Book review: Taste of Home Cooking School Cookbook

Pinterest is awesome for finding new recipes. For me, though, the pins and pretty pictures will never take the place of cookbooks. I'm a cookbook fanatic. Especially cookbooks with lots of pictures, because, honestly, how many of us rate the success of a recipe we tried on how close it looks to the photo?

For that reason—along with many others—I love the Taste of Home Cooking School Cookbook (Taste of Home/Reader's Digest) I recently received for free to review. The book has more than 400 recipes in it, and every single one of them is accompanied by a photo. Nice photos. Colorful photos. Nice and colorful photos—629, in fact—that will make it easy for me and any other cook to compare their concoctions to.

Photos aren't the only thing to love about the cookbook, though. There are nutrition facts for all recipes, too, plus step-by-step demonstrations, tips, entertaining ideas and more from cooking experts, sprinkled throughout the pages. Things like how to make a crepe, how to make meatballs of even size, choosing (and safely preparing) fish and poultry, the secret to stiff meringue peaks and so much more.

Sounds like the basics, right? And with many of us having cooked for years, probably even decades, why would we need such basics? Well, speaking for myself, there are things I didn't dare try when my kids were in the house but now that the nest is empty, I'd like to branch out and try new things, so some of those basics aren't so basic to me...yet. I appreciate the demonstrations and tips for those things that may be new to me.

What I love about this cookbook: Each chapter of the Taste of Home Cooking School Cookbook increases in difficulty. For example, the Seafood chapter begins with Comforting Tuna Casserole and ends with Orange Tilapia in Parchment; the Beef & Pork chapter starts with Stovetop Hamburger Casserole and moves up to Individual Beef Wellingtons; and the first recipe in the Baking chapter is Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies with the last being a Swedish Tea Ring (with awesome demo photos of how to perfectly roll the thing). What else do I love? Each chapter is assigned a color that spans the length of each page edge, making it simple to find each specific chapter/category of food. Also, with the nest empty and my husband and I finding ourselves ordering takeout more than we should, I like that there's a Better Than Takeout chapter of fast, cheap and easy recipes. And one more I'll mention (though there are many more I like): I appreciate and will often use the Guide to Cooking with Popular Herbs section of the references. One of my cooking goals is to improve my ability to use herbs confidently, so this will help.

Visit the Taste of Home Cooking School Cookbook (available in paperback with French flaps, $17.99, and ebook, $9.99) for more information.

Disclosure: I received a free copy for review. All opinions are my own.

Review: Neat Zori Orthotic Sandal

For a variety of reasons, I have a difficult time finding comfortable shoes. I'd rather go barefoot, but that's not really an option the majority of the time.

I recently received a free pair of Neat Zori Orthotic Sandals to review. The package text promised "You'll never want to take them off!" Despite my preference for wearing no shoes at all, I really did find myself never wanting to take them off.

That was after getting used to the basic flip-flop feature of a thong between my big toe and second toe. I don't typically wear flip-flops, as the thong thingee has never been comfy to me. The Zori, though, has a nylon toe piece that didn't take long to adjust to. From there, the "orthotic" features of the ergonomically designed Zori were responsible for me wanting to wear them everywhere.

The Neat Zori, based on traditional Japanese footwear, offers stabilizing insoles with a high arch designed to relieve foot fatigue. My feet and legs always get tired, fast, thanks to some health issues. The high arch of the Zori not only kept my feet from getting pooped, it made them feel good. Like a mini-massage in the arch of my foot. And I did every activity I could think of that would test that. I wore them on my recent visit to the desert to hang with my grandsons. The Neat Zoris kept my feet going and going and going. I wore them on walks, at the park, to the mall, on the hot sidewalk in the back yard, during our visit to the Children's Museum, and for my flight home. Not once did I feel like kicking off the Zoris and going barefoot (and not just because the ground is so freakin' hot in the desert).

When I returned home to the mountains, I wore my Zoris when grocery shopping, gardening and more. Again, never did I wish I had on different shoes or none at all.

What I loved about the Zoris: The sandals are lightweight but well constructed. The sole is soft and padded and so darn comfortable, and the straps are padded. Despite being so comfortable, the sandals are more attractive than the typical flip-flop sandals. Plus, as I did gardening in them, they got rather dirty but washed up easily to look good as new.

Neat Zori™ Orthotic Sandals come in red or tan (I received the tan/black ones like in the photo), and are available for women and men in sizes 6 to 12 at Duane Reade, Navarro and Raley’s stores and online for $49.95-$55.

