MommySecrets

Being a mom is the hardest thing I've ever done, but it has brought me so much joy! I want to encourage other moms on their journey, I'll share motherhood tricks, spotlight tips I've learned from friends, and I hope you will share your ideas. I will focus on secrets that help families stay balanced, healthy, frugal, creative, and closely knit. I will also share favorite fiction and nonfiction books that I have enjoyed. Many blessings to you on your mothering journey!

Friday, February 27, 2015

Soup Club!

I love ideas that make dinners easier, and I love ideas that promote community building.  So of course, I was intrigued when I heard about the idea of a soup club.  It's a group of 4 women who commit to preparing soup for all four families once each month.  That means if Soup Club is on Tuesday nights, then you only have to cook one Tuesday night per month!  The other 3 Tuesdays, lovely friends will bring soup to your door!

The soup club ladies have even published a Soup Club Cookbook with some of their favorite recipes and tips for how to run a soup club..  I was given the privilege to review it this week, and I think it's great!  It's a paperback book, but more the quality of a hardback book.  The pictures are crisp, clear and inviting.

The recipes in the cookbook sound great!  There are so many options beyond the traditional chili and tortilla soup!  Spiced pumpkin, winter minestrone, red lentil curry, cold soups, thai fish curry, italian wedding soup...  They also include recipes for their favorite soup garnishes and side dishes such as salads and breads.  They even sneak in a few recipes for "big food" - when they deliver wings, sandwiches, or lasagna instead of soup!

If you're intrigued, give the book a try - I would recommend it for any mama who likes to cook and share!

I received this book as a gift from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Book Review: Terri Blackstock's "River's Edge"

I just finished reading Terri Blackstock's "River's Edge".  I loved it, and I would recommend it to anyone who's looking for a clean and easy read.  Great characters, great storyline, and lessons we can all relate to.  It's a tale of suspense revolving around a small town murder.  You'll be inspired by the mission of the Hanover House, a halfway house supporting people in life transition.  You'll cheer for the romance between the chief of police and the owner of the newspaper.  You'll long for the main characters to have children of their own.  You'll find yourself silently campaigning for mayoral candidates.  You'll get lost in the story.  This is a great book for any reader age 16+.

I received this book as a gift from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Book Review: The Paleo Chef by Pete Evans

The Paleo Chef is a beautiful cookbook written by television chef Pete Evans.  He does a great job of explaining Paleo eating in a no nonsense,  everyday person kind of way.  The recipes look very yummy!  It's definitely not the kind of food my kids would want to eat (they like plain and simple),  but my hubby and I would enjoy must of the dishes. I did find a handful of recipes that I think the kids would eat willingly though.

I would only recommend buying this book if you are really going to pursue a new easy of eating and you're willing to invest in a new kind of recipe with non-traditional ingredients.  If that's your goal, you will totally enjoy this cookbook.  It's also great for gourmet cooks!  I lookforward to sharing the cookbook with friends!

 I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.