World's Best Cocktails Book Review

Book: World's Best Cocktails

 

Author: Tom Sandham

 

Given by: Quayside Publishing Group

 

Rating: 4/5 Won-derfuls (I loved it)

 

I was very impressed with this book. It is full of excellent photography, drink recipes, and histories of different beverages. The book begins with descriptions and histories of different cocktail styles and then is split by type of spirit.

Each section has bar and bartender biographies and a combination of classic and modern recipes. I had a great time trying out a few of these cocktails at home. This book is great for beginners but also has very interesting facts and ideas for the experienced mixologist. I look forward to visiting a couple of the recommended bars when we travel to Europe later this year. 

The book itself is quite hefty. The pages are glossy and lay open nicely for coffee table or kitchen use. The colors are vibrant and the layout easy to enjoy in small sections. My only complaint is that the pages split from the binding in two places the first time I opened the book. It really wasn't a huge deal, but I think I would be kind of upset if I had paid the full $30.00 list price. 

I would highly recommend this book. If you are concerned about heft or cost, remember that this book covers all the bases. You need look no further for a cocktail resource. Sandham has created a wonderful and enjoyable text!

Interested? More information can be found here.

He Proposed and I said YES!

Arizona Library Tour: Prescott

There are some truly wonderful libraries in Arizona. As I drove through over the holidays I decided to make a few stops to take pictures. The first library on my Arizona Library tour was Prescott Public Library. 

The sidewalks outside the library have an excellent timeline theme and then patrons get to meet "The Library Lizard" - a very cool statue lounging with some books.

 

Inside there was an area dedicated to the books and biographies of local writers and displays by some local artists. 

My very favorite part about this library was the children's section. An area was specially designed for the 0-5 crowd with padded "boulders" for kiddos to climb or sit on. For caregivers there is a comfy rocking chair in this area. For the older children there are the coolest benches EVER made out of giant books. I want one real bad. 

 

Whether in Prescott to see the courthouse, whiskey row, or some great art, the library should also be on the list for book lovers. Even if it is just to see the Library Lizard or the greatest book benches around.

For more information check out Prescott Public Library's website here.

The Grimm Conclusion Book Review

Book: The Grimm Conclusion

 

Author: Adam Gidwitz

 

Given by: Penguin Group via Goodreads

 

Rating: 4/5 Won-derfuls (I loved it)

 

A sweet happily ever after tale for the wee ones... NOT! I just finished the whole trilogy and holy wow, loved it. This book takes us back to the good old days of fairy tales. The days when it was perfectly fine to use blood and gore to scare the tar out of kids. 

Each chapter represents a separate classic tale (mostly from the brothers Grimm). They are woven together to make one story with two children as the central characters. Although there are some references to the other two books in the trilogy, this book can easily stand alone.

Appropriate for 10-14 year olds of either gender, this book could certainly make you the cool aunt/uncle/parent/grandparent. My favorite part about this book? Kids will feel like they are getting away with something when they read it. I only wish this book had been around when I was in middle school!

Interested? Learn more or purchase the book here.

Want to know if it is appropriate for your child? Check it out at Common Sense Media.

Golden Snitch Necklace

 

I decided I really wanted to be able to rock some HP jewelry but everything I found was super expensive. Sooooo.... I drove myself to handy dandy Michael's to see what I could make. I got a set of four gold wire balls in the clearance section for $1.50. I got three necklace chains for $4.00 and wings for $4.00. My necklace was less than ten dollars and was very fast to make. Plus, I have stuff to make more! You would not believe how many comments I've gotten and how many HP fans I have talked to since making this. Love it!

How to Make Stuffed Animals Book Review

Book: How to Make Stuffed Animals

 

Author: Sian Keegan

 

Given by: Quayside Publishing Group

 

Rating: 5/5 Won-derfuls (Amazing!)

 

I am having so much fun with this book! There is a short introduction with information about materials, techniques, sewing, and stuffing. This section was very helpful for me as I have only made a couple stuffed animals before. I returned to this initial chapter several times while completing my two stuffed animals.

The next part of the book includes 18 sets of patterns and instructions for adorable stuffed animals. I found the directions simple and easy to follow. I personally looked at the well drawn illustrations more than the words. This is perfect for different learning styles. There are photographs of the finished animals, detailed drawings for each step, and written instuctions. I made some mistakes, but found that these patterns are very forgiving and give room to insert your own creativity. I started with the Grizzly Bear and the Bunny. Next I think I will give the Bulldog a go. There are also patterns for other dogs, deer, a cat, a tiger, a narwhal (yes! A narwhal!) and quite a few others.

As far as the book itself goes, the printing and paper are high quality. I was able to keep the pages open to follow the directions without breaking the binding, which is so handy to have with craft books! 

I would definitely recommend this book. If you are a beginning sewer, this gives good practice with quick working projects. If you are more advanced, these patterns give you a foundation for adorable gifts that can easily be personalized. There's even a baby mobile and a cake topper in this book. Awesome!

Finally, this book is apparently Ella approved. She would not leave it alone!

Interested? More about the author and the book can be found here.

Shakespeare's Birthplace

Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire

 

My visit to Shakespeare's birthplace was exciting and educational. The walking tour started in the parlor which had a bed on display to show just how wealthy John Shakespeare (William's father) was. We then proceeded through to the hall where the original fireplace could still be seen. Next we moved on to the workshop where John made gloves and then to the kitchen which was also a tavern at one point.

My favorite part of the journey was the back gardens. The flowers and herbs were carefully selected and are representative of the many mentioned in Shakespeare's works. It is said that there are no plants there that would not have been popular at in Shakespeare's time.

The beautiful building, period furniture, historical significance, and lovely gardens make this a very worthwhile stop.

I only have exterior pictures as interior shots were not allowed at the time of my visit.

Silence Book Review

Book: Silence (Book One of The Queen of the Dead)

 

Author: Michelle Sagara

 

Given by: Will Martin at Penguin Group

 

Rating: 4/5 Won-derfuls (I loved it)

 

This is the first of Sagara's books I have read, although I have heard a lot of praise for her Chronicles of Elantra series. Silence is a YA fantasy book in which a teenage Emma begins to have contact with the dead. She meets some people who would like to help her and some who want her to join the dead she has befriended. 

There were some very imaginative parts of this book that made the whole thing worth the read. I loved Sagara's imagery and characters. Golden chains into the hearts of the dead? Soul fire? Heck yes.

There was a lot left unexplained, but I think that is because this book is the first in a series, not because of error or carelessness. I did hit a lull in the middle of the book. Luckily the beginning had me so hooked that it carried me through to the end where it picked up again.

Basically, I loved this book because it was an original idea with some neat magical imagery. Also, I loved the cover art by Cliff Nielsen. If you have not seen his work you should definitely check it out. It is pretty incredible.

Interested? You can read more reviews or buy it here.

New Year Tradition

Today I would like to share my favorite New Year's tradition. Each year my family saves ticket stubs, mementos, notes about events, etc. and places them inside a mason jar in our living room. On New Year's Eve we take turns pulling items from the jar and share what they say. It is such a fun way to remember the year's highlights. We have a great time talking about movies we saw, trips we took, and successes we've had. If you want a meaningful tradition or want something to do with random mementos, this is a great option. We love it and hope you do too.

 

 

 

 

 

Happy New Year!