Cookbooks for Adults and Kids

I am on a book roll right now. Lots of book posts! You would think that during this time at home, we would be reading reading reading. But there doesn't seem to be time for that. Time to eat again??? Ok by me!

When you have little kids and you are creative, your creativity takes on different forms. Mine came as food. Sometimes its good, sometimes its an "experiment." But over time, I have become better and better at cooking. I like it. I am hungry. I like food. And I have found some helpful cookbooks along the way. My oldest daughter and I compiled a list of cookbooks that are our go to books. Some are for kids and some for adults, but she and I cook out of both. And bake. She has perfected the biscuit. 

Forget who his mom is. Jamie Deen's food stands on its own. His recipes are food that we all want to eat and food that is good. Nothing is over the top hard, but its all really delicious. We especially love his chicken and dumplings. 

This is a book I look forward to some generation below me to keep and adore the way I do. "That cookbook was Granny Holly's book. Wasn't she so adorable and fun? I can't wait to cook the banana cake she was famous for." I am just guessing as to what this future granddaughter might say. But the banana cake is famous around here. Bascially famous between my house, my parents, my father in law and my sisters' home. Whatevs. I will take it. 

Side note- I bought this book at Wakulla Springs, which if you are familiar with the place, its like stepping back in time. There are pictures of my great grandmother on the walls and I kinda love that. Plus, the river boat cruise does not disappoint. 

Now we step into current times. This book was a gift from my mom to my oldest daughter and me. We love a good cheese board. I might have gained a few el bees's one Christmas because I discovered the cheese board. This is cheese and then some. I have made a really great hummus from this book. There are also dessert boards, California boards and hot chocolate boards. 

I don't know how I came across this one. Its one of my newer ones. It tends to be heavy on the cheese side, and when you have someone in your house not on the cheese wagon currently, it can be hard. Emotionally hard, without the cheese I meant. It's fresh tasting and the author is based out of Colorado and we went there this summer so I like that.

Oh, how could I forget? I make a chicken finger recipe out of here that isn't healthy but super good. Plus, there are leftovers for school for my girls the next day. Boo Yah! 

These illustrations are beautiful. The cookbook author and chef watercolors throughout the book. And each recipe has very few ingredients. Does anyone remember the movie Mermaids? The mom made dinner appetizers. Everything was an appetizer. This is similar. Everything in here you could have at a small get together. Remember those? Small get togethers. Before the quarantine? This is what I call a small get together-my family within my home eating together at the supper table.

There are several of these cookbooks

- one for kids, one for parties, and a Mediterranean one. 

This was a cookbook I added to my collection before I actually cooked. The coconut cake is super good. I could eat it right now. Sigh. 

This was a "throw-it-in-the-bag-because-I-want-this-girl-to-read-something" purchase. Don't you love when impulsive decisions work out? Its rare. If you know me, I am the impulsive one and my husband is not. Thank God for him. 

This cookbook has a great chicken recipe we have already made twice during this quarantine. Panko bread crumbs, Dijon mustard and an egg plus some kind of chicken you have. And people actually eat it around here at our small get togethers at the dining room table. ( Just kidding- we eat at the island these days. The table is puzzle central.)

Even in the midst of these trying times, I hope something at home can bring you joy. Cooking has for me. Blogging too. Thanks for reading. May you find joy today. And go looking for it. You will be surprised what comes to mind.

See Ya- 

Introducing Corona and Virus

Yay! We got two new kittens maybe 2 weeks ago? Or has it been 3? I don't even know what year it is.

These kitties are darling! We named them Corona and Virus. 

I am kidding. 

It's Covid and Nineteen.

The black and white tuxedo one we call Ace. These kitties were found outside an Ace Hardware. Actually, his name is Ace but we call him "Lee Tull Boy" with a funny accent. Go ahead. Try the accent.

The more white and less black kitty is named Birdie. They are brother and sister. She is coming around to us. She wasn't too sure about us at first. Heck, I am not either. But now she comes up and meows at your feet waiting for you to pick her up. And she is a loud purr-er. 

