Wine Bites by Barbara Scott-Goodman

Wine Bites

by Barbara Scott-Goodman

Chronicle Books

ISBN: 9780811876308

My Review:

From the Publisher:

Wine Bites is an inspiring cookbook for those who entertain casually and frequently. More than 60 recipes for simple, tasty snacks include suggestions for an accessible wine to pair with each, while vivid color photographs demonstrate how easy these delectable dishes are to prepare. Step-by-step instructions for putting together a first-class cheese plate, creating a generous antipasti platter, or transforming pantry staples into hors d'oeuvres make this an indispensable resource for great party-givings.
Barbara Scott-Goodman is the author of The Ski Country Cookbook among others. She lives in New York City.

Kate Mathis is a commercial photographer based in New York.

Pretty Cupcake Kit GIVEAWAY!!!

~Happy Mother's Day to You my Friends~

Pretty Cupcake Kit

by Chronicle Books

2011

ISBN: 978-0-8118-7548-6
*this product was provided to me by the publisher*

My Review:

From the Publisher:

So festive, so pretty, and so fun, cupcakes are a welcome addition to any celebration. Bakers of every skill level will love this handy kit, which includes a booklet with basic recipes for chocolate and vanilla cupcakes, various frostings, and simple, quick decorating tips. Packed with hundreds of decorative paper liners and dozens of colorful flag toppers, the Pretty Cupcake Kit comes with everything you need to make the cutest cupcakes ever!

Shana Faust is a freelance stylist and designer living in New York.

Elinor Klivans's most recent cookbooks include Cupcakes! and Chocolate Cakes. She lives in Camden, Maine.

Johnny Miller is a Brooklyn, New York-based photographer whose clients include Martha Stewart Living.

***GIVEAWAY***

1. US residents only, no PO Boxes.
2. Leave me a comment with your email address.
3. Pretty Cupcake Kit provided by Chronicle Books, Shipping provided by Beachbrights.
4. It's that easy to enter! Contest ends Sunday, May, 8th @ Midnight.

Decorate

by Holly Becker & Joanna Copestick

Chronicle Books 2011

ISBN: 978-0-8118-7789-3

*this book was given to me by the publisher*

My Review:

From the Publisher:

In Decorate, the world's top designers and leading décor experts—including Kelly Wearstler, Amy Butler, Jonathan Adler, and many others—come together to share over 1,000 professional tips, ideas, and solutions for every room and every budget. Written and compiled by Holly Becker, founder of the hugely popular design blog Decor8, and Joanna Copestick, acclaimed lifestyle writer, this intensive home décor program combines beautiful inspiration with nuts-and-bolts how-to—for stunning results. More than 500 gorgeous color photographs provide motivation while line illustrations, checklists, shortcuts, and floor plans make it easy to get started. For those looking to make the most of their home and create stylish interiors, Decorate is the start-to-finish resource to keep on the bookshelf for years to come.

Holly Becker is the founder and editor of Decor8blog.com and columnist for RealSimple.com. She lives in Hannover, Germany.

Joanna Copestick is the author of over ten lifestyle and décor books. She lives in London.

Debi Treloar has photographed for Elle Décor, the Sunday Times, and over thirty books. She lives in London.
Decorate: 1,000 Professional Design Ideas for Every Room in Your Home

You will love this book!!
-XOXO

From Seed to Skillet **GiVeAwAy**

**Giveaway**

From Seed to Skillet

by Jimmy Williams & Susan Heeger

Chronicle Books

ISBN: 978-0-8118-7221-8

My Review:

From the Publisher:

Jimmy Williams learned all about vegetable gardening at the knee of his grandmother, a South Carolina native from a traditional Gullah community whose members were descendents of Caribbean slaves. He pays homage to his family history in this inspiring step-by-step guide to designing and planting a backyard vegetable garden and growing one's own food. With this essential garden manual, home gardeners can learn how easy it is to plan a garden, design and construct growing beds, tend the crop without using harmful chemicals, harvest gorgeous vegetables, and cook a delicious feast using Jimmy's favorite family recipes.

Urban farmer and landscape designer Jimmy Williams oversees his growing grounds, plants edible gardens for clients, and dispenses cultivation and cooking tips, plus vegetable, herb, and fruit seedlings, at three Los Angeles farmers' markets. He grows and sells heirloom tomatoes from seeds that have been passed down from his great-great-grandmother.

