Inspiralized: Turns Ordinary Vegetables into Extraordinary Meals

            Growing up Italian and struggling with menopause, I knew I had to do something about the unwanted weight gain that just naturally comes with growing older.  Knowing I would have to give up on a lot of my favorite foods was going to be difficult but I sought out some way that I could still have my pasta sauce and eat it too!  Kudos to Ali Maffucci and "Inspiralized turn vegetables into healthy, creative, satisfying meals" my new meal plans would be way less difficult and actually delicious.  I had just bought Veggetti slicer and this book opened the door to dozens of different recipes I could enjoy with it.  Whatever your vegetable of choice:  zucchini, eggplant, carrots, onions, squash, or cucumber to name but a few...this cookbook has sensational recipes to keep your tastebuds begging for more without the calories.  Ali Maffuci even has a section of healthy snacks, what more can we ask for.  This book is not only a blessing for me but my favorite book of the year which will get much use in the coming years.  I highly recommend.  I had the priviledge of reviewing this book for Blogging for Books.  A+

Finding some Light through the Media

                    Growing up in a faith based family, I can totally relate to Kevin Harvey's new book "The Bible in Pop Culture; Finding our creator in superheroes, prince charming and other modern marvels".  It was a real treat to find Faith mentioned in the media through song, books, plays or movies as a teenager to confirm my belief.  While I was growing up in the seventies, my christian friends and I rocked to Norman Greenbaum's "Spirit in the Sky" and learnt all the words to the musical "Jesus Christ Superstar".  The Staple Singer's made billboard hits of "Respect Yourself" and "I'll Take You There".  When Star Wars hit the big screen everyone was on board to taking the side of the good force.  So we were blessed with a number of inspirational sources and we actively sought them out.
Kevin Harvey presents today's inspirational and faith filled films and examines how they affect christians of today.  One of my favorite movies "The Book of Eli" with Denzel Washington is listed along with "Bruce Almighty" which features Jim Carey.  The author even compares the infamous family, the Kardashians to dysfunctional families from the beginning of time in the Bible.  This book is geared towards teenagers and young adults.  There is even a section of puzzles and word games.  I was granted the ability to read this book for BookLook bloggers in exchange for my honest review.  Great gift for teens~

God's Tender Messages To A Grieving Father~

                  The Hope of Heaven (God's Eight Messages of Assurance to A Grieving Father) by Alan M. Hallene Jr. is a confirmation that God still speaks to us today even in our darkest hour.  The author of this true story is brave to share every detail of his son's suicide in order to reach others and spare such a tragedy from occuring to them.  Heart wrenching but uplifting, this book is bittersweet and has many powerful messages.  At times it is raw and hard to read making the message more remarkable as we realize the pain the Hallene family had to endure in order to recall and share it.  I was honored to review this book for the BookLook community in exchange for my views.  This book is an excellent resource not only for those who lost loved ones but also is instrumental for those facing depression.  All christains would benefit by reading.
     

Excellent Resource for All Gardening Enthusiast

           
            As a gardening enthusiast for more than thirty five years, I can appreciate all that one must know to produce prolific outcomes.  My passion was embred early on after accidently cutting off my favorite grandpa's prize roses.  Part of my punishment was learning all the work it took to keep his collection going.  As a young mother interested in giving her children the very best food choices; I immediately began growing my own vegetables.  Oh how I wish I had the knowledge that is available in Karen Newcombs book "The Postage Stamp Vegetable Garden" which leans towards growing in tiny spaces and containers but offers so much more pertinent information for all growers.  The author emphasizes on organic gardening and there is a whole chapter dedicated to the different types of vegetables, many of which I didn't know of.  She covers everything from preparing the proper soil, when and how to plant and there is a special chapter which I really appreciated on controlling pests, diseases and critters.  This latter information is key to whether your garden will survive or not.  This is an excellent resource for all gardeners and would make for an awesome gift.  To learn more about Karen Newcomb .   I was given the wonderful opportunity of reviewing this book for Blogging for Books.  

An Extraordinary Love Story Between Man And His Best Friend

        Tyndale's '"Stay Lessons my dogs taught me about life, loss and grace"' by Dave Burchett is a treasure for all pet lovers.  Those who realize the special kinship that only their furry friend can bring will relate to this true story of love and loyalty.  Dave Burchett adopts Hannah, a beautiful labrador who not only becomes a playmate but a comfort for his wife while she battles cancer.  The author is touched by the many lessons he learns from Hannah about being patient, living in the moment and surrendering during her time on Earth.  The Lord himself said that he would use the weak to confound the wise.  The bond between owner and pet is so strong that it supercedes many human connections.  When Hannah faces cancer, herself, she lives each day to the fullest and battles bravely.  This outstanding book will inspire many.  I was given the great priviledge of reviewing for Tyndale Books in exchange for my true thoughts.  

C.S. Lewis, Leo Tolstoy, & Oscar Wilde's Easter Stories, Classic Tales from the Finest

                       The perfect way to celebrate Easter with your family and friends, this book will surely become a favorite for years to come.  The spiritual lessons and wonderful interpretations of the resurrection shall long remain in each reader's heart.  A compilation of classic short stories by these great authors  C.S.Lewis, Leo Tolstoy, Oscar Wilde, Elizabeth Goudge and many others shall birth a annual tradition to enjoy during Lent and Easter Season.  This book comes with high recommendations from this reviewer for Handlebar Publishing.  I enjoyed the opportunity to receive a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

People Magazine Gives Kudo's To Madonna for "Rebel Heart" Her Best Album in a Decade~

   Madonna's "Rebel Heart" is a sensation among her fans.  This stellar cd gives us insight to her romantic side and that wayward, prodigious side which catapulted her to stardom.  Madonna's music does not disappoint, her gift of staying in trend and not growing old is something few stars have.  Her growing audience is left just begging for more.  On this her 13th album, she collaborates with such greats as Kanye West; Nicki Minaj; Mike Tyson; Chance the Rapper and Nas. I got the phenomenal opportunity to review Madonna's latest as a member of the One2One network.

Track List

01 “Living For Love”

02 “Devil Pray”

03 “Ghosttown”

04 “Unapologetic Bitch”

05 “Illuminati”

06 “Bitch I’m Madonna” (Feat. Nicki Minaj)

07 “Hold Tight”

08 “Joan Of Arc”

09 “Iconic” (Feat. Chance The Rapper & Mike Tyson)

10 “HeartBreakCity”

11 “Body Shop”

12 “Holy Water”

13 “Inside Out”

14 “Wash All Over Me”

15 “Best Night”

16 “Veni Vidi Vici” (Feat. Nas)

17 “S.E.X.”

18 “Messiah”

19 “Rebel Heart”

Link to Itunes Rebel Heart