She does have eyes. I didn't seem to get any of them open. But hey, they are babies and its a quarantine. So, we are all sleeping more. 

We got them the day before the first round of things closing so I am glad we did it when we did! They have provided lots of entertainment and snuggles. 

And as animal people say, its much easier to get 2 at one time. These kitties entertain each other plus when you have 3 kids, there is less fighting over one poor kitten getting slung from kid to kid. 

Seen it. Or being worn as a scarf. Seen it too. 

Hope this provides a kitty fix for some of you.  Shout out to my oldest for her camera work and my aunt who works tirelessly finding good homes for pets of the great Wakulla County. And for allowing my texts to bombard her phone wondering " is it kitten season yet???" Little did she know I had 3 girls breathing down my neck wondering where the heck all the kittens were. FYI, it is now kitten season. Thank you God.

Happy Friday! ( Happy whatever day this is!) 

Searching the Internets: Content when you need to escape

My phone and computer are always low on battery when I can finally use them. I keep finding a little girl on some kind of media device in a room. Or I don't see them because no one has folded any clothes and there is a girl hiding underneath them with my phone. I want to be doing that too! My oldest has been doing zoom meetings and I finally said I had one too. I needed to get to this important meeting because people were waiting on me to make that important decision and needed to know my opinion.
( My girls laughed. I did too.) 

Yeah, its called I needed my own media time. Man, it was fun. I had hot tea, watched the rain and played on the computer. I barely remembered how to use my computer! I did Pinterest, looked up that shirt I might want to buy, and oh what about that book that just came out? And yes, what does that celebrity look like 30 years later after they had that one hit wonder? And on and on it went down a rabbit hole.

But I keep coming back to a few videos I watched that day. Ones that bring a laugh or ones that point me to Jesus. And I need Jesus right now. 

I love Switchfoot. And I hastaglovejonforeman. Man, I hate hashtags but when you add something funny to "hashtag" in conversation, its funny. Anyways, he is the main guy of Switchfoot for all you peeps out there living under a rock. And he is quality. He has played a song every night and posted on youtube. I like all  of them but I certainly like these two.

Thrive by Jon Foreman

And I love what he says at the beginning of this video. "We are held together by something bigger than an economical system or a political system. I hope this song finds you wherever you are and reminds you of the love of your Maker."

Your Love is Strong by Jon Foreman

And this one. Who doesn't need a blessing sung over them? Based on Numbers 6:24-25. The Lord bless you and keep you. My husbands parents always spoke that over him growing up. And my father in law toasted it to my husband and me at our rehearsal dinner. One of those situations that seemed thoughtful at the time but now I realize how special that moment is to me and my marriage. Kari Jobe and her husband Cody Carnes sing this one. 

The Blessing by Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes

Lastly, I have laughed and laughed and laughed so hard at this clip from Jimmy Fallon's home version of The Tonight Show. And then I texted it out to my two contacts. And made my husband watch it and he actually thought it was funny too. Ok, too much build up? Ugh. I hate when I do that. Just watch. I might have woken one of my girls up recently because I was laughing so loud at this again.

Girl walks into my bedroom at midnight with eyes half open. " Why are you so loud? Are you laughing? Are you still watching that annoying clip?"

Me still laughing. And still laughing. " Yes."

Enjoy!

Jimmy Fallon at Home Show

( yes, its supposed to start at 6:34 but only lasts for his bit called Go On, Git.)

And that's a wrap! 

Side note- with these trying times, I can't figure out how to properly link a youtube video and/or how to use correct grammar. We are all just in survival mode and making the best out of things. 

Books: How could I leave these out???

Alright folks. I have found more books that I really enjoyed. This has been a group effort between my bookshelf, my library card, my kids and my goodreads account. Oh and who could forget my amazon account? I know very few people are looking on Amazon right now.... Or they can't live without Amazon??

On to the books!

