Book Review: Plated: Weeknight Dinners, Weekend Feasts, and Everything in Between

The more than 125 inventive, repertoire-building recipes in Plated will help you cook and eat food you love without having to think so hard about it. Every dish here will work no matter how much (or little) time you have to cook, whether it’s quick dinner on a Monday for two or a backyard barbecue for a crowd.  The recipes are all rooted in a core technique—think One-Pan Roasted Chicken, Slow-Simmered Turkey Chili, or Cheesy Baked Penne—but can also be customized according to peak produce and just what you’re in the mood for. Step-by-step prep instructions and menu ideas take the stress out of cooking, so you know exactly what to do and when. Here, too, are ways for you to stretch these recipes, like basic marinades and spice rubs that can be used on almost anything, reinventions for leftovers, big-batch make-aheads, company-worthy feasts, and perfect sides. Plated is sure to become a well-loved, sauce-splattered staple in your kitchen.


My Thoughts:
This cookbook is absolutely amazing! It was written for any type of cook from beginner to well seasoned cooks who want to give something new a try. 

It's no surprise that I love to cook, but I also love the ability to change up recipes by season. The photos are breathtakingly beautiful.Thought I've never heard of "Plated", but after researching and reading other reviews I have found this book to be very consistent with their easy to follow recipes. 

I plan to add this book to my collection of cookbooks, but also purchase a copy to give as a gift to a friend. 

Disclaimer- I received this book free in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Wonderland: A Coloring Book Inspired by Alice's Adventures

Follow the White Rabbit into this imaginative coloring book inspired by Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, featuring intricate pen-and-ink drawings by acclaimed artist Amily Shen. Meet the Cheshire Cat, attend the Mad Hatter's tea party, and play croquet with the Queen of Hearts in this evocative tale that invites you into a strange and beautiful new world of coloring.

My Thoughts-

My oldest daugter is a big fan of Alice in Wonderland, so I thought this coloring book would be a nice "just because" gift for her.  “Wonderland” has a really fun and different take on the illustrations compared to other Adult coloring books I've seen. In this book, Alice has an updated and trendy look...which I found a bit weird, but my daughter said she is cute, so I suppose it's "cute". The artist (Amily Shen) has put her spin on the story.

The book is both a coloring book (in chapters) and an activity book. 

"Wonderland" has 76 pages of coloring and activity & is broken into 9 chapters and each of the chapter title pages has a decorated china plate for coloring

*Disclaimer*

I received this book free from blogging for books in exchange for my honest review. 

Book Review: Malibu Farm Cookbook: Recipes from the California Coast |One of my new favorite Cookbooks, can't wait to cook my way through it!

Situated at the end of the pier, Malibu Farm is a restaurant beloved for its spectacular Pacific Ocean views, the freshly sourced ingredients on its ever-changing menu, and its warm vibe. Chef-owner Helene Henderson opened the space after the once-intimate dinners she hosted on the grounds of her home grew too large. Now, in Malibu Farm Cookbook, she invites you celebrate the coast and mountains of Southern California with dishes like Ricotta and Pea Frittata, Butterfly Beef Tenderloin with Horseradish, Seared Fava Beans, and Grilled Chocolate Cake with Caramel Sauce. Helene captures the spirit of her own farm with recipes using the morning’s fresh eggs, the catch of the day, the luscious vegetables that grow all around, honey harvested steps from where it’s enjoyed, and olive oil straight from her grove.  Punctuated with luscious, vibrant photography, Malibu Farm Cookbook is a stunning sensory experience that transports you right to the edge of the Pacific.


My Thoughts:

I love this cookbook, oh who am I kidding...I love just about ALL cookbooks. I couldwan't it for the “Malibu Farm Cookbook” to arrive. I must say it has quickly become one of my favorite cookbooks.  I have read this book cover to cover and I am really inspired..and hungry. Every recipe in this book is simple yet gourmet,using the freshest of ingredients from Southern California.

Disclaimer:
I received this book free from bloggingforbooks.org in exchange for my honest opinion.

Book Review: Hairstyled by Anne Thoumieux

Spruce up any outfit with your best accessory—your hair!
You don’t need to be a professional to get show-stopping hair. Hairstyled presents 75 deceptively simple techniques for creating your favorite high-fashion hairstyles. Dress up your everyday look with a ballerina bun or accessorize with a scarf bow. Turn heads at special occasions with the woven crown braid or a regal bouffant. 

