The Inheritance by Niki Kapsambelis is one of the best books I have read on Alzheimer's disease. I would even go so far to say it is the best. The book focuses primarily on the DeMoe family. This family carries a genetic link to the disease. It is fascinating and heartbreaking at the same time. The timeline follows the family as well as researchers' race to find a treatment. Anyone with an interest in Alzheimer's especially those affected personally will find this book hard to put down. The author does an excellent job telling the DeMoe family's story with compassion.
Food52 Ice Cream and Friends is a collection of 60 ice creams of all flavors. The choices will take you way beyond basic vanilla or chocolate. Ice cream is a big deal in my family so I am no stranger to making it myself. While the recipes are good, I found most of them to be more complicated than necessary. I did try out the recipe for Coffee Frozen Custard. The resulting ice cream was good but not great. I did not find enough recipes to make it worth adding to my cookbook collection. I do recommend that you preview the book before making your own decision.
disclosure: I received these e-books from NetGalley but was not otherwise compensated for these reviews. All opinions are my own!
Sunday, April 16, 2017
Saturday, April 15, 2017
Weekend Book Reviews
Murder at the Fortune Teller's Table by Janet Finsilver is the third book in the Kelly Jackson Mystery series. This is one of the best cozy mysteries I have read in a long time. The book easily stands on its own (although I am now planning to read the previous two). Kelly is the manager of a bed and breakfast. She and the crime solving group, the Silver Sentinels, are soon caught up in a mystery when two accidental deaths seem anything but accidental. I loved the setting and especially the characters. The book is very well written, and the mystery kept me interested until the end. I am happy to have discovered this wonderful cozy mystery series!
Never Out of Season by Rob Dunn is a fascinating look at modern agriculture and its problems. The lack of diversity may soon lead to a collapse of the foods we depend on. The book was well researched and covered a variety of topics all related to agriculture. I learned about everything from mealybugs to the vast consequences of drought in Syria. Although a serious subject, I found the book well worth my time.
disclosure: I received these e-books from NetGalley but was not otherwise compensated for these reviews. All opinions are my own!
Never Out of Season by Rob Dunn is a fascinating look at modern agriculture and its problems. The lack of diversity may soon lead to a collapse of the foods we depend on. The book was well researched and covered a variety of topics all related to agriculture. I learned about everything from mealybugs to the vast consequences of drought in Syria. Although a serious subject, I found the book well worth my time.
disclosure: I received these e-books from NetGalley but was not otherwise compensated for these reviews. All opinions are my own!
Friday, April 14, 2017
Frugal Friday
I have been mostly frugal but have also felt a bit spendy these past few weeks. None of it was frivolous silly spending but just life spending.
Friday - I packed W's lunch items for the week in reusable containers. Packing as much as I can in advance helps in case things get busy on his work days. It is easy to grab the pre-packed items and toss them in his lunch box. We ate pineapple sandwiches for supper using the $1 pineapple I purchased earlier in the week.
Saturday - I helped host the church/community Easter egg hunt. I am not sure it counts a frugal thing, but I try to keep it that way as much as possible. I spent most of the remainder of the day relaxing at home. I did take time to hang a load of clothes outside to dry and bake two loaves of bread.
Sunday - Sundays are always quiet. Besides going to church I wrote some letters and read. I gave my Bible class children treat bags made with leftover egg hunt candy.
Monday - I had leftovers for dinner. I spent most of the day working in the garden. I repotted plants and planted the rest of the seedlings from the greenhouse. The weather has been mild enough that we have not needed the heat or air.
Tuesday - I spent this day working in the yard. Doing my own yard work definitely saves money. I am physically able and see no good reason not to do it myself. I am reminded of my nearly 100 year old neighbor who used to mow his own lawn. I worked on the bee/butterfly garden. I will share more about this on Wednesday's garden post.
Wednesday - W needed to run errands so I tagged along. He had to stop at the home improvement store so I wandered into the garden section looking for the poblano pepper plants I needed. I had room for two plants but hated to spend $3+ each. Instead I looked through all of the pots until I found one that contained two plants. It was like getting the second free. I have noticed that I can usually find a container with a bonus plant if I take the time to look.
