The Hummingbird Bakery Cupcakes and Muffins

Those of you who know me, know I can't bake. Cook, yes. Bake, no and yes, there is a difference. However, that has all changed my friends. I now can bake cupcakes. Here is my review of this simply marvelous, magical cupcake recipe book. Buy it. I promise your cupcakes will be TO. DIE. FOR.

The Hummingbird Bakery Cupcake Kit
*contains cookbook & 100 cupcake cases

by Tarek Malouf

Ryland Peters & Small

Feb 28, 2010

ISBN-13: 978-1845979935

My Review: For this review I completed the vanilla cupcakes recipe (page 16) with vanilla icing (page 11). Honestly, I wanted to try the red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese icing but I have never had success with baking cupcakes and I did not want to try a recipe that required any additional work than necessary. The vanilla cupcakes turned out so delicious and perfect, I wish I had made the red velvet. Now I have the confidence to make both. Honestly, when I tell you I can't bake, I mean it. This is my very first successful batch of cupcakes.

What I loved most about this book is the simple ingredients and small serving sizes. The recipe did call for caster sugar which I found I could make my own by putting regular sugar in a food processor.

I also had to buy unsalted butter and whole milk, both common ingredients but not what I normally keep on hand. Everything else I had (of course every kitchen will be different). The book is small but very cute and Peter Cassidy does a great job photographing all the different varieties of cupcakes & muffins. Several to cupcakes note: vanilla, red velvet, chocolate, lemon, strawberry cheesecake, black bottom, lavender, banana & chocolate, green tea, pumpkin, & marshmallow. Several muffins to note: carrot & zucchini, spinach & cheese, blueberry and maple & pecan. Buy this book. 5 stars!

*One thing I would note. I like my cupcakes to have a little more icing on top. Next time I will consider doubling the icing recipe.

The Hummingbird Bakery

~XOXO~

Perfect English Cottage

Author: Ros Byam Shaw
Photographer: Jan Baldwin
Ryland Peters & Small
September 2009
Specs: 192 pages, 350 color photos
ISBN: 9781845979041


My Review: I get so use to looking at magazine, staged rooms, that I have forgotten what real homes look like. This book gives you real cottage. Perfect English Cottage is about the quintessential charming, cozy, country inspired home.

I love the size of this book (9" x 11"). I actually chose this book for review based on the cover. It is so cheerful, cozy and bright.

There are twice as many pictures as there are pages. The photographs are spectacular. The book is divided into 5 chapters; Romance, Character, Holiday, Simplicity and Elegance. At the end of each chapter there is a useful review picking up on ideas and also a comprehensive directory of sources. You can get the Perfect English Cottage look for yourself!

This book with it's pictures and stories took me to a place that I want to have in my home all the time. I can picture the cobblestone lined streets, thatched roofs and roses around the door.

4 out of 5 stars!

From the Publisher: Perfect English Cottage explores 18 inspirational homes that celebrate the best of cottage style in the English countryside. The book looks at the decorating and design solutions that make the cottages as attractive inside as out, as well as practical and comfortable to live in. Best-selling author Ros Byam Shaw takes a fresh look at this perennially appealing style, which she divides into five chapters: Character, Holiday, Romance, Simplicity, and Elegance. The featured homes are incredibly varied, from a tiny house with exposed beams to a pared-down Georgian gem, to a picture-perfect cottage with roses over the door–and plenty more adorning the interior. Each section ends with a Finishing Touches page devoted to ideas for recreating the style in your own home.

You can buy Perfect English Cottage from Amazon and other fine retailers.

XOXO-

**Thank you Marny from Ryland Peters & Small for the opportunity to review**

Essentially French - Homes with Classic French Style

Author: Josephine Ryan

Photographer: Claire Richardson

Ryland, Peters & Small

September 2009

Specifications: 160 pages, 200 color photos, 8.5"x10"

ISBN: 9781845979065

My Review: The is a nice sized coffee table book. It is divided into 3 main sections: Simple French, Elegant French and Eclectic French. This book exhibits traditional French style with many different views of homes. One of my favorites is the home of Spencer Swaffer, Flower Power.  It is a bright harmonious mix of French inspired styles that will leave you cheerful.

Another show stopper is the pictures showcasing La Fabrique. The extraordinary bathroom in this home has four shiny basins, hand-bevelled mirrors and a magnificent slate-floor.

Through-out this book is several other pictures that left me "dog-earing" the corners of the page: a swedish buffet with the most perfect worn paint, moss covered staddle stones, minimalist stone staircase and a long zinc-topped table. Really, there is something for everyone!

I have to be honest here...this book might deserve 4 stars. The more I look though this book, the more I like it. If you like French decorating, then you need to give this book a try. Also, if you would like furniture refinishing ideas with a European look, then definitely by this book!

3.5 out of 5 stars!