Susan Heeger is a long-time magazine and newspaper feature writer with a specialty in garden, design, home, lifestyle, and food stories. She lives in Los Angeles.

**Giveaway**

1. US residents only, no PO Boxes.

2. Leave me a comment with your email address.

3. Book provided by Chronicle Books, Shipping provided by Beachbrights.

4. It's that easy to enter! Contest ends Friday, January 7th @ Midnight.

Resource Links:
YouTube: From Seed to Skillet
From Seed to Skillet Web

The Tulip Anthology

The Tulip Anthology

Photographs by Ron Van Dongen

Introduction by Anna Pavord

Chronicle Books

ISBN: 978-0-8118-7708-4

My Review:

From the Publisher:

Coveted by kings and admired by gardeners in ancient and modern times alike, the tulip has nearly brought nations to moral and economic ruin. The Tulip Anthology is a beautiful and comprehensive celebration of this most astonishing and beloved of flowers. Ron van Dongen's lush color photography is paired with visual art from the last thousand years, as well as writings on the mystery and wonder of the tulip from throughout human history. A foreword by best-selling author and tulip expert Anna Pavord explores the bloom's rich cultural history and rounds out this vast and sumptuous anthology. A deluxe gift for flower lovers, this book rivals the beauty of the tulip itself.

Ron van Dongen's beloved photographs of flowers have been exhibited worldwide. He lives in Portland, Oregon.

Anna Pavord is the author of the New York Times best-seller Tulip: The Story of a Flower That Has Made Men Mad. She lives in the United Kingdom.

~XOXO~

*Thank you Alyson & Chronicle for the opportunity to review*

Other Resources:

Ron Van Dongen

Blackbird Bakery Gluten-Free

Blackbird Bakery Gluten-Free

by Karen Morgan

Chronicle Books

ISBN: 978-0-8118-7331-4

My Review:

From the Publisher:

Celebrities such as Courteney Cox and Laura Dern love Blackbird Bakery for its famously scrumptious gluten-free desserts. Now these same sweets can be yours too, thanks to this beautiful cookbook that collects 75 delicious recipes for classic desserts and gorgeous French pastries, all made without gluten. Celiac disease is on the rise (more than 3 million Americans and an equal number of Europeans have been diagnosed), and millions more seek gluten-free products to supplement a healthy lifestyle. With this cookbook, gluten-conscious gluttons can dish up all sorts of delectable desserts—anytime the craving strikes!

Karen Morgan is the "Big Bird" at Blackbird Bakery and the blogger behind The Art of Gluten-Free Baking. She lives in Austin, Texas.

~XOXO~

Resource Links:

Blackbird on YouTube

Blackbird-Bakery Site

Blackbird Facebook

Blackbird Twitter

Every Day's a Holiday

Every Day's a Holiday - Year Round Crafting with Kids

by Heidi Kenney

Photographs by France Ruffenach

Chronicle Books

ISBN: 978-0-8118-7144-0

*Thank you Alyson & Chronicle Books for the opportunity to review*

My Review:

From the Publisher:

Kids love making crafts, and no one knows that better than Heidi Kenney, creator of the popular blog My Paper Crane. In this festive how-to book, Heidi shares a year's worth of classic and not-so-classic projects that the whole family will enjoy, from the National Bird Day embroidered handmade book to the St. Patrick's Day mini leprechaun pin. Fifty fully photographed projects are geared to all age levels and abilities. Some—like the New Year's Day newspaper hats—are simple enough for small kids to make themselves with minimum assistance, while more complicated projects require a little extra help from mom or dad. With so many fun projects to bring the family together, Every Day's a Holiday proves that every day really is a holiday.