Thursday - I had to stop and think what I did yesterday which is a bit sad. I watched a free movie on Vudu. I hung clothes out to dry. I pulled weeds from the garden. Last year I barely had time to do anything with the garden. My idea of fun is to pull a few weeds from my raised beds. Seeing those clean beds with growing plants makes me happy. I know that this bit of time and effort will reward me with delicious vegetables and fruits fresh from my backyard.
Have you had a frugal week?
Friday - I packed W's lunch items for the week in reusable containers. Packing as much as I can in advance helps in case things get busy on his work days. It is easy to grab the pre-packed items and toss them in his lunch box. We ate pineapple sandwiches for supper using the $1 pineapple I purchased earlier in the week.
Saturday - I helped host the church/community Easter egg hunt. I am not sure it counts a frugal thing, but I try to keep it that way as much as possible. I spent most of the remainder of the day relaxing at home. I did take time to hang a load of clothes outside to dry and bake two loaves of bread.
Sunday - Sundays are always quiet. Besides going to church I wrote some letters and read. I gave my Bible class children treat bags made with leftover egg hunt candy.
Monday - I had leftovers for dinner. I spent most of the day working in the garden. I repotted plants and planted the rest of the seedlings from the greenhouse. The weather has been mild enough that we have not needed the heat or air.
Tuesday - I spent this day working in the yard. Doing my own yard work definitely saves money. I am physically able and see no good reason not to do it myself. I am reminded of my nearly 100 year old neighbor who used to mow his own lawn. I worked on the bee/butterfly garden. I will share more about this on Wednesday's garden post.
Wednesday - W needed to run errands so I tagged along. He had to stop at the home improvement store so I wandered into the garden section looking for the poblano pepper plants I needed. I had room for two plants but hated to spend $3+ each. Instead I looked through all of the pots until I found one that contained two plants. It was like getting the second free. I have noticed that I can usually find a container with a bonus plant if I take the time to look.
Thursday - I had to stop and think what I did yesterday which is a bit sad. I watched a free movie on Vudu. I hung clothes out to dry. I pulled weeds from the garden. Last year I barely had time to do anything with the garden. My idea of fun is to pull a few weeds from my raised beds. Seeing those clean beds with growing plants makes me happy. I know that this bit of time and effort will reward me with delicious vegetables and fruits fresh from my backyard.
Have you had a frugal week?
Thursday, April 13, 2017
52 New Recipes Week 15: Korean Beef
I found this recipe on Pinterest and saved it since it looked like a good way to use up ground beef. I had mushrooms and zucchini in the refrigerator to use up. I also loved the fact that it was a quick meal. I followed the recipe as written but did use the sweet chili sauce substitution. The recipe was so good that I will be looking for the sweet chili sauce when I make it again.
I did follow the blog's suggestion of adding mushrooms. W requested a few more veggies next time. The food processor chopped them up perfectly and quickly.
I served it over rice cooked in the rice cooker - another of my favorite time savers. I love that I can just set the rice cooker and forget it. The flavors were good, but I think the actual sweet chili sauce will make it perfect. W and I both agreed that this should be a regular menu addition.
I did follow the blog's suggestion of adding mushrooms. W requested a few more veggies next time. The food processor chopped them up perfectly and quickly.
I served it over rice cooked in the rice cooker - another of my favorite time savers. I love that I can just set the rice cooker and forget it. The flavors were good, but I think the actual sweet chili sauce will make it perfect. W and I both agreed that this should be a regular menu addition.
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
April Fair Trade Friday Box
I am always excited to receive my Fair Trade Friday package in the mail each month. I am not sure how they do it, but honestly the boxes get better and better each month. The first item is this set of bracelets. They are made by a group of women with Have Hope in Kenya. This set is Spring Blues and can be purchased from Mercy House.
The second set of items is this beautiful notepad and handmade pencil. Some of my friends will be receiving letters written on this paper in the near future. The artwork is an original design by an artist at Have Hope in Azberaijan. The pencils support youth in India at a rehab center.
The third item and my favorite in the box is this necklace made by Repurposed on Purpose right here in the US. The leather and pearl necklace includes a metal bar stamped with the word Priceless. You can purchase this necklace from Mercy House as well.
