Blogging for Books- Blue Ribbon Baking from a Redneck Kitchen

Blue Ribbon Baking from a Redneck Kitchen by Francine Bryson 

I'm a self-proclaimed cook-book collector and I love to bake! So, when I saw that Blue Ribbon Baking from a Redneck Kitchen by Francine Bryson was available for review, I knew I had to try it out! I love to leaf through the glossy pages of a good cookbook and admire the pretty confections and culinary displays of wonderment!

Blue Ribbon Baking from a Redneck Kitchen is written by National pie champion, mom, homemaker, and self-proclaimed redneck, Francine Bryson. Written in the tone of your friendly, "honey" calling cousin who is slightly irreverent and oblivious of certain PC terms,  Blue Ribbon Baking from a Redneck Kitchen is fun to read and easy to follow, The ingredient lists are simple and clear. The recipes will remind you of church suppers and family recipes passed down amongst the generations on smudged index cards.

While I hardly consider myself a "redneck" (and no, I'm not going for a commentary on political correctness- I'm just using the term from the title of the book), I'm not afraid to use real butter and cups of sugar in a good recipe. Blue Ribbon Baking from a Redneck Kitchen by Francine Bryson  had me laughing-out-loud at the humorous titles. Such as, "Slap-ya-mama Fudge Cookies" on page 62 or, "Keep-the-hubby-at-home Cake" on page 149 or, "Cake Balls for the Faint of Heart" on page 227. I mean, seriously, don't those titles just make you smirk at it's cheekiness?

Blue Ribbon Baking from a Redneck Kitchen by Francine is a fun, easy read. I love the pictures of the wonderful confections sprinkled throughout the book. I only wish that there were more pictures- maybe a picture for each recipe. There's nothing like a good, clear picture to make me want to make that particular recipe!

So, if your cholesterol allows it and you aren't afraid of a little butter and sugar, I would recommend picking up your own copy of the Blue Ribbon Baking from a Redneck Kitchen by Francine Bryson for your next baking frenzy!

***Disclaimer- "I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review."***

Blogging for Books- little book of BOOK MAKING

little book of BOOK MAKING by Charlotte Rivers

There was once a time when I dabbled in the art- and it is most certainly an art form!- of bookmaking. It took place at my alma mater, Ringling College of Art and Design. In other words, eons ago. ;-)

I had the wonderful privilege of discovering the humble, paper book as a rare and stand-alone piece of art. Through several bookmaking classes, I learned everything from pulp to paper, to binding to create a book. A fine arts piece. The content was not always relevant- the construction and the beauty that went into it, was the goal.

It's been a long, long, long time since my days of mixing pulp into paper and stitching book signatures together. However, when I recently had the opportunity to review little book of BOOK MAKING by Charlotte Rivers, the excitement of creating something tangible and artistic in the form of paper and spine, came flooding back to me. 

little book of BOOK MAKING by Charlotte Rivers is a beautifully illustrated book that takes the reader through the basic anatomy of a book (page 8) to intricate spine stitching, such as the French Link Stitch (page 156). In between these extremes are beautiful examples of the book as art from around the world. USA, UK, South America and Asia are all represented with their contributions on the bookmaking world. Example pictures are rich in detail and excite the reader to observe the lowly printed paper book in a whole new light.

Later in the book, step-by-step instructions are included to help the reader create everything from a simple pamphlet stitch book to a flag book  to a more complicated Dragon book. Pictures in the step-by-step section are less than impressive but they do aid in the overall understanding of the construction of a book. 

Overall, this book is exciting to read and shows beautiful examples of fine arts books and the art of bookmaking. While not a staple in every creative person's library,  little book of BOOK MAKING by Charlotte Rivers definitely delivers in it's promise to, "Timeless techniques and fresh ideas for beautiful handmade books."

***Disclaimer- "I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review."***

Blogging for Books- The Panopticon by Jenni Fagan

The Panopticon by Jenni Fagan

The Panopticon, by Jenni Fagan, follows the life of 15 year old Anais Hendricks. Repeat offender and chronic foster-home child, Anais has had a hard life, to say the least. The book opens with Anais going to the Panopticon, a home for chronic young offenders. At the Panopticon, Anais forms a family of sorts, with the other equally rough, mired prisoners. In the end Anais learns that she can only rely on herself.

