Review: Andrew's Claim To Fame

Children's Book: "Andrew's Claim to Fame" (Children's book for bedtime story) (Children's books with great lessons collection)

Book Description

 Are your children affected by TV and the internet?

Would they like to be famous as soon as possible?

Are they impatient about life in general (I want this and right now!)?

Are they unaware of their gifts?

Are they dreamers, but don’t have enough faith?

I have the solution for both you and your children, portrayed in a touching and great bedtime story.

Just like in my second book (Noah’s Petting Zoo), I will teach your children:

* How to be patient
* How to be self-motivated
* How to help one's fellow man
* How to help the animals (cats and dogs)
* How to believe in yourself and to dream (Self-Esteem & Self-Respect)
* Good deeds bring about good results in return

This children's book is a touching story, full with all sort of feelings & emotions that you can share with your child.

The story is with a simple rhyming text for children ages 3-8.  

About The Author


My poetry was first published at age 18 in Teen Ink magazine and I started writing children's books at age 26, but had no idea how to get my message out to anyone other than my friends and family. Finally, I discovered Amazon's Kindle Publishing platform and published my first children's book on Kindle on January 17, 2013, ten years later. -- Idan Hadari

Review

 

Such a cute story written in rhyme with lovely and colorful illustrations. I especially like the main character, ambitious Andrew who is 10. He has such a need to discover his talents and purpose, wanting so much to be famous like a musician, etc. He listens to his brother John's advice, wishing upon a shooting star but one day stumbles upon rescuing 2 small kittens. My grandchildren love it!

5/5 stars! Recommend it!  

See what others are saying...

Children's Book: "Andrew's Claim to Fame" (Children's book for bedtime story) (Children's books with great lessons collection)

Best,



 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis
© copyright 2013 – All rights reserved
LadyD Books

Dino Cloud and Wild Mustard Days

When I walked down to the bottom of our avocado grove, I looked up and saw these beautiful clouds. Later on, I recognized a gray shadow image of what appears to be a dinosaur. Do you see him? My word, what a pleasant surprise... I just love nature!

Photo for Skywatch Friday

Simple Recipes for Easy Homemade Face Scrubs and Body Exfoliants (All Natural Cosmetics)

The Friday 56

Relaxing Avocado Body Scrub

Ingredients:

1 cup oatmeal, coarsely ground

1/2 cup avocado oil

4-5 drops lavender essential oil

"Mix all ingredients in a glass bowl or jar. Rub into damp skin, massage for 2-3 minutes and rinse with warm water."

I'm really enjoying the book and especially to find anything to do with avocados. Do you like body exfoliants and did you know that there are coffee and flax seed scrubs? I learned that avocados are compatible with most skin types because they are full of beta carotene, vitamin B, C, and E.

Wild Mustard

Along the nature trails that enclose my 2 1/2 acres, I've come across lots of wild mustard this year. Of course, I live in SoCal and see it everywhere but I was wondering if it is in the hills where you live?

Happy Reading!

 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis
© copyright 2013 – All rights reserved
LadyD Books

Review: The Farmer's Market Seasonal Cookbook

I was so pleased to see a quote from my review posted on Amazon!

“ What a great idea to shop locally and prepare fresh, green food from market to table. ”

Book Description

Discover why eating healthy meals made from fresh, local ingredients has never been more fun and easy! Join the thousands of Americans that are rediscovering why there is nothing better than purchasing fresh, local ingredients for home cooking.

Local farmer's markets are back and booming. Across the United States consumers are becoming more aware of the positive impact they can have on their local economies, the environment, and their overall health by shopping for food that has been grown right in their own backyard. What's better is that by shopping at farmer's markets you are ten times more likely to pack your bags with colorful fruits and veggies than you are when you shop the non-organic, processed aisles of many big-chain supermarkets.

The Farmer's Market Seasonal Cookbook takes you through all four seasons, showing you just how satisfying and simple farm-to-table cooking can be. With over 50 recipes that span every meal (including dessert!), you will be inspired to start making simple changes in how you shop and prepare food for your family.

Enjoy recipes like:

* Rainbow Chard and Basil Pasta
* Asparagus and Bacon Quiche
* Sweet Corn and Black Bean Tacos
* Nectarine Tartlets
* Slow Cooker Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
* Orrechiette with Turnip Tops