Book review: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Small-Space Gardening

Other than kids, I really stink at growing things. Especially outdoor things. Especially outdoor things that are supposed to flower or produce fruit or vegies or come back each year.

My thumb is black, but I try every single year to turn it green. All to no avail.

This year, I think I've found the answer: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Small-Space Gardening by Chris McLaughlin ($19.95, Penguin). I am indeed a complete idiot when it comes to gardening. And though my overall space—meaning my yards, front and back—is quite large, it's highlighted by many, many, many small spaces in which I try to grow things. So McLaughlin's book is definitely for me.

As Complete Idiot guides generally are, this book is filled to the brim with information, organized in such a manner that you don't have to read from front to back to get what you need from it. Pick a topic and soak up what you need. This one has lots to soak up.

Small-Space Gardening is divided into five parts, with each part having several chapters. Topcis covered include everything from the advantages of small-space gardens (raised beds, window boxes, barrels, baskets, and more) to weed control and the best plants for small spots. In between are all a wanna-be gardener might need to know, regardless of plot size.

I've suspected and now through reading this book have confirmed that my biggest error is in my soil preparation. I don't prep the soil—before, during or after planting. I tend to stick stuff in the ground and hope it'll miraculously bloom where planted. And despite it being the very definition of crazy, I do the same thing again and again and again, hoping for different results. Yet the result is always that my stuff dies (and the money on that stuff wasted). The chapter on the importance of amending and feeding and focusing on the soil finally made an impact on my thinking. I think that will, in turn, have an impact on my garden.

What I loved about this book: There is so much I loved, but near the top is the bullet list at the end of each chapter, titled "The Least You Need to Know." Sure, you can't assimilate everything, at least not on first read, but such a list boils it down to the important stuff. I also loved the Tip Thyme, Planting Pitfall, and Garden Gospel blurbs o' info sprinkled throughout with interesting and important tips, techniques and pointers. Another I must mention: The chapter on mulch proves my point in an argument my husband and I have all the time over the importance of mulch. Yes! Score one for Lisa!

What I didn't love so much: The only complaint I have is that although there are several references to the USDA Hardiness Zone Map, there isn't one in the book. Seems a simple one-page inclusion—even if only in the appendix—would have been a no-brainer when writing a gardening book for idiots who may not know their zone. I do know my zone (about the only thing I do know about gardening), but I still think it should have been included.

Bottom line: I finally feel like I have a handle on what I need to do in order to successfully grow all my small gardening spots this year. I suppose the real bottom line will come in a few months, when I see if the book and my hard work (yet to be performed, I'm compelled to add) paid off.

Clicking on the book cover will provide more information on the book. It is NOT an affiliate link; I earn nothing by you clicking on it.

Book review: Two holiday treats for youngsters

When looking to add a few new tales to the collection of holiday classics, consider these delightful books for kiddos of varying ages:

Small children will love the holiday fun in guessing what lies beneath the flap of each holiday-themed riddle in What Am I? Christmas by Anne Margaret Lewis and colorfully illustrated by Tom Mills (Albert Whitman & Company, $9.99). In the book, a few hints are given, a small sliver of the answer illustration shown, and the question of "What am I? What could I be?" then children lift the flap to see.

The fun begins with the Christmas tree and goes through all that even the youngest of kids associate with the holiday: a snowman, angel, wreath, reindeer and more. The very last—and favorite of all, of course—is Santa.

Although I read the book on my own for this review, without one of my grandsons at my side, I can just imagine Bubby's excitement correctly guessing what lies beneath each flap. I, myself, am excited to share it with him when he visits for Christmas.

What I loved about this book: The colorful, oversized graphics perfectly illustrate the delights of the season, especially for little ones. The repetition of "What am I? What could I be?" followed by lifting the flap is a fun interaction for the intended audience (ages 2-5) and those reading the story.

Older kids will likely adore The Christmas Pups by Teresa Bateman and illustrated by John Kanzler (Albert Whitman & Company, $16.99). The book is intended for ages 4-8, but having to wipe a tear myself upon reading it the first time, I'm pretty sure it will be appreciated by animal lovers of all ages.

The story is of Ruff, Tuff, and Penny—three dogs left in a cardboard box by the side of the road on a cold, rainy December night—and their wishes to be adopted as Christmas gifts for children. Thanks to kind strangers who found and delivered them to the local animal shelter, as well as input from Brownie, an older dog and long-term resident of the shelter, they just might see their Christmas wishes come true.

What I loved about this book: The author doesn't shy away from the fact that puppies are indeed abandoned by folks and that it's not always easy for those poor souls to find a home, even if they're fortunate enough to end up at an animal shelter. The book drives home the joy of animal ownership and animal rescue in a compassionate manner without being heavy-handed. Plus, it's just a sweet Christmas story that warmed my heart.