Random House, the publisher for The Panopticon, describes the book as; 

"Anais Hendricks, fifteen, is in the back of a police car. She is headed for the Panopticon, a home for chronic young offenders. She can't remember what’s happened, but across town a policewoman lies in a coma and Anais is covered in blood. Raised in foster care from birth and moved through twenty-three placements before she even turned seven, Anais has been let down by just about every adult she has ever met. Now a counterculture outlaw, she knows that she can only rely on herself. And yet despite the parade of horrors visited upon her early life, she greets the world with the witty, fierce insight of a survivor. 

Anais finds a sense of belonging among the residents of the Panopticon—they form intense bonds, and she soon becomes part of an ad-hoc family. Together, they struggle against the adults that keep them confined. But when she looks up at the watchtower that looms over the residents, Anais realizes her fate: She is an anonymous part of an experiment, and she always was. Now it seems that the experiment is closing in."

The Panopticon, by Jenni Fagan is a confusing, hard to follow read. Right off the bat, the American reader is at a disadvantage because of all the English slang used in the book. "Nae," "cannae," "tae," "doesnae," etc. are just some of the words that can trip up the American reader. First, though, I should mention that the word, "Panopticon" can be defined as, "a circular prison with cells arranged around a central well, from which prisoners could at all times be observed." That should be understood before one starts to read the book. 

After trudging through at least a quarter of the book, the main character, Anais, has still not move past her first night at Panopticon. Every paragraph seems jilted and out of sorts with the ones following and preceding. It's almost as if a million little thoughts were put together in one book and none of them are in order. Soo, soo, soo confusing for the reader to follow!

Characters are introduced at random and character development is lacking. While the reader feels bad for all of the unspeakable and alluded-to horrors that have happened in Anais' young life, it is hard to feel sorry for her when much is left unexplained and the reader is left wondering and confused.

This is author Jenni Fagan's first novel.

***Disclaimer- "I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review."***

Blogging for Books- Asian Pickles by Karen Solomon

Asian Pickles by Karen Solomon

Asian Pickles by Karen Solomon is a visually pleasing cookbook about "Sweet, sour, salty, cured and fermented preserves."

The books is split up into five sections- Japan, Korea, China, India and Southeast Asia. Personally, when I think of "Asian Pickles," my mind immediately lands on Korea because of the Korean cultural dish and mealtime staple, kimchi. I never knew that other Asian cultures had their own versions of "Asian Pickles."

From Japanese miso pickles (pg. 10) to Korean kimchi (pg. 46) to Indian pickled chilies (pg. 131), Asian Pickles by Karen Solomon is both informative and descriptive. The author not only goes into detail about the actual dishes, their history and their cultural significance, but she also manages to explain proper serving practices.

While the book tends to be more wordy, than pictorial, it is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the various Asian uses of pickled vegetables. I have not yet ventured into making my own dish of kimchi, but with the help of Asian Pickles by Karen Solomon, perhaps I just may...

***Disclaimer- "I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review."***

Blogging for Books- Bittersweet by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore

Bittersweet by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore

Bittersweet by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore, chronicles the summer adventures and discoveries of self-proclaimed bookish, moon-faced, Mabel Dagmar. The summer in question takes place at the home of her wealthy, elitish college roommate, Genevra "Ev" Winslow's Vermont family estate, Winloch. Mabel comes from humble means and upon her arrival at Winloch, she is thrust into the rich life of yachts, summer cottages and seemingly idyllic family picnics on the lawn.

However,  the longer Mabel stays at Winloch, the deeper she delves into the murky Winslow family history and the true meaning behind the "ties that bind." Eventually, Mabel makes several horrible discoveries about the Winslow family's past that leads to a horrific act of violence. In the end, she must choose to expose the family secrets, or keep silent in the hopes of becoming a Winslow- and all the trappings that come along with the name- herself.

In my opinion, this novel was long on family history and genealogical lineage but short on character development. Parts of the novel- especially the part where Mabel first meets Ev's brother- even teeter on the brink of being gratuitous, rather than descriptive and enveloping. The cast of characters- past and present- is lengthy. Names start to blur and run together.

