Second Street Nation Review

I like reading all sorts of books. I like reading historical fiction...as long as it is historically accurate. I had a hard time getting through Second Street Nation because Mary Hadley is a modern woman in 1888, however her vulgar language reminds me that of a woman of the 21st century or a poorer ranking woman in the 19th century. She also lives in a one bedroom apartment with running water (she turns the faucet on to soothe a burn while cooking). I don't remember there being running water in an apartment, especially that of a bad side of a town.

I really wanted to like this book considering this is Lawrence Levy's first novel. However, do to the discrepancies, it was difficult for me to get through without making some sort of comment every few sentences.

The Good, The Bad, and the Grace of God

I was never really a fan of Duck Dynasty. I did, however, admire their faith in God and willingness to share it. Especially being on television where religious views aren't always openly accepted. It was a breath of fresh air to read this and learn about the family behind the popular television show. I have a new found respsect for the Robertson clan.

Jep Roberston, the youngest member of the Dynasty family, and his wife, Jessica, open up about their marriage, their family, and their faith in God. Most biographies I've read have been very "on the surface", but the Robertson's were not afraid to open up about their lives. It's a quick read, and anyone would learn something about themselves.

Infuse (Oil, Spirit, Water)

For awhile now, I've wanted to learn how to infuse olive oil. It all started when I made a stop at a friend's house. We decided to have a salad along side dinner and she told me she got a bottle of Lemon Infused Olive Oil to try, so we decided to put it over the luscious greens. I was in Heaven.

Along came infuse. I was blown away by the different varieties of recipes for the oil, spirits, and water. I got excited when I read them because I wanted to try a lot of them. Now, some of them are super easy and only take a few hours to maybe a day to do. Some..take a little longer (we're talking weeks here, people). I haven't tried those yet.

My only downfall with this book is the fact that they have a special lid to use for a lot of them. Since they are made in mason jars (and I have 5 kazillion of them because I drink out of them like they are going out of style), I would have to purchase the lid. Or, I could cheat and use other containers that had the shaker lids. I haven't personally made any of the recipes yet, but I borrowed the book to a friend of mine that does a lot of her own mixed drinks. She said the recipes were really easy and easy to follow. She also mentioned that the pictures alone were making her hungry (or thirsty).

Looking forward to trying a lot of these myself and contiuing on my journey with being all domestic-y and making things myself instead of buying into Big Box America.

*NOTE* I received this book in return for an honest review for Blogging for Books. The views in this blog are my own personal opinions on product. I am not receiving any compensation for my reviews. 

James: Faith Becomes Real

This has been an interesting journey through James for me. Each chapter of James is broken down into multiple devotions that are a quick easy read, yet at the same time intriguingly profound. James is spelled out in a way that is easy to understand and brings events into today's life. At the end of each devotion, are a couple questions to ponder on from the reading that you just finished. Some of those questions really dig deep into the soul and stick with you all day long, reminding you of what you just read. Even though the questions may be simple, it's the Holy Spirit that is pulling at your heart and helping you connect to the Word in ways you never have, even if you've read the words over and over.

The Sprouted Kitchen: Bowl + Spoon

I love food. I love cooking food. I love looking for new recipes, especially since I have started to eat a lot more clean.

I've never visited the Sprouted Kitchen before, until recently  when I found a recipe for Sprouted Bread. Then I happened to see this on Blogging for Books. You can never have too many cookbooks or recipes right??

When I first flipped through the book, I was starting to drool just from looking at the pictures. So, I immediately decided to sit down and take a closer look. Sara does a good job letting you know what kind of "staples" you'll need in order to do the recipes. It's mostly the basic kind of things from utensils to use and things to stock your pantry with, which most of the stuff I have already.

Most of the recipes seem very easy. There are a lot of new names, at least for me, of different kinds of recipes and items used in them. Some I think might be hard to find. Most of the stuff I can either find at my local grocer, farmer's market, or health/ whole food store. There is a great variety of things to try that will suit almost everyone's taste buds.

While I haven't tried all the recipes in the book, I did make a couple of them. I made the Golden Quinoa and Butternut Breakfast Bowl (two of my favorite things: quinoa and butternut squash). I had most of the things on hand already and just needed to pick up a couple things that I didn't have. The recipe instructions were very easy to follow and it was so tasty I probably could eat this every day for every meal.

I'm looking forward to trying my hand at making the ricotta cheese with goat's milk (while I know that COW milk is VERY BAD for you, I am not sure on goat milk, but I CANNOT give up my ricotta cheese, which I eat straight from the carton, or with fruit, or in massive amounts in my lasagna. So if I can do a healthier version, then so be it!

I would recommend this book to anyone that loves food and loves to cook.

**NOTE** I received this book from Blogging for Books (.org) in return for my honest review of the product.

Just Add Watercolor...

I love art. I recently revisited watercolor as a medium to learn to paint with. I was so happy when I saw this book from Helen Birch was available for review from Blogging For Books.

This pint size book has over 200 watercolor pictures from different artists, incorporating different styles and mediums. In the beginning is a contents of thumbnail size images along with the page that they are on. On the opposite page there is a description of what kind of watercolor it is, a summary of the artist/painting, and a tidbit to help a budding artist.

This book is small, but it is packed with information for those that like to look at art, those looking to explore a new medium, those looking for inspiration, and those that just simply need a gift for an artist friend/family member.

I enjoyed looking through it and I will be keeping it on my coffee table and art desk for inspiration.

**NOTE: I received this book in return for my honest review from Blogging for Books.**

Hot Body Year Round

When I got the email that Blogging for Books was having copies of Cassey Ho's "Hot Body Year Round", I literally leaped for joy. I scambled to get on the website because I knew that this book would fly quick for reviwers. I got there just in time. There were TWO (!!!) left!

If you haven't yet checked out Blogilates, you really need to. Or first, ready Cassey's book. She is the founder of Blogilates.

I have been a fan of Blogilates for a couple years now. I've done the exercises, tried the recipes, and have smiled from ear-to-ear from Cassey's positive affirmations. Her workouts can be INTENSE, but when you do them, it feels like there is a friend with you because she is burning hard, laughing, sharing stories, and constantly encouraging you as you do the video when you feel like giving up.

This book is PACKED full of that same information. The exercises are easy to follow with colorful pictures of beautiful outdoor scenes. The recipes are easy, healthy and fun. And of course, you get to learn how Blogilates came to life with Cassey's honest story.

When you are on the go, and don't feel like loggingin on to a computer, this book has everything the website has at your fingertips. I highly recommend it.

**I received this book for free in response to my honest opinion for Blogging for Books. **