I can’t tell you how often i’ve see tasty videos popping up on my newsfeed. I always save the videos and forget about them or can’t locate them. Now they have finally released a cookbook that has all of the memorable foods they’ve made plus some new ones. The recipes have detailed photos and instructions that are easy to follow. Definitely a cookbook to add to the shelf.
Who Are You?
Spice It Up. Come As You Aren’t by Potter
A lot of couples struggle in the bedroom. This set encourages you to step out of your comfort zone and place yourself into completely different settings. It’s even perfect for the couple who are just looking for something different to do. The set includes cards that are the simple W questions of who, what and where. The scenarios range from something simple and easy to do at home, to ones that are a bit more adventurous and in public.
I was a little hesitant looking at the Who cards. To my surprise the names are silly and fun. It keeps you in your comfort zone so your not completely changing who you are.
Games in the bedroom might help couples become closer when intimacy isn’t something they are good at. Not every relationship is about sex for some people and it doesn’t need to be. But, if your stuck in that rut of the same thing over and over again this set can really help.
This kit really makes you to improvise and experiment in different ways. There are even blank cards to create your own, which might be the best way to include a fun fantasy that you have for your partner. The best part is, if you pick a card and are completely out of your element, you can toss it or put it back for another day.
Buy it here:
Dear, Countryside.
The Cottage Kitchen by Marte Marie Forsberg
https://www.amazon.com/Cottage-Kitchen-Cooking-English-Countryside/dp/0451495764
First off the photography in this book is wonderful. I love to see the simplicity of the countryside instead of the bustle of crowded streets and markets all the time. Plus there are photos of her dog. I’m always game for a cookbook that has their dog involved in any part. Plus the dogs name is Mr. Whiskey, which is awesome.
The contents of this book have intimidating titles but the recipes do not reflect that. I cannot wait to make the lemon curd. Im not usually a fan of it, but I feel if i’m putting the work in maybe I could love it. Plus, its perfect for the holidays as a gift or to make a whole english feast. Included is a recipe for no-knead bread. I cannot tell you how many times I find a bread recipe and think oh, I have the knead it two to three times, not a chance.
Of course if you do not live in the english countryside some of the items may be a bit harder to locate. I plan on trying the Truffle Yorkshire pudding with onion gravy this week. The book is very sturdy with the hardcover and lovely red biding. It will look great displayed in a kitchen or on a shelf of cookbooks.
Cheese Please!
Who doesn’t love cheese? Well … if you can’t eat cheese, i’m sorry. If you choose to not eat cheese, i’m sorry for you also. At every family gathering there is cheese in many forms. We usually have cubed or sliced cheese, many types of cheese dips, and sometimes cheese fondue. This Queso! book by Lisa Fain is a perfect gift for any hostess in your life. Queso is such a versatile and simple dish to make. If you have chip with dip and queso your party is set no matter how many people are there. I think it might be my favorite appetizer to make. Not only does this book have the simple ways to make queso, but it also has different countries version of queso. It has many spins on the classic dish. The greatest thing about this cookbook, besides the cheese, is the chapter based on meals. Over ten different ways to incorporate into a main dish and even ice cream. I cannot wait to try queso with ice cream. Definitely a book for the cheese lover in your life.
You are too sweet.
Potatoes are delicious. Sweet potatoes are delicious and healthy for you. Autumn is almost upon us, and that means food is becoming a bit more heavy and hearty. Sweet potatoes are a great substitute to the other potatoes, not that I don’t enjoy all of them. Its hard to get my hubby to eat anything thats good for him, but inside this book I found a few ways that might change his mind like sweet potato waffles and sweet potato ice cream.
The best part about this book is that it contains recipes for every meal that you would eat during the day or at a party. You usually don’t think to put potatoes into a dessert but there are ways to sneak it in and still have a sweet delicious meal. The sweet rolls look incredible and I know that they will be a hit for breakfast or dessert! Not only do you learn how to store, cut, and clean the potatoes but you also get a mini outline on how to judge the sizes as well. The recipes contain fun flavors and interesting ways to incorporate sweet potatoes into any dish. You might not even know your eating them.
This cookbook is affordable on all sites and stores being under $20.00. Plus its hard covered so it wont bend or tear easily.
Buy it here: Amazon
Sunshine in an envelope
I love notecards. Cards in general are overlooked so often. I used to love having a pen pal or simply getting a card just to say hello. It really makes the day better when you see someone took the time to think about you.