Written in first person, the main heroine of the book- if she can be described as such- is written by Mabel, in her first person voice. Out of the whole cast of characters, her persona is developed and described the best. Her murky background, coupled with an end-of-novel self realization results in a dichotomous, almost-Sybil -like personality (comparing beginning to end).

While the book was intriguing in premise- underprivileged Mabel sends a summer amongst the wealth and opulence of old money and makes a damning discovery- the end result is sickening and disappointing. Syntax and flow are engaging. Bittersweet by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore, can easily be completed on a beach trip, or long flight.

Author Miranda Beverly-Whittemore hails from Vermont and that is evident in the landscape of her novel. Miranda Beverly-Whittemore is an accomplished author of three novels, The Effects of Light, Set me Free and Bittersweet.

***Disclaimer- "I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review."***

Blogging for Books- Super Stitches Sewing by Nicole Vasbinder

It's been awhile- almost two years, to be exact- but I've decided to get back to reviewing books for the Blogging for Books program. They recently widened the selection of books available to review, so I felt that it might be fun to jump back in.

First up, after my long hiatus; Super Stitches Sewing by Nicole Vasbinder...

I love to sew and have been doing so for several years, now (in earnest). However, I'm self-taught, so that means that there are chunks of sewing knowledge that I lack. Sure, I took basic home ec back in the day. However, most of my sewing knowledge is due to the fact that I learn things as I go and as I need them. The pattern calls for a "french hem." So I google it and learn how to accomplish one. The Elsa dress that Lil' Miss is dying to dress up as for Halloween (already... And it's only June...!) needs as zipper. So, I google, struggle, google and try again. You get the picture. Anyway, suffice it to say that I have a lot to learn when it comes to the world of sewing!

Super Stitches Sewing by Nicole Vasbinder is a great, basic "reference guide" for sewing enthusiasts of all ages and stages.  Just as the title suggests, this book is all about the basic backbone of sewing- the stitch!

The book starts out with the "straight stitch" and then progresses to topics such as, "Darning," "Hand-Stitching," and more. Each two-four page- spread covers one stitch. First, there is a photographic example of the highlighted stitch. Then, there is a chart listing out, "Essential Facts" about the stitch ("Also known as," "Key feature," "Common uses," "Fabric types," "Needle," etc.). Next, there is a step-by-step illustration(s) of how to accomplish the specific stitch. Last, but not least, an "expert tip" concludes each section.

I would consider myself an intermediate sewer. Yet, I was able to fully benefit from reading and reviewing Super Stitches Sewing by Nicole Vasbinder. I loved the simple illustrations and detailed instructions. Also, the "Also known as" section was helpful for decoding a variety of different patterns by different designers. Since I have still to conquer a successful zipper, I'm anxious to follow the instructions in Super Stitches Sewing by Nicole Vasbinder, to finally finish that Elsa dress (October will be here before you know it!).

For more information on Super Stitches Sewing, go to: http://www.randomhouse.com/book/231578/super-stitches-sewing-by-nicole-vasbinder

For more information on the author, Nicole Vasbinder, go to: http://www.randomhouse.com/author/180930/nicole-vasbinder

To add Super Stitches Sewing by Nicole Vasbinder to your own library, go to: http://www.amazon.com/Super-Stitches-Sewing-Machine-Sewing-Hand-Stitching/dp/0770434797/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

**Disclaimer- “I received this book for free from the publisher’s Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review”.

Blogging for Books- Unstoppable

It you need an inspirational read, then Unstoppable should fit the bill perfectly! I've read Nick Vujicic's first book, Life Without Limits, and I expect his follow up book, Unstoppable to just as motivational.


Unstoppable by Nick Vujicic (Chapter 1 Excerpt)

Mom’s Dining Out Deals

One of our budgetary vices as a family is the fact that we like to go out to eat. It's not that I don't like to cook- I love to spend time in the kitchen and I'd like to think that I can hold my own with a spoon, a pot and a pan- it's just that time (or lack thereof), lack of planning, the lure of somebody else doing the work for me or the dread of dirty dishes often persuades us to eat out more often than we should. So, when I saw the ebook, Mom's Dining Out Deals advertised on one of my favorite money-saving blogs, I knew I just had to give it a whirl. I'm excited to read this book and see where we can save while still enjoying a (or two!) dinner out.