The second set of items is this beautiful notepad and handmade pencil. Some of my friends will be receiving letters written on this paper in the near future. The artwork is an original design by an artist at Have Hope in Azberaijan. The pencils support youth in India at a rehab center.
The third item and my favorite in the box is this necklace made by Repurposed on Purpose right here in the US. The leather and pearl necklace includes a metal bar stamped with the word Priceless. You can purchase this necklace from Mercy House as well.
Once again I am more than thrilled with everything I received from Mercy House. If you are interested in signing up for the Fair Trade Friday Original box, click here. Remember if you receive an item that is not right for you, gift tags are included so you can share with someone. Be prepared to want to keep everything for yourself though!
Monday, April 10, 2017
2017 Goals Week 15
1. Completely Finish the New House & Update Property
Other things came up this week including two days of bad weather. We ended up not doing anything to the new house. I did order the tool W needed to finish the entertainment center cabinet doors.
2. Plan Ahead for Birthday & Anniversary Gifts
I bought a gift card this week for my youngest nephew. For the older relatives it is easier to go with a gift card.
3. Use the Garden to Be More Self-Sufficient
I bought a couple more herbs to add to the garden. I was pleased to see that this past week's rain helped everything grow. I have a few more items to clear out of the greenhouse this week. The weather should be sunny with mild temperatures - perfect for working in the garden.
4. Take One Class a Month
I have fallen behind on the French bread class but am still working on it. I have plenty of time to finish 12 classes this year.
5. Pack Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes on a Budget
I sorted a few things that were in my craft room. I am still planning to start packing a few boxes after Easter.
6. Boost Savings
I feel like this goal took a hit since we had to pay taxes. That is a necessity though, and I do save throughout the year. I was able to knock a bit off the credit card debt. Having a meal plan should really help with the grocery spending for this month. Savings is a marathon and not a sprint.
Other things came up this week including two days of bad weather. We ended up not doing anything to the new house. I did order the tool W needed to finish the entertainment center cabinet doors.
2. Plan Ahead for Birthday & Anniversary Gifts
I bought a gift card this week for my youngest nephew. For the older relatives it is easier to go with a gift card.
3. Use the Garden to Be More Self-Sufficient
I bought a couple more herbs to add to the garden. I was pleased to see that this past week's rain helped everything grow. I have a few more items to clear out of the greenhouse this week. The weather should be sunny with mild temperatures - perfect for working in the garden.
4. Take One Class a Month
I have fallen behind on the French bread class but am still working on it. I have plenty of time to finish 12 classes this year.
5. Pack Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes on a Budget
I sorted a few things that were in my craft room. I am still planning to start packing a few boxes after Easter.
6. Boost Savings
I feel like this goal took a hit since we had to pay taxes. That is a necessity though, and I do save throughout the year. I was able to knock a bit off the credit card debt. Having a meal plan should really help with the grocery spending for this month. Savings is a marathon and not a sprint.
Sunday, April 9, 2017
Weekend Book Review: Good Veg
Good Veg by Alice Hart is described as a modern vegetarian cookbook. My family is not vegetarian although I do like to serve a vegetarian meal from time to time. I was hoping this book would give me some good ideas. While there are good meal ideas, I do not feel it is good for picky or less adventurous eaters. I should also remind you that I live in a rural area so finding many of the ingredients is not cost effective. That and the length of some ingredient lists were negatives for me.
I did find some recipes and helpful tips throughout the book. I loved the Hibiscus Honey Tea. The tips for making sweet potato fries that are not soggy were excellent. The Four Essential Dressings were great and offered something for everyone.
While the book has good and not so good points, it was simply not what I needed. My family is too picky for me to make much from this cookbook. I would recommend that you preview it and make your own decision!
disclosure: I received this e-book from NetGalley but was not otherwise compensated for this review. All opinions are my own!
I did find some recipes and helpful tips throughout the book. I loved the Hibiscus Honey Tea. The tips for making sweet potato fries that are not soggy were excellent. The Four Essential Dressings were great and offered something for everyone.
While the book has good and not so good points, it was simply not what I needed. My family is too picky for me to make much from this cookbook. I would recommend that you preview it and make your own decision!
disclosure: I received this e-book from NetGalley but was not otherwise compensated for this review. All opinions are my own!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)