The taste is very sweet so if you're not used to having super sweet coffee, this may be more of a "con" than a "pro". The caffeine must be pretty decent since it got me out of my afternoon slump in record time.
The only negative thing I can find about this product is the after taste I was left with when I finished off my cup but drinking a glass of water got rid of most of that unpleasantness.
overall, This won't replace my regular coffee and creamer routine but it's a nice thing to have in the cabinet as backup when I run out of my usual coffee or to keep in my car for a mid afternoon on the go cold coffee. This may also be a good addition to regular coffee in place of creamer for an added caffeine boost! I would recommend this to most people to keep on hand for back up or for those guests who drink coffee while the regular occupants of the home don't.
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