Blogging for Books- How We Love Our Kids by Milan and Kay Yerkovich

How We Love Our Kids, the 5 Love Styles of Parenting by Milan and Kay Yerkovich is an insightful, informative and real guide to parenting in today’s world.

This book takes five real-life parenting personalities (Avoider, Pleaser, Vacillator, Controller and Victim) and relates them to the personalities of Avoider/Pleaser/Vacillator/Controller and Victim children. This book helps us as parents relate to our children and better serves their needs while providing us with a better understanding of ourselves and our parenting styles. There was more than once where I stopped to think, “Hey, that describes me to a T!”

This book also talks about the seven gifts that we as parents can (and should!) give to our children. They are: The gift of insight, comfort, power, frustration, confession, laughter and God.

I applaud these authors, a married couple with four grown children of their own, for lauding morality, virtue, and Biblical principals in the enormous task of raising children. Any parent- young, old, new parent, grandparent- would benefit from the insights gleaned from inside the pages of How We Love our Kids.

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review"

The Christmas Singing

The Christmas Singing (Chapter 1 Excerpt)

Blogging for Books- His Little Princess by Sheri Rose Shepherd

His Little Princess by Sheri Rose Shepherd is a sweet collection of letters, Bible verses and poems written for princesses of all ages. This book is a touching reminder that every one of us is loved and that we are made in God’s own image. Playing off of the “princess craze” that has young girls crying for Disney dolls, dress-up and tiaras, His Little Princess shows girls the true meaning of being a princess in God’s court.

This book is set up as a collection or writings/verses that can be read individually or as a collection. His Little Princess is simplistic its approach, yet sophisticated enough for even older girls to get meaning and truth out of it. The book references Bible verses so it has the potential to spark some deeper, theological and thematic discussions between parent and child.

In conclusion, this book is a positive collection to any library.

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review"

The Money Savings Mom’s Budget- Book Review

I was recently given the opportunity to review the book, The Money Saving Mom’s Budget by Crystal Paine. I have followed www.moneysavingmom.com for several years, now, and I was excited to hear that the blogger-turned-author was entering into the foray of books.

As soon as I received the book, I jumped right into it. Reading the book is like chatting with an old friend. The syntax is comfortable and easy. There are no big words or new vocabulary to learn. It’s just woman to woman talking about money; specifically, how to, “slash your spending, pay down your debt, streamline your life and save thousands a year.”

Ms. Paine doesn’t claim to know it all but she does give some guidelines for financial success. They are as follows:

#1- Set big goals and break them down into bite-sized pieces.

#2- Streamline your life and cut the clutter.

#3- Set up a realistic, workable budget.

#4- Take the cash-only challenge.

#5- Use coupons.

#6- Never pay retail.

#7- Choose contentment.

The rules are not always easy and there is no “easy road” to financial freedom. However, while reading this book, you can really get a sense of how real and tangible the sacrifice and perseverance Crystal and her husband endure on their own road to financial freedom and paying 100% cash for their first home.

In conclusion, I would recommend this book to anybody- not just moms- looking for ways to reevaluate their finances and household budget. We could all use a little “tune-up” when it comes to our money and this book is just one way to go ahead and do so!

Coming Soon- The Money Saving Mom's Budget: Slash Your Spending, Pay Down Your Debt, Streamline Your Life, and Save Thousands a Year

...On sale January 10th... Can't wait to read and review my pre-leased copy of The Money Saving Mom's Budget!

Blogging for Books- When God Created My Toes by Dandi Daley Mackall

When God Created My Toes by Dandi Daley Mackall is a children’s book about the body and the creation of its various parts. While the book is meant to be light-hearted with a simple, child-like approach to explaining the complex concept of the creation of man, I believe that this book asks too many questions- “Did he know?” “Did he put?”- without any concrete answers.

The sketchy side illustrations by David Hohn are the best part of the book. While the main illustrations are playful and fun, it’s the sketched cartoons that won my heart with its sincerity and sweetness.