Inside the Book:

Nov. 13 America Recycles Day: Recycled Mini Robots

Nov. 4 National Candy Day: Rock Candy

1st Friday in June Donut Day: Marzipan Doughnuts

April 1 April Fool's Day: Faux Cupcakes

Feb. 14 Valentine's Day: Felted Love Bugs

Other Resources:

My Paper Crane

Lotta Jansdotter Handmade Living

Lotta Jansdotter Handmade Living
Chronicle Books
ISBN: 978-0-8118-6547-0
*Thanks Alyson for the opportunity to review*

My Review:

From the Publisher:

Beloved designer Lotta Jansdotter's smart, organic design has earned her international acclaim. Now she shares her recipe for a stylish home: take a whole lot of Scandinavian influence, mix in a dash of flea-market finds, and then top it all off with expressive handmade touches. The result? An entirely fresh approach to home décor and contemporary living. In this lavishly illustrated book, Lotta shares her decorating secrets, design resources, entertaining tips, and family traditions. Tucked away at the back she’s included stencil pages and perforated recipe cards featuring classic Swedish dishes. Equal parts inspiration and how-to, this charming book shows readers how to create a warm home with elements of simple Scandinavian-influenced style.

Lotta Jansdotter is a self-taught designer who sells her products and designs across the globe. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Photographer Jenny Hallengren lives and works as a freelance photographer in Stockholm, Sweden.

~XOXO~

Other Resources:

Lotta Jansdotter

The Storque: Open Studio Tour

Facebook

Flickr

Twitter

Amy Butler's Style Stitches

Amy Butler's Style Stitches

Chronicle Books

ISBN: 978-0-8118-6669-9

*Thank you Alyson for the opportunity to review*

My Review:

From the Publisher:

Celebrated designer Amy Butler's most coveted products are her handbag sewing patterns. In Style Stitches, Butler presents an array of new bag designs for her fans across the globe. The book offers 12 basic patterns with enough variations to achieve 26 unique looks. Ranging from chic clutches and delicate wristlets to pretty hobo bags and handy coin purses, with instructions for altering dimensions, straps, and embellishments to get the desired look, each project incorporates Butler's fresh, modern style and attention to detail. With illustrated step-by-step directions, a comprehensive techniques section, and a bound-in pocket filled with the patterns themselves, Style Stitches is an essential and fashionable addition to every sewer's library.

Amy Butler designs fabrics, home accessories, sewing patterns, and stationery goods. The author of Little Stitches for Little Ones and In Stitches, she works from Granville, Ohio, and distributes her products globally.

David Butler is a photographer and founder of Art of the Midwest, a multidisciplinary design studio in Granville, Ohio.

~Happy Sewing~

XOXO

Other Resources:
Amy Butler's Web Page
You Tube

Great Gift Idea! The Sounds of Star Wars

The Sounds of Star Wars

by J.W. Rinzler

Chronicle Books

ISBN: 9780811875462

*Thank you Alyson for the opportunity to review*


My Review:

From the Publisher:

Any Star Wars fan can mimic Darth Vader's voice or Chewbacca's roar with ease. But how many of them would be able to identify the lion's roar used in the sound of the Millenium Falcon's engine? In this aurally astonishing and visually engaging book, New York Times best-selling author J. W. Rinzler reveals the illuminating history of the sounds that make the Star Wars universe so believable, as recounted by their creator, legendary sound designer Ben Burtt. An attached sound module with an exterior speaker and headphone jack lets readers listen to more than 250 unique sound effects, and more than 300 photographs illustrate the epic's many memorable scenes. From the first films to the animated Star Wars: The Clone Wars series, The Sounds of Star Wars is Star Wars as you've never heard it before.

J. W. Rinzler, executive editor at Lucasfilm Ltd., is the author of numerous books, including the New York Times bestseller The Making of Star Wars.

Ben Burtt is a four-time Academy Award-winning sound designer. He worked on all of the Star Wars live-action films, as well as the Indiana Jones trilogy, E.T., WALL•E, and Star Trek (2009) among many, many others.

**FOR A LIMITED TIME GET 25% OFF + FREE SHIPPING! Enter promo code "STARWARS" at checkout from Chronicle Books**

Happy Shopping-
XOXO

Farmers' Market Desserts

Farmers' Market Desserts
by Jennie Schacht
Chronicle Books
ISBN 9780811866729

My Review:

From the Publisher:  The number of U.S. farmers' markets has grown by 20% over the past three years to nearly 5,300 nationwide. This collection of tempting desserts inspired by those markets and the farmers who share their produce there satisfies the sustainable shopper's sweet tooth with more than 50 recipes for tarts, crisps, cupcakes, puddings, and more. Discover classics like Deep Dish Sour Cherry Pie and new interpretations like Tangerine-sicle Ice Cream. Featuring seasonality charts, "farmer journal" tips, and dazzling color photography to teach and inspire, Farmers' Market Desserts is the perfect gift for bakers, lovers of local produce, and all who share in the delights of the farmers' market.