Publisher's Review: In Essentially French, antiques dealer and stylist Josephine Ryan offers a privileged glimpse into the homes of antique dealers who have a passion for French style. The homes featured include farmhouses, townhouses, and apartments. Their decorative styles may differ, but all have something in common–each and every one showcases the beauty of vintage French furniture and accessories, and demonstrates the understated elegance of French life. From the chic simplicity of a Parisian apartment to the traditional charm of a Provenal farmhouse, the carefully-chosen locations illustrate the many facets of classic French style. This book is perfect for anyone who seeks ideas for their own French-inspired interior, or for those who simply want to dream.

You can buy Essentially French from Amazon.com and learn more about Author Josephine Ryan at her website.

XOXO-

**Thank you Marny from Ryland, Peters & Small for the opportunity to review**

The Perfect Handmade Bag & a GIVEAWAY!

The Perfect Handmade Bag

Author: Clare Youngs

CICO Books

September 2009

Specs: 128 pages, 200 color photos

ISBN: 9781906525811

My Review: This book was fun!  When I first received the book, I spent my time looking over all the colorful pictures and step-by-step instructions. I then marked a couple of the bags that I liked the most. After I narrowed my list down to about 6, I studied the projects and picked what I thought would be the easiest to complete.  I chose "burlap & print shopper, (pg. 58)" for my review project.  This is a great bag to take to the grocery store, the beach or to store kid's toys.  I did not have burlap for this project but used a sturdy outdoor Waverly fabric and a houndstooth print.  The book talks about recycling, so I used what I had! My one complaint with the finished product is that the seams on the inside of the bag are un-finished. Not a big deal but it would look better had the instructions included a way to finish them. There was only 5 listed instructions and 5 materials listed for this project.  I thought the instructions were simple but basic sewing skills are going to be needed. This is a picture of my "print shopper."

The book is divided into 5 chapters: purses, shoulder bags, shoppers & totes, evening bags and kid's bags.  There is also a detailed techniques and templates chapter.  The book has some great ideas for recycling materials. I especially liked the "packaging tote (pg. 62)."  The bag is made from recycled labels, stamps, postcards, paper bags, graphics from fruit crates and old tickets.  The ideas are endless!

If you love to create, sew or craft, then this book is for you.  There are 35 step-by-step projects for totes, bags and purses. Plenty to keep you busy!

From the Publishers: Give fabric a new lease of life with one of these fantastically chic recycled bags. In today's modern, environmentally conscious society, with its emphasis on reusing and avoiding plastic bags, a practical bag has become an essential part of everyday life. However, practical doesn't have to mean boring, as any of the 35 fun and functional projects in this book show. Every bag is designed to make the most of materials that are readily available and easily recyclable. Try turning a dish towel into a smart shopper to carry all your groceries in, or use an old hessian sack to make a sassy bag to take to the gym. You will soon be able to transform an old blanket or a few scraps of discarded clothing into a unique bag in no time at all. Each project comes complete with beautifully illustrated step-by-step instructions and there are designs suitable for all skill levels. You are certain to find the ideal bag for you or the perfect gift to give to friends and family.

5 out of 5 stars!


You can order The Perfect Handmade Bag by Clare Youngs from Amazon.com and you can learn more about Author Clare Youngs from her website.

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Because I love my followers SOOOOOO much, I am giving away my handmade shopper bag!  One lucky follower will be the recipient of my handmade, slaved over a hot sewing machine bag.  Winner will be picked Friday. Make sure you are a follower to qualify for my giveaways.

XOXO-

CookBook Review: Easy Food for Kids (& Giveaway)

Easy Food for Kids

Ryland Peters & Small
October 2009
Specs: 240 pages, 120 color photos
ISBN: 9781845978983


My Review: Let me first be honest here. I am writing this review while eating a Poptart, so my culinary choices might not be right for reviewing a cookbook but this cookbook is for kids and I have one of those. So, I am at least partially qualified. There also might be a cultural differences in this cookbook.  I reside in the United States and this book is published by Ryland, Peters & Small, who have a strong presence in London.

This would be a great cookbook, if you were not a kid.  Unfortunately, the title says "child-friendly food" so I can not give this cookbook high marks.  How many kids do you know that will eat the following: smoked mackerel pate (pg. 61), leek frittata (pg. 74), fiorentina pizza (pg. 120), herby trout triangles (pg 122) and fish pie (pg. 145).  I can see my son's gag reflex in full glory.

I might not be able to recommend this book to kids but it is a great cookbook for adult taste buds. The book is divided into 6 basic chapters: breakfast & brunch, soups & snacks, lunchboxes, hot dishes, desserts and teatime treats. The ingredient lists for each recipe are minimal, time saving and the flavors seem appealing. I did not try any of the recipes for this review. I like the size of the book (7.5" x 7.5") and the color pictures are nice and coordinate well with each recipe.

If you have a child that will try anything, with far reaching tastes, than this cookbook is for you. It will bring a little variety to your meals and the recipes are easy enough that kids could help in prep--making this even more delightful!

2.5 out of 5 stars.