Puhlease. I adore these books. I think this is what got me excited about reading again. There are maybe 8 now in the series and it follows an 11 year old girl living in England in the 1930s. She is hilarious. Instead of saying "Yahoo!" she says "Yaroo!" We, being me, say that Yaroo now because of Flavia. She also has a name for her bike. Quirky and cute girl. 

Even if you don't like to cook, you will enjoy this book. Colwin writes like you are sitting with a friend with whom you can let your hair down. Or be in your pajamas all day with greasy hair. Just trying to make this current for quarantine days. Although, you wouldn't be together. You would be zooming with your friend. This book is hopeful and also teaches you a few simple meals.

I loved Poldark. I still have the last season saved! I can't believe I haven't watched it yet. I read the first 2 books of the series and it was like watching new episodes of Poldark. When this quarantine business is over, I will go and get the third in the series. 

Sorry this picture is so wee. I loved Gone with the Wind. This is the back story of Mammy. And while this is no Gone with the Wind, its a good book.  This author has also written, Rhett Butler's People, which I am currently reading. 

Quirky. I bought this book at a bookstore I visited 3 times while in Denver this summer. Instead of buying gobs of tchotchkes, I bought books and let my girls buy books. Our luggage was a little heavy coming back! Actually, we bought another suitcase. I liked Sourdough. You will want to make bread after this. In a weird, quirky way. And tchotchkes is not used often enough. 

Yes. yes. yes. I originally thought this was a non-fiction book which sort of made me feel bleh about it. I finally checked it out and this book was amazing. Her grammar slowly gets better ( which in book 2 I realized I had missed the incorrect grammar- wonder why??) This is journal form which I adore. I find books that are epistolary form less intimidating. And have good stopping points. This one you won't want to stop. There are 4 now in this series but the first is by far the best.

This book is about a recent widow who owns her own diner and the cast of characters in her small town. I read it many years ago but I can't seem to get rid of it to make room for new books. I mean, certainly no one would think of me as a hoarder. Yeah... I still think about this book and to me, that's a sign of a good read.

I didn't know I would love Henri Nouwen until I did. I love his books. Real. In depth. His spiritual journey with Jesus is redemptive for this fallen world. Not a long book but just enough to make you want to read more of his work.

Whew lady. Catherine Marshalls' works are books that can change your life. Her words are like balm to the soul. Her experiences and her explanations of those experiences, changed my life. She wrote about Jesus and it made me want to read more and more about Jesus. She is a great one to read in a time of darkness and soul searching. 

Another book that was like water to a thirsty land. I am someone that struggles with anxiety and depression and this book brought Light to some of that. Light being Jesus. I have given this book out to many friends and I kind of wouldn't stop talking about this book for 2 years. Another book that is a good one to read during hard times. Its a thoughtful and restful book. And Jesus offers us that rest if we can abide in Him.  

Thanks for reading friends! 

May the Lord bless and keep you today and make His face shine upon you and give you Peace.

Books for Kids

After going back through our own bookshelves, I found a few more books that my girls have liked. Or I remembered a few books I gave my nephews over the years.
If you missed this first post about kids books, go here.

Let me begin!

( side note: there is no order to this and I am realizing now I should have had some organization. whatever, welcome to my home. and my mind. )

These are silly and cute. There are 3 in the series and contain black and white drawings. Sisters Kale and Jaundice from Dullsville go on an adventure!

This is a book my 10 year old read over Christmas break and she enjoyed it. 

This is a series of books we have collected over the internet, a shop in Colorado and a cousin in Canada. Its been a hit with my 7 year old and her sister before that. And a read aloud to my 5 year old. Great for animal lovers. 

Let me say this. Alice in Wonderland scared me as a little person and I still might be afraid of it. I put it in the category with Dorothy's Return to Oz, The Never Ending Story and Watcher in the Woods. And Labyrinth. Why would people make these?? So why am I sharing it? Because my 7 year old loved it. And actually the 10 year old too. This edition is part of a group of books by Puffin called Puffin Chalk. Black Beauty, Pippi Longstocking and a few others are others. But with fun covers, my girls were willing to read classics. And after we read it, we went to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens to see their lifesize sculptures with plants of the chesire cat and Alice. I was so proud of me for combining reading with gardening. 

