Reading, Writing & Pondering

Mother-Daughter team Becky Johnson and Rachel Randolph have teamed up to write another terrific book that women can relate to. I thoroughly enjoyed We Laugh, We Cry, We Cook, their first book, so couldn't wait to read their second book. In this book, Nourished, they help the reader live a more nourished life by helping the reader manage parenting struggles, cluttered surrounding , crowded schedules and feeling negative about body image or spiritual image.   I enjoyed Nourished. I found much of what they write to be helpful to me, and likely helpful to many women. They have at least two generations thoughts and ideas covered as they share ways we women can make our lives a little better. I found some helpful ideas on improving my life as we go tough a move and I try to make new friendships and renew old friendships back in our hometown. I also, appreciated the marriage ideas and the  help in seeing how God wants to nourish our lives. Overall, it was ...

This bright beautiful book is not just a reader. Make It Happen is a book to write in, make notes, and highlight to learn from Lara Casey. In fact, writing in a notebook or journal alongside the book would be useful. This is the kind of book that I really prefer to have a hard copy of to mark up but it is available in an electronic version as well. Make It Happen: Surrender Your Fear, Take the Leap, Live On Purpose offers Lara Casey's story of how she started living a fulfilling life for God. While I won't post any spoilers here, I will say it wasn't a perfect path. But that is what I love about Lara's story. She shares from her heart, is real and honest about the hard things she faced and how they ultimately changed her course for the better in the end as she realized what was most important. While Lara shares her story in this book, she also shares how you can turn your anxiety, fear, imperfections, drive and dreams into a story that involves you living your ow...

The Chia Cookbook is beautifully illustrated with brightly colored pictures of the recipes. I was drawn to this book from the moment I received it. I selected it after reading, Chia Vitality, Janie Hoffmann's first book, and wanting to incorporate the seeds into more of my recipes than just my smoothies. The Preface of this book gives a history of Janie Hoffman's experience with chia seeds. Janie is also the founder of Mama Chia. If you have read Chia Vitality, this part isn't new. However, if you are new to Janie Hoffman's books, it is a nicely summarized background to the cookbook. It is also a good refresher on her background. This cookbook is divided into chapters for smoothies and drinks, breakfasts, snacks, salads and soups, main dishes and sweets, desserts and cocktails. The illustrations  make the recipes look inviting. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. Recipes include| chia peach jam, chia gazpacho, Tuscon white beans and b...