They are perfect to have around for any occasion. I find myself using notecards for birthdays instead of the regular ones. This pack of notecards by Meera Lee Patel is so colorful and vibrant. The box is sturdy and will be used to store other things among the cards. It would be perfect to wrap a present in after using the cards. The cards are all different with watercolor type art along with quotes that are simply lovely. I cant wait to send these out. These notecards are sure to bring a smile to someones face.
The card stock is thick and sturdy. The colors stand out in a way that makes you want to pick up the cards just to adore them. I might even frame a few.
Buy it here: Amazon
I received this item in exchange for my honest review. 
Lasting Memories.
Not only is this book an adorable gift idea for a grandparent to be, but for a seasoned one as well. Grandparents day is coming up in September and its a cheap simple gift. This journal is something that can be used at any age. I love the idea of using this for the first year, 3rd year, and 6th year, to really see how the answers change. It would show how much the relationship between grandchild and grandparent has grown.
Not only would the relationship change but simple things like what the world is like will effect the answers. Could you imaging their favorite song going from twinkle, twinkle little star to some silly song as a toddler to a more popular song as they grow.
The book it’s self is a nice size so it shouldn’t be too hard to read & write inside. Its soft covered and has a beautiful blue leaf type patten on the front. The pages are thick so they will last through the years.
Even though it would be sad to lose a grandparent, this book would be an incredible memory holder. It would be a keepsake that your child can save as they grow older. This book would be a great graduation gift as the grandchild goes away to college.
Buy it here:
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
Hamilton. The Game.
When you hear the name Alexander Hamilton you think of history, but you also hear music. The musical Hamilton has brought life to a part of history that shaped this nation. It’s only right that there would be a game in his honor as well. This fun filled game has all of the memorable characters throughout that period of history.
In the game Deal or Duel by Potter you use your money & wits to win the game, which is to ultimately have all the money. The game comes with all sorts of cards, many include historical faces that you see throughout history. Quick tip: read ALL of the directions! Its not a complicated game once you get into it, but when you see the cards and the board it can be a bit confusing.
Only downfall I had with the game, the game board. Its a thick paper which is great, but if kids play this game or you play when “enjoying” yourself it can easily be destroyed or ripped.
I enjoy games that can have 2 players and up. There are so many fun games out there but you need 3 players or 2 teams. Card games are more fun as well, you can travel with them and always have them on hand.
Buy it here:
I received this item in exchange for my honest review.
Healthy Heart.
It’s a refreshing thing to see a whole cookbook that has healthy food but also good food. I hate when I see a book that is “healthy” with foods that are impossible to find or cost a fortune. The new American Heart Association Cookbook is packed with all sorts of recipes. I like how all the meats are separated so if you have chicken you don’t have to look in an index or flip through the whole book. I can cook a healthy meal but when I find a sauce it’s high in sugar or salt. Thats why the new Heart Association cookbook is great.
Although there are 500 pages in this book, there isn’t one photo inside. I would have liked to see some of the recipes in a photo, even if my meal never looks like the photos.
The beginning of the book has some tips, foods, and ideas on healthy eating. What is a good fat compared to a bad fat, how to check sodium in a meal, The tips are ways to maintain a good lifestyle and feel good about yourself. This cookbook is perfect for someone who wants to eat a little bit better, or has to watch the intake of sugar, salt, or carbs.
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
The Mighty Salads.
A whole book of salads? Yes! I was a bit skeptical since salads aren’t something that you really need a whole book of recipes for. I was wrong. This book doesn’t just give you the simple recipes that use lettuce and some veggies then toss and eat. It shows you the best choices and options, wether you want a salad for dinner that will actually satisfy your appetit, or a salad to take to work and not wilt in the process.
Food 52‘s site is filled with the best info on food, cooking tools, and more. It’s only right they would have a cookbook dedicated to salads. Most people see a salad as a side dish, a choice at a restaurant that you might take a few bites of then wait for the main dish. This Mighty Salad book is filled with salads that give you that crunch you look for, the mix of vegetables, meats, pasta, and bacon. Everyone loves bacon. Each recipe has a little side note of how to mix the dish up even more if you don’t like to follow the directions.
Tips on how to fix the parts of salads that usually fall short are woven in throughout the book. I always make my dressings too salty, let my lettuce wilt, or my veggies don’t make the dish any brighter. All fixed with this book. I’m looking forward to trying the grilled steak and tossed salsa verde salad, and the brown butter-roasted Brussels sprouts with lemon vinaigrette. Both are different and sound delicious but at the same time they are also salads.
Buy it here:
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