Clicking on the book covers will provide more information on each book. They are NOT affiliate links; I earn nothing by you clicking on them.

Book review: My Best Friend, Abe Lincoln

When my daughters were little, we had a series of books called "Value Tales." The stories were of famous people as told through the eyes of their fictional sidekicks—sometimes animals, other times humans.

My Best Friend, Abe Lincoln: A Tale of Two Boys from Indiana by Robert L. Bloch and illustrated by John W. Ewing reminded me much of the Value Tales series I once read with the girls.

The delightful tale, meant for kids ages 5-8, gives an idea of what Lincoln was like during his early years, ages 11-14, according to his fictional best friend, Sam Harding. Most of the story focuses on Lincoln's character, such as his love of learning and his scorn of slavery, but there are the requisite references to his tall and skinny stature, as well.

What I loved about the book: The simple language and references to activities kids relate to, such as playing hide and seek, fishing, and attending school, help the book resonate with young boys. Reaching youngsters on their level may introduce them to a historical figure they may possibly have not yet heard much about, and could lead them to research more about Lincoln on their own. The delightful illustrations from Ewing, a former illustrator for Walt Disney Studios (he worked on Sleeping Beauty and other classics), further draw young readers to Lincoln's story. On a personal level, it was great to read the term "blab school" and have no idea what it was, until looking it up online after reading the book. Learning new things from a book is always a plus!

What I didn't love so much: A disclaimer at the start of the book states that while some of the passages are based on true historical events, "others are from the imagination of the author." I spent more time than I should have wondering if young readers would incorrectly believe some of the stories are facts, possibly even use them in a future report or paper on Lincoln. Maybe?

Bottom line: My Best Friend, Abe Lincoln introduces kids to one of the more upstanding figures in American history and the positive character traits that made him a great man. Definitely nothing wrong with that.

Clicking on the book cover will provide more information on the book. It is NOT an affiliate link; I earn nothing by you clicking on it.

Review: 'Woody' child costume

Bubby loves the Toy Story movies. So when I was offered the opportunity to review for free any costume of my choosing from CostumeSuperCenter.com, of course I chose their "Woody Quality Child Toddler Costume" ($24.97) for Bubby to try out.

I included the free Woody costume with a couple other costume pieces (a fireman hat and a policeman hat) in the big-brother gift I presented Bubby when recently visiting him and his brand-new baby brother. I think the photos tell you better than I could what he thought of the selection from the online costume store's Toy Story Costumes offerings:

He likes it, he really likes it!

Of course, Gramma, PawDad, Mom and his aunties thought he was absolutely adorable. (It's not that Preston disagreed; he just wasn't there when Bubby first tried it on.)

What I love about the Woody costume: The soft, one-piece costume fit Bubby comfortably and wasn't too hot for the desert climate in which he lives. The colors were vibrant and the replication of the Woody character's outfit was accurate. It went perfectly with Bubby's stick horse (as would any of the other cowboy costumes available).

What I didn't love so much: Cowboys run and ride horses and sling guns like a master, all of which require extensive movement that caused Bubby's cowboy hat to fall off again and again. I commented that a string on it would have been helpful, but as Megan pointed out, that would likely be considered a choking hazard on a child's costume. Maybe a way to tighten the hat to fit a child's head would be preferable. Whatever the solution, a way to keep one's hat on would have been appreciated by the wee cowboy.

Bottom line: Bubby enjoyed the costume, regardless of the hat issue. Not only would it be an awesome Halloween costume, it's a great addition to a dress-up-and-pretend collection.

Review: Name Bubbles

I love labels. I told you so right here. So the offer to review Name Bubbles labels was one I couldn't refuse.

Name Bubbles, "For names that stick," are personalized waterproof labels. They're not only waterproof, though, they're microwave safe, and they stay put through dish washings (yes, even in the dishwasher) and laundry washings.

Name Bubbles are meant for anything and everything one might want to mark as theirs. With the free sample pack provided by Name Bubbles — the "Sports Pack" of 75 total of mini, fun, square, bitty, and bubble toes press and stick stickers, marked with with his full real name (which is why you won't see close-up photos of the labels here) — Bubby decided to mark as his the following.

His bike:

 

His trucks:

His water bottles:

And more.

He loved them. And because the sample pack was plentiful, he has plenty more for using later. And for mom to use later to personalize his shoes and clothes when preschool starts up again this fall.

What I love about Name Bubbles: The sample pack included a variety of sizes and shapes of the durable vinyl stickers. Also, they really stick ... well.