In short, I believe that this book fails to answer the central question framed in its title, “When God Created My Toes.”

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review"

Blogging for Books- No More Dreaded Mondays by Dan Miller

“No More Dreaded Mondays” by Dan Miller is motivational on paper but sometimes pat and contrived. Passages are your typical cheerleader hype that fails to feel like it has much application in the real world. The book is scripturally based and pushes the reader to find their true calling in the world. While this book can be categorized as inspirational and self-help, it was so slow and uninteresting that I was very unmotivated to finish reading it.

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review"

Blogging for Books- This Little Prayer of Mine

Simple, engaging and richly illustrated, “This Little Prayer of Mine” teaches even the youngest child the basic tenants of prayer, petition and thanksgiving. This book goes through topics and feelings important to children- play, family, friends, and new experiences- and combines them in a rhyming prayer not unlike the tumble of words that may come for a youngster’s own mouth.

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review"

Blogging for Books- Love Food and Live Well

Love Food and Live well by Chantel Hobbs is an inspiring, easy read that motivates the reader to get up and move, eat better and generally take better care of one’s health. The book does not boast of complicated formulas, skewed food pyramids relying heavily on just one food group, or some diet fad. Instead, the book tells the story of one seemingly ordinary woman who lost over two hundred pounds the good old’ fashioned way- eating right and exercising. While the formula is not necessarily new, Hobbs’ weight-loss story is inspirational, down-to-earth and real. Hobbs’ acts as a cheerleader throughout the book, promoting healthy eating habits, thoughts about food and exercise, and the importance of moving! "I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review"

Blogging for Books- Awakening: Life Without Limits: Inspiration for a Ridiculously Good Life

Life Without Limits: Inspiration for a Ridiculously Good Life, by Nick Vujicic is a positive and uplifting book of encouragement for overcoming obstacles and living life to the fullest- no matter the odds. Vujicic was born without arms or legs and is determined to live as a motivational speaker dispelling the myth that living life with disabilities means living a boring life. It’s hard to say anything bad about a guy who stays to positive and upbeat about life, even though he potentially has a lot to feel down about. Vujicic gets around with a special, motorized wheelchair, loves to swim and can even get from a lying down to upright position by himself. Through the support of his family and his strong Christian faith, Nick has learned that life is what you make it and that everybody was put on this earth for a specific God-given reason! This book is an easy read with one goal in mind- life is what you make it and God has a purpose for YOU! This book is defiantly inspiring and makes you want to stop feeling sorry for yourself and go figure out what God has in store for your destiny! "I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review"

Blogging for Books- Awakening: A New Approach to Faith, Fasting, and Spiritual Freedom

Awakening: A New Approach to Faith, Fasting, and Spiritual Freedom by Stovall Weems is a positive, scripturally-based approach to becoming closer to God. Put into simple layman’s terms, Weems outlines how to dig deeper, reach higher and shine brighter for God. Using personal examples and a very “real” dialogue, Weems succeeds in capturing his audience and welcoming them in.

This book is very appropriate for the Lenten season as Christians reflect upon the ultimate sacrifice, the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It proves to be a worthy reminder of the importance of putting away the “clutter” that keeps us from realizing the “awakening” that God has in store for each and every person.
While I wouldn’t say that his approach is “new,” I would say that the book does chart out a straightforward path for even the most seasoned Christian or newest Christian to deepen their faith and walk with Jesus.

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review"

Blogging for Books- Secure Daughters, Confident Sons

Secure Daughters, Confident Sons; How Parents Guide Their Children into Authentic Masculinity and Femininity by Glenn T. Stanton, is a straight-to-the-point book about the inherent differences that make us either female or male. Stanton strongly believes that there are differences between the genders and that these differences need to be cultivated and nourished.

Stanton makes a case for both genders and is careful to point out examples of both throughout history and current times. The author points out the need and importance for recognizing, claiming and cultivating a child’s femininity or masculinity. He points out that there are necessary differences between moms and dads and that both are important in the overall understanding of our children and ultimately humanity.

This book is a great book to read even if you don’t have children as it would help to understand and define the differences between the sexes.

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review"