French Kids Eat Everything (and yours can too) by Karen Le Billon from Harper Collins 2012
I'm always looking for ways to get Miss R to eat better, even though most of my friends and the family doctor don't think she's picky. By reading Karen's book I've discovered that Miss R maybe isn't much different then most of her peers, but that doesn't mean things can't change.
French Kids Eat Everything presents things in such a way that it is easy to see where the two cultures, North American and French, are different when it comes to approaches to food. I read the book and started to implement some of the suggestions immediately. It was a huge surprise to mean just how well using fixed times for snacks works.
The thing that really got my attention in this book was Chapter 9 when the family returns to Vancouver from France only to find out that the French method of eating may not work in all situations and adaption will be required to fit into your unique circumstances.
I have marked the last chapter of for my husband to read because it summarizes the rules and hope to try some of the recipes very soon. I also plan on posting my version of the rules somewhere near my kitchen to remind me what I'm trying to accomplish for the entire family.
Hopefully Karen's book is read by the right people to make changes in our school systems so our children don't continue to rush through their lunches just so they can be hungry a couple hours later.
Thank you Karen for showing me that I can get my child to eat better/more without driving myself crazy.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Sunday, June 10, 2012
#50BookPledge Book 34 The Naughty Bucket List
The Naughty Bucket List by Kourtney Jason from Amorata Press 2011
For someone considered conservative, old fashioned and unadventurous this book was a real stretch for me. The book offers 369 suggestions to make your love life much spicier. Some of the suggestions had merit and I'm certain I'll try them if I haven't already. There were several that weren't for me though and went against my morals like the suggestion of having a one night stand. There are several that are yeah maybe and an equal number of probably not. Regardless of your view thought The Naughty Bucket List will provide some useful suggestions for your love life. The book is an easy read and the suggests are just ideas, not a how to. Even though not everything works for everyone,it is worth at minimum a quick skim.
For someone considered conservative, old fashioned and unadventurous this book was a real stretch for me. The book offers 369 suggestions to make your love life much spicier. Some of the suggestions had merit and I'm certain I'll try them if I haven't already. There were several that weren't for me though and went against my morals like the suggestion of having a one night stand. There are several that are yeah maybe and an equal number of probably not. Regardless of your view thought The Naughty Bucket List will provide some useful suggestions for your love life. The book is an easy read and the suggests are just ideas, not a how to. Even though not everything works for everyone,it is worth at minimum a quick skim.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
#50BookPledge Book 33 The Beggar's Opera
The Beggar's Opera by Peggy Blair from Penguin Canada 2012
I was completely drawn into this book, a phenomenal piece of Canadian fiction. Mrs Blair does a fantastic job of developing the setting both in Havana Cuba and the secondary location of Ottawa. As you read the description you can visualize all aspects of Old Havana and almost taste the Christmas dinner at Inspector Ramirez home.
Mrs. Blair doesn't stop with the setting, but develops all of her characters whether major or minor. I was able to picture Celia Jones and Michael Ellis. It was easy to keep the characters straight, feel the pain of the characters, understand how Detective Rodriguez turned into the person he became, and even relate to the uniqueness of Maria.
The Beggar's Opera was a book I didn't want to put down but I didn't rush through either as I was afraid of missing a key piece of the story. Definitely worth your time to read and I am looking forward to more books from this author.
I was completely drawn into this book, a phenomenal piece of Canadian fiction. Mrs Blair does a fantastic job of developing the setting both in Havana Cuba and the secondary location of Ottawa. As you read the description you can visualize all aspects of Old Havana and almost taste the Christmas dinner at Inspector Ramirez home.
Mrs. Blair doesn't stop with the setting, but develops all of her characters whether major or minor. I was able to picture Celia Jones and Michael Ellis. It was easy to keep the characters straight, feel the pain of the characters, understand how Detective Rodriguez turned into the person he became, and even relate to the uniqueness of Maria.
The Beggar's Opera was a book I didn't want to put down but I didn't rush through either as I was afraid of missing a key piece of the story. Definitely worth your time to read and I am looking forward to more books from this author.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
#50BookPledge Book 32 The Proposal and Solid Soul
The Proposal and Solid Soul by Brenda Jackson from Harlequin Desire 2010 (2 books in one).
This was my second time reading a Brenda Jackson book and a much more enjoyable experience.
The Proposal is the romance of Elizabeth (Bella) Bostwick, who is trying to get out from under her parents thumb, and Jason Westmoreland, a horse breeder. The story starts with Bella moving away from her parents to start a new life. She meets the hero of the story and after a few misunderstanding they fall in love. There are forces at work to keep them apart like her great uncle and his grandkids as well as her parents. However, Jason's family fully supports their relationship. After a few tense chapters where Bella's house is vandalized then set ablaze Bella agrees to marriage. Of course there is more misunderstanding that disappear when Jason declares his love for Bella. Then they go on to live happily ever after. I recommend buying separately from Solid Soul.
Solid Soul is the second book and I just skimmed it as the first chapter was about two scheming teenagers trying to match up their parents didn't appeal to me. Of course the teens are successful ad the parents agree to marry which ultimately makes it hard for the teens to act on their feelings.
