Amily Shen's Wonderland - A Coloring Book Inspired by Alice's Adventures

Adult coloring books are all the rage.  Who knew that love of coloring would come back and it's actually ok for an adult to color.  Well, the coloring books for kids are not quite the same as the adult ones.  You can still buy the children version, no one will know and I won't tell LOL.  The adult coloring books can be a little intimidating and intricate, but not this one.  Wonderland by Amily Shen is interactive, fun, not too intricate but intricate enough for the artist inside you. You get to follow White Rabbit into this imaginative coloring book inspired by  Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.  You will meet the Chesire Cat, attend the Mad Hatter's tea party, play croquet with the Queen of Hearts and much more.  This book would make a great gift as well, especially for the Alice fan in you or your life.  Happy Coloring and maybe we will can grab a cup of tea with Mad Hatter together!

Awkwardly Ok

I had the opportunity to review a book called Born To Be Awkward by Mike Bender and Doug Chernack.  It was a compilation of Awkward Family Photos.  While the book is very cute, I have to say I would purchase it at full price.  I was fortunate enough to get it for free so, it wasn't really a problem.  But I wouldn't purchase it, just to purchase it.  For a gift maybe, but only if it was marked down.  I am not trying to bash the book, it had some pretty funny photos in there.  Just not my cup of tea, shall we say. 

You're so vain - you probably think this book is about you

I just had the opportunity to give a review of a cute little book Mr. Selfie by Dan Zevin. I am sure we all have that friend that takes tons of selfies no matter where they are. We see them on Facebook, they tweet about them, instagram, snapchat and the list goes on and on. This book would make the best gift ever! It's so funny, because Mr Selfie is oblivious to the world around him. It's all about him and how wonderful he looks in those selfies. Check it out you won't be disappointed

Salsas and Moles is Muy Caliente!!!!!

Mexican food is one of my favorites and my favorite part when going to a mexican restaurant is the Salsa and chips. Yum! I can make meal on just that. I just recently got a chance to review this book called Salsa and Moles Fresh Authentic Recipes by Deborah Schneider. Deborah Schneider is the executiv echef/partner of SOL cocina in Newport Beach California as well as Scottsdale Arizona, and Solita in Huntington Beach California. She is also the author of The Mexican Slow Cooker and the list goes on. This book is chock full of Salsa, Moles, Pico de Gallo,Chimichurri, Guacamole and the list goes on. For a small size book it packed full of information and the pictures are amazing, if I could I would dip a chip right in the picture they are that mouthwatering. It includes the elements of a good salsa and its seasonings. An essential guide to chiles. From fresh chiles to dried chiles,& from hottest to mildest. Instructions on how to work with chiles and trust me if you have ever worked with fresh chiles you need instructions. I have learned my lesson one too many times **OUCH** All the pantry essentials and fresh essentials, from classic, to hot, mole and enchilada sauces, salsa for tacos (yes there is a difference) to chunky style. The list goes on and on. So grab a bag if chips and this book and lets get cooking!!!!

Have you been Inspiralized???

Inspiralized?  Yes, it's the new food craze where you take your veggies and spiralize them into something yummy and disguise them as something different.  Yep, you got it, spiralize, veggetti, spirelli, or any other brand.  

Turn vegetables into Healthy, Creative, Satisfying Meals, hmmm call me a skeptic.  Being italian nothing beats good old fashion pasta.  Always eager to try new recipes, I picked up the cookbook Inspiralized by Ali Maffucci.  This book is chock full of recipes.  From breakfast to dessert (yes I said dessert) this cookbook has it all.  Not only does your meal become inspiralized, but you become- a healthy and inspired version of the original.  When you work vegetable noodles & vegetable rice into your diet, you'll start to notice the effects almost instantly.  Rewards glowing skin, better digestion, more energy and overall dietary satisfaction. This book gives you all the information to get you headed on the right path to a healthier lifestyle for you and your family.  One of my favorite breakfast recipes is Huevos Rancheros - they are muy delicioso.  The tortillas  were made of ripe plantain, peeled and riced, egg, coconut flakes, salt and pepper. Soooo yummy.  Here are some of the recipes that are in this book: Spicy Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Coconut-Lime Jicama rice, Steak and pear Kale salad, Bacon Cacio e Pepe(zucchini noodles with bacon), Sweet Potato Carbonara, Plaintain coconut rice pudding, Chocolate chip sweet potato muffins and the list goes on.    Come on get Inspiralized !!!!!

To inspiralizing your health!

Buon Appetito!!!

"KidStarter: Cool STEM-based DIY Courses for Kids

Education is a key component in all of our lives.  We are always learning, but as adults learning is easy, remembering is the hard part.  But not for the children of the world,  "KidStarter: Cool STEM-based DIY Courses for Kids is a great way to make learning fun!  When children have hands on activities they will learn so much more.  DIY courses would be a great way for children to learn year round and they won't even know it!!! Check it out for yourself, you won't be disappointed!   http://bst.is/mGPMW8  #KidStarter

Tyler Florence Inside The Test Kitchen - Not in My Kitchen

Beside my love for the Mouse, I have a love for cooking.  I am one to experiment and challenge myself.  So when I saw this book I was excited about it.  To my dismay this book is all that its cracked up to be.  As I picked up this book Tyler Florence's Inside the Test Kitchen  I had high hopes.  Nicely bound, with the look of an authentic notebook.  Well I am by no means a chef but I know my way around the kitchen and challenge myself to learn more and step outside the box when cooking.  This book is no way good for the casual cook and even for the more experienced cook.  To prepare these recipes you need equipment and ingredients that you would only find in a test kitchen.  Though nicely written, I have to say  it is not the book for me.  Out of the 120 perfected recipes there is probably one I can actually pull off.  This was not the book for me.

That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it - LOL