What I didn't love so much: The sample pack came in rather boring black-and-white colors. Fortunately for those who pay for their Name Bubbles, there's a plethora of happy color palettes from which to choose.

Bottom line: Name Bubbles (with varying prices, depending on pack purchased) are a great option for personalizing a child's items, whether just for fun or to ensure items return to their proper owner at the end of outings and functions.

Reviews: 15 Minutes Outside & The Joy of Birding

Spring has sprung and two new books help you make the most of the outdoors, especially with the children in your life.

The first is 15 Minutes Outside: 365 ways to get out of the house and connect with your kids by Rebecca P. Cohen. The book is a month-by-month collection of low- to no-cost ways to explore the outdoors, most requiring minimal to no prep.

The author isn't a child expert of any sort, she's simply a mother and a gardening and outdoor lifestyle expert who had made it her mission to get people off the couch and out the door. In the book's introduction, Cohen notes the benefits of fifteen minutes outside:

• Offers great health benefits through fun physical exercise and sunshine

• Redirects children's energies, motivating them to play and explore constructively

• Creates a family stress-relief valve and a way to spend meaningful time together

• Makes life easier for busy parents: play dates outside are hassle-free

• Provides an effortless education in natural science and an appreciation for nature's life cycles

Cohen stresses in the intro that you don't have to be a crunchy, over-the-top environmentalist to appreciate and enjoy an outdoor lifestyle, "You just have to be open to the idea that you and your kids, or nieces, nephews, or grandkids, can have a richer, healthier, more stimulating life with more fresh air and a closer relationship with the natural world."

Divided into chapters by months, the book provides readers more outdoor activities than they can shake a stick at, whether the goal is to go through the book day-by-day or to simply find something fun to do with visiting grandchildren.

A few of my favorite suggestions:

• Improvise a hockey game using an ice puck made in a cup indoors, a tennis ball or a piece of loose ice.

• Create or count with pine cones collected from the yard or on a walk.

• Dance outside. "Why not rock out in the yard?" Cohen asks.

• Sail juice-box boats in puddles.

• Enjoy a picnic for breakfast.

• Write your ABCs with sticks.

The book includes activities for youngsters up to the age of 12, but I bet even older children will find fun ideas within the pages.

What I love about the book: With no need to start at the beginning or follow from front to back, 15 Minutes Outside is an excellent resource when looking to fill little slots of time with visiting children — perfect for grandparents. Plus, the majority of the activities are free — even more perfect in these budget-crunched times.

What I don't love so much: Nothing to note here, as I love the entire thing.

Bottom line: Whether you have kids full time or just now and then, whether you want a guide for every single day or just suggestions for once-in-a-while visits, 15 Minutes Outside is a sure bet for entertaining, impressing, and forging a stronger relationship with kids of all ages.

The second book perfect for spring is The Joy of Birding: A Beginner's Guide by Kate Rowinski. I love watching the birds in my yard and neighborhood, so the offer to review this book was met with delight.

In exchange, I was delighted by the book. I'm quite the novice when it comes to birding, so Rowinski's book promises to up my game by several notches. Even just during the review reading, I found several nuggets of info to read aloud to Jim, who was equally impressed with the information.

The book is less of a guide to birds and more of a manual for becoming a true birder: learning to understand the world from a bird's point of view; learning the basics of identification; and getting to know the species in your own neighborhood.

Specifically, The Joy of Birding shows budding birders how to, as noted in the press materials:

• Find and use markings, wing shape, beak shape, and size to identify birds

• Understand bird behaviors

• Recognize specific songs and calls

• Photograph birds in flight and repose

• Share the pleasure of bird-watching with others

• Vacation where birds are bound to be

What I love about this book: Awesome photography of birds and their habitats, plus photography tips for getting great shots of your own. Also awesome is the "Birds and Children" chapter, with ideas for instilling a love for birding in babies and toddlers on up through school age. On a personal level, I appreciate the attention and information Cohen gave about squirrels, hummingbirds and owls — all regular sources of concern in my own backyard.

What I don't love so much: Range maps for the birds highlighted would have been helpful and appreciated, especially in the chapter titled "25 Backyard Birds You Should Know."

Bottom line: Because Rowinski — a hobbyist, not an ornithologist — is passionate about her hobby and clearly knows what she's talking about without sounding stuffy or nerdy, The Joy of Birding is accessible and enjoyable for anyone with even the slightest interest in attracting, appreciating and understanding bird life.

Clicking on the book covers will provide more information on each book. These are NOT affiliate links; I earn nothing by you clicking on them.