This was my second time reading a Brenda Jackson book and a much more enjoyable experience.
The Proposal is the romance of Elizabeth (Bella) Bostwick, who is trying to get out from under her parents thumb, and Jason Westmoreland, a horse breeder. The story starts with Bella moving away from her parents to start a new life. She meets the hero of the story and after a few misunderstanding they fall in love. There are forces at work to keep them apart like her great uncle and his grandkids as well as her parents. However, Jason's family fully supports their relationship. After a few tense chapters where Bella's house is vandalized then set ablaze Bella agrees to marriage. Of course there is more misunderstanding that disappear when Jason declares his love for Bella. Then they go on to live happily ever after. I recommend buying separately from Solid Soul.
Solid Soul is the second book and I just skimmed it as the first chapter was about two scheming teenagers trying to match up their parents didn't appeal to me. Of course the teens are successful ad the parents agree to marry which ultimately makes it hard for the teens to act on their feelings.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
#50BookPledge In The Doctor's Bed Book 31
In The Doctor's Bed by Brenda Jackson from Kimani Romance 2011
I don't mind an easy read romance novel every once in awhile but I was really disappointed in this one. Not only did this book follow the very predictable Harlequin formula, I found the need to remind the reader constantly that this was an Afro American couple very annoying. I read a lot and honestly couldn't careless about the characters race. This novel did absolutely nothing for me and made me wonder if I would want to read other books by this author. I agree that description and settings are needed to develop a storyline but I don't need a recap every chapter. 1 out of 5 at best.
I don't mind an easy read romance novel every once in awhile but I was really disappointed in this one. Not only did this book follow the very predictable Harlequin formula, I found the need to remind the reader constantly that this was an Afro American couple very annoying. I read a lot and honestly couldn't careless about the characters race. This novel did absolutely nothing for me and made me wonder if I would want to read other books by this author. I agree that description and settings are needed to develop a storyline but I don't need a recap every chapter. 1 out of 5 at best.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
#50BookPledge Book 30 Ain't Misbehavin'
Ain't Misbehavin' by Alyson Schafer from Wiley and Sons Canada 2011
Ain't Misbehavin' is the latest of Alyson Schafer's parenting books. Unlike the other 2 books, this one is filled with solutions or suggestions to deal with different behaviours parents encounter on a regular basis. Ain't Misbehavin' groups behaviours by type covering everything from the bedroom to school to sibling rivalry to extra curricular activities. This books need not be read from start to finish if there is an area you really want to challenges in but I recommend reading all of it. Alyson offers suggestions for dealing for with the behaviour when it happens and solution to work towards at reducing and often eliminating unwanted reactions. I really enjoyed the book and am finding Alyson's tips are making life in my home less confrontational even though the gist of it is Mommy Butt Out and that is hard to do after five years. I am a firm believer in having as many tools as you need to keep your family functioning well and Ain't Misbehavin' has found a permanent home in my family library. The concepts are consistent throughout the book and even if you encounter a situation not specifically covered, you can use the techniques explained to work on a solution. Thanks again Alyson.
Ain't Misbehavin' is the latest of Alyson Schafer's parenting books. Unlike the other 2 books, this one is filled with solutions or suggestions to deal with different behaviours parents encounter on a regular basis. Ain't Misbehavin' groups behaviours by type covering everything from the bedroom to school to sibling rivalry to extra curricular activities. This books need not be read from start to finish if there is an area you really want to challenges in but I recommend reading all of it. Alyson offers suggestions for dealing for with the behaviour when it happens and solution to work towards at reducing and often eliminating unwanted reactions. I really enjoyed the book and am finding Alyson's tips are making life in my home less confrontational even though the gist of it is Mommy Butt Out and that is hard to do after five years. I am a firm believer in having as many tools as you need to keep your family functioning well and Ain't Misbehavin' has found a permanent home in my family library. The concepts are consistent throughout the book and even if you encounter a situation not specifically covered, you can use the techniques explained to work on a solution. Thanks again Alyson.
Monday, May 7, 2012
#50BookPledge Book 29 The Wealthy Barber Returns
The Wealthy Barber Returns by David Chilton From Financial Awareness Press 2011
This book was very different from the original book. Chilton's wit shines throughout the book resulting in messages that are easy to understand when it comes to managing one's finances. I missed the story aspect of the original Wealthy Barber, but enjoyed The Wealthy Barber Returns all the same. I like that there aren't a lot of equations and math but rather good old fashioned common sense in the book. I tend think I'm pretty good with finances but even I learned a thing or two while reading as was definitely reminded of a few things I know I should be doing! If your are looking for an easy, non condescending way to find out what you can do to get your finances on track this is the book for you.
This book was very different from the original book. Chilton's wit shines throughout the book resulting in messages that are easy to understand when it comes to managing one's finances. I missed the story aspect of the original Wealthy Barber, but enjoyed The Wealthy Barber Returns all the same. I like that there aren't a lot of equations and math but rather good old fashioned common sense in the book. I tend think I'm pretty good with finances but even I learned a thing or two while reading as was definitely reminded of a few things I know I should be doing! If your are looking for an easy, non condescending way to find out what you can do to get your finances on track this is the book for you.
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