Each style has how-to photographs that are easy to follow, and chapters dedicated to a variety of hair lengths and textures help you update your look whether you have a pixie cut or long, curly tresses. With product tips and countless ideas for accessorizing your ’do and inventive variations on classic styles, Hairstyled is your guide to getting gorgeous hair every day.

My Thoughts:
Obviously since I'm a guy I won't be using this book on MY hair, but as a dad of three young daughters I thought this book would be helpful for my wife and myself. There are some hairstyles in there that our 12 year old says are "too girly", but our younger two LOVE. The pictures are really nice, & there are step by step instructions on how to do the hairstyles. 

I guess because I'm a guy and don't "fix" my hair in styles like this, I find it confusing. It would have been nice to have step by step pictures along with the instructions. 

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars

Disclaimer:
I received this book free from bloggingforbooks.org in exchange for my honest review. 

Paris Street Style: A Coloring Book | The adult coloring book is reinvented in a brand new format.

Wherever you’re off to, take this cheeky and charming coloring journal with you. Transport yourself to the corner pâtisserie, and give life to the stylish essentials laid out from your suitcase. Beautifully detailed outfits, accessories, and hairstyles complement the equally ornate cityscapes. Embellish whimsical, full-page patterns and classic dresses with your own style. Window shop the elegant stores of Paris while you give life to playful fashion.  Like a high-end journal, this sleek package has an elastic closure and a satin ribbon marker so you can dip in and dip out of your own French fashion week. With nothing more than some colored pencils, you'll be on your way to a stress-free, Parisian-chic day.

My Thoughts

This isn't my first go round with adult coloring book, I've gotten a few in the past for my oldest daughter. I did flip through the book before giving it to my oldest, and I really liked the Paris life scenes.I think for older people might find this book a bit frustrating rather than relaxing.

There is a nice variety of pictures to color including, Paris street life and shops, people,flowers and perfumes. 

Disclaimer:

I received this book free from bloggingforbooks.org in exchange for my honest review. 

4 Key Foods, 4-Minute Workouts, Four Weeks to the Body You Want

Discover the 4 key foods and the 4-minute workouts that will change the way readers look and feel in just 4 weeks. Celebrity trainer and former marine Erin Oprea's motto is "lean and clean." Her unique 4 x 4 diet shows readers how to get clean by reducing the 4 major hitches in most diets: sugar, starch, sodium, and alcohol. She also tells readers how to get lean, using her 4-minute tabata workouts: 8 repititions of 20 seconds of high-intensity moves, then 10 seconds of rest. Within 4 weeks, the average person will be able to reduce bloating and belly fat; gain increased muscle definition in the arms, legs, and stomach; improve cardiovascular endurance; and break sugar and sodium addictions. Complete with meal plans and recipes, the 4 x 4 diet is perfect for anyone looking to streamline their body and lifestyle.

My thoughts:

Erin has found a way to incorporate diet and exercise into our already busy lives, without having to add a ton of added expense or unrealistic expectations! The 4x4 diet is really simple and easy to understand, and Erin's ideas on a healthy lifestyle are very easy to implement. She eases you into the program slowly and each week is a new challenge. The recipes are absolutely delicious! I've tried a few of them already and I have loved every one! 

*Disclaimer*

I received this book free from bloggingforbooks.org

Create the cutest versions of your favorite dogs in just a few simple steps

Whether you adore dachshunds or dalmatians, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to make charming miniatures of them with a felting needle and some raw wool. Great for beginners, the two dozen projects in Little Felted Dogs provide surprisingly life-like results—choose from a litter of golden retriever puppies, a pug ready to fetch, a begging bulldog, a protective chihuahua, and more. Even better, you’ll go from ball of fluff to perfect pooch in no time at all!

*My Thoughts*
This book is super cute if I may say so myself. I mainly got this book for my wife and 12 year old daughter. They are always looking for new crafts to try, and this book is just right! I can't wait to see all of the cute lil' pups they create! 

If you are looking for a new craft, I suggest you check out this book! 

*Disclaimer*
I received this book free in exchange for my honest review.