There are many of these in this series about Amelia. Journal form. Afterwards, you will want to go get a composition notebook and create your own drawings and diary. These grow with your child. 

I included this one more for myself. For art lovers everywhere as well as journal lovers. Even if you don't like learning about art, Melissa Sweet creates amazing illustrations. She is so talented. There are 4 in this series. Charlotte in Paris, Charlotte in New York and Charlotte in London. A little girl goes on adventures with her family and meets lots of famous artists. Did you know Monet put so much pepper on his salad it looked black? Achoo!

This is a book I first saw in Seaside, then somewhere else and then I finally broke down and bought it. I gave it to my nephew but would be good for girls too. Mystery set in the south. I think there are 4 in this series now.

My older nephew when he was maybe 14 read this. He was hooked! Went on to read all the books by Peter Jenkins. It is an adult book but clean. 

A little bit mystery, a little bit adventure. I read this before one of my girls read it. A brother and sister run away to a museum. Yes. 

I have more books coming today and Friday. I love getting mail and deliveries! I will share those when they get here. Something for you to look forward too:)

More books for ye kids!

I don't know why I keep using "ye." Its fun. 

It is difficult to find good literature for little girls. Its either too dark, too much boyfriend business or topics that are too heavy. Or the opposite in that its junk with bad illustrations. 

These are some of our favorite books for my girls around here. Wholesome. Good. Not boring. Ages 5-10. 

A series of 8 books. My girls enjoyed these and I loved these as well. Insightful to learn about a little girl growing up in current day Africa. 

Many in this series. A family that is made out of a cat, dog and 3 mice and they live on an island. They stick by each other and help other animals that come their way. 

There are 4 in this series. One of my girls devoured these!

We are currently on book 2. Quirky family but fun.

Set of 5. Girl number 2 is on these and are fun to read. 

All girls like these and we made up our own princesses today. With a little ingenuity and luck, you too can homeschool! We each made a story and illustration about our own princess. Cute books. 

This is a series from Australia. Each books illustrations contains one color and black and white. So the second book, is red, black and white. Clever.

This book is fun for the pictures. Hidden gem!

My oldest just finished this and loved it. 

Picture book. This one is a true story about the tallest woman. Illustrations are wonderful and you can place your hand in her size glove as well as put your foot up against her size shoe.  Interactive!

This is book 2 in the series but there are 3 in this series. Interesting because it teaches kids about a  different culture( well from ours here) and its funny! Great book about friendship. Will make you want to eat dumplings.

And that's all... for now!

Why not now??? Books for Ye Reading

Well, its only been 3 1/2 years since I last blogged. And now seems like as good as time as any. 

 A virus going on in the world, you don't say???

Egad.

Anyways, here are some books I have read, oh, in the last 3.5 years, you might enjoy. 

And it seems hard right now to give a long synopsis or in depth explanation why I liked them. With all of this time, one would think I would want to. Nah.

Let me say I do like books. I like redemptive books. I like happy books. I don't like vulgarity, dark stuff nor fluffy books. I want something with a little meat to it. Depends on my mood, but tears can be good, too. I like mystery. I like to laugh. And I certainly think that my mood dictates what type of book I want to read. 

Little House on the Prairie for grown ups but with a little romance between Caroline and Charles. Yes please.

This makes me want to run out and get an rv and go to every hole in the wall I run across. And be appreciative of people.

This is a redemptive story and funny. 

Can I like fan fiction about Jane Eyre better than the actual Jane Eyre?!?!!? Yes. And I did. 

Fan fiction as its finest. Boom. Mic drop.

Love the cover. Love the plants. Love the colors. Not for everyone but was a nice read when I was in a place feeling like everyday is the doldrums. Hopeful.

I have more books but I can't get into my goodreads account because I can't remember the password and my kids have commandeered all media right now. I did sneak this computer away. 

Happy Tuesday, folks!