Amazon

~XOXO~

**Thank you Jessica for the opportunity to review**

Seasons in Wine Country

Seasons in Wine Country
by Cate Conniff
Chronicle Books
ISBN 9780811865883

My Review:

From the Publisher: Seasons in the Wine Country -- Seasons in the Wine Country brings the flavors of the Napa Valley and the expertise of instructors at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone into your home with over 100 seasonal recipes. Beat the winter blues with a hearty helping of Cabernet-Braised Short Ribs with Swiss Chard and Orecchiette and distill the fresh flavors of spring with Lemon-Glazed Pound Cake with Rosewater and Strawberries. With simple step-by-step instructions from the world's foremost culinary authorities—including suggestions for wine pairings as well as primers on culinary techniques and equipment—Seasons in the Wine Country is the ultimate resource for those who desire to live the good life and cook like master chefs!


AMAZON

~XOXO~

**Thank you Jessica for the opportunity to review**

Lotta Jansdotter Stencils

Lotta Jansdotter Stencils: Decorate your Walls, Furniture, Fabric and More

by Lotta Jansdotter

Chronicle Books

ISBN: 978-0-8118-7228-7

My Review:

From the Publisher:  Lotta Jansdotter Stencils -- There's something so satisfying about stenciling: It's easy, affordable, and it yields such impressive results. Especially when all the design work is done for you by the talented textile artist Lotta Jansdotter. Lotta's hand-drawn stencil motifs are cut out of durable plastic so they can be used again and again on all sorts of surfaces, from walls to fabric to furniture. Simply wipe the stencils clean with soap and water and stow in the handy storage pocket provided. Project instructions and photographs demonstrate how to repeat a design on a structured grid to achieve the look of wallpaper (for a whole lot less money), or apply designs randomly for a unique, playful effect. This package is a DIY decorator's delight—a real bargain, and beautiful to boot!

Lotta Jansdotter is an internationally celebrated textile and accessories designer. Born in Sweden, Lotta now lives, works, and teaches in Brooklyn, New York. Yoko Inoue is a Brooklyn-based photographer.


~XOXO~

Mini Lunch Notes

Mini Lunch Notes
by Peagreen
Chronicle Books
ISBN 9780811871051

My Review:

From the Publisher:  Busy parents will love this quick and easy way to add a personal touch to their child's lunch. Includes 105 colorful cards for jotting notes and more than 100 silly stickers for brightening up lunch sacks and sandwich baggies. Lunchtime has never been such fun!


AMAZON


~XOXO~

**Thank you Jessica for the opportunity to review**

Porch Parties and Sangria Recipe

Porch Parties
by Denise Gee
Chronicle Books
ISBN: 978-0-8118-6580-7

My Review: This book exemplifies porch entertaining with over 50 cocktail and handheld snack recipes. These recipes make entertaining simple, fun and enjoyable. The book is bright and cheerful with great photographs. Approximately every third recipe has a coordinating picture. The book is divided into 5 chapters:

Porch Party Pointers

Convivial Cocktails

Punch with Pizzazz

Think Frocktails not mocktails

Little Bites

For this review I made the Ruby Sangria on page 71. This Sangria proved to be light tasting and refreshing. I recommend this book to anyone wanting simple delicious entertaining. This would also make a cute gift...think housewarming!

Here are the pictures & recipe of my Sangria from Porch Parties:

Ruby Sangria (page 71)

1 (750ml) bottle red wine

1/2 cup brandy

1/2 cup orange flavored liqueur

1/2 cup fresh OJ

1/4 cup sugar

2 cups orange wedges

2 cups red apple wedges

2 cups green apple wedges

2 cups grapes

1 (750ml) bottle sparkling water, chilled

Garnish: with extra of the above fruit threaded on small skewers

Combine the red wine, brandy, liqueur, OJ and sugar in a large pitcher; stir well. Add the oranges, red & green apples and grapes. Chill for several hours.

Just before serving, add the sparkling water.

Pour the Sangria into red-wine goblets filled with ice. Garnish with fruit kabobs, if desired.

Take two aspirin in the morning. Kidding, the book does not really say this!

Enjoy-

~XOXO~

Resource Links:

Chronicle Publishing

Amazon

YouTube