From Publisher: It is often difficult to get children to eat the nutritious meal you have lovingly prepared for them. Easy Food for Kids is packed with more than 100 easy recipes for good, honest food that children will love to eat, and which dont demand lots of your time. 

Whether the little ones are off to school or the whole family is having a lie-in on the weekend, theres a recipe in the Breakfast & Brunch chapter to get everyone off to a storming start. Extra Oaty Porridge and Blueberry Pancakes will be gobbled up in no time. 

Salads, Soups, & Snacks are for those quick meals and munchies when you need something light but nourishing to keep the kids going. Pea and Ham Soup, Thai Chicken Noodle Salad, and Parmesan Breadsticks are healthier than store-bought crackers or potato chips. Making the kids Lunchboxes will ensure that they have a varied diet. Chicken Wraps with Mango Chutney and Cucumber and hot, sweet Butternut Squash Soup will be just what the kids need halfway through their school day. 

For evening and weekend meals, the Hot Dishes chapter caters for every type of hunger. Meatloaf, Fish Cakes, Roast Chicken, Pasta with Ham and Peas, and Chili Con Carneentres this delicious will be loved by kids and adults alike. 

And with Desserts like Brownies and Almond Fruit Crumble, you can reward good eaters with a sweet treat. Get the kids to join in when you bake some Teatime Treats like Apple Cake and Double Chocolate Muffins. Or let them help you make Drinks such as the Mango Smoothie or Strawberry Milkshake, perfect for starting the day or coming home from school.

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I am giving away my review copy of 

"Easy Food for Kids" to one lucky follower. 

Winner will be announced Wednesday. So, FOLLOW ME!!

or RSS me!

XOXO-

**Thank you Marny from Ryland, Peters & Small for the opportunity to review this book**

Awesome Book Alert GIVEAWAY: What Shall We Do Today?

What Shall We Do Today?

60 Creative Crafting Projects For Kids

Author: Catherine Woram
Ryland Peters & Small
August 2009
ISBN: 9781845978877
Specifications:
160 pages, 300 color photos, 9' x 9.25"


My Review: I enjoyed this book!  In fact, I have marked several of the projects to complete over the Thanksgiving holidays. For this review, I completed the Snow Globes project on page 129. Max and his friends had so much fun doing this project. The Snow Globes were so easy and relatively fast for my 5 year old's attention span -- a perfect combination!

The projects range from the classics; Paper Mache, Finger Puppets to some newer projects; Crystallizing Pansies, Modeling with Balsa Wood. The color pictures are bright and descriptive. The instructions average around 5 step and are easy to follow.  The items needed for the crafts are simple to find.

The book is divided into 4 sections; Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. Very creative!  Some of the additional projects I can't wait to try...Pompoms, Peanut Heart, Pumpkin Birdseed Feeder and the Snow Globes (see below for my pictures & snow globe tutorial).

From the Publisher: For children, the experience of creating is every bit as important as the end result. Making, baking and growing will fire their imaginations and offers an inspiring alternative to endless hours spent in front of the computer or TV screen. What Shall We Do Today? is packed with more than 60 colourful, fun and imaginative projects by Catherine Woram, designed especially for boys and girls aged between three and 12 years. The book is arranged by season, and each section is crammed full of ideas for fun crafts, great gifts and pretty decorations to keep children busy during the long summer days and rainy afternoons alike. Every project can be completed using readily available materials and in five or fewer steps – just follow the step-by-step instructions and you can't go wrong!

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Here are the Snow Globes from page 128.  Max had a blast adding all the ingredients to the jar and picking out an ornament.  The night before we planned to make these snow globes, I glued all the ornaments to the lids and let them dry overnight. I also sealed the ornament with a spray polyurethane. This is not noted in the instructions.

I bought all my items from Walmart.

1. Glass Jars

2. Distilled Water

3. Glycerin

4. Clear Liquid Dish Soap

5. Glitter

6. Strong Waterproof Glue

7. Ornament/Figurine

8. Craft Silicone Sealant, optional

Glue the ornament to the jar lid. Let dry overnight and spray with sealant (polyurethane).

I used baby food jars for the smaller snow globes.

Fill the jar with distilled water. Get it as full as you can but take into consideration the weight of the ornament.

Add approximately 2t of glycerin, 1/2t of dish soap.

Add 5-6t of glitter.

Add silicon sealant around the lid for a leak proof seal. Shake & enjoy!

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GIVEAWAY

Because I loved this book so much, I am giving away a copy! If you follow my blog, you are already entered. For an additional entry and to increase your chances of winning you can do the following:


(+1 entry) Twitter about this book/contest with the link to this post, make sure you leave me a comment telling me you have twittered.


(+1 entry) leave me a comment, any comment!


Contest ends Friday, November 27th. Canada & US Residents Only (Sorry!).

XOXO-

You can buy What Shall We Do Today by Catherine Woram from Amazon and other fine book retailers.

**Thank you Marny from Ryland Peters & Small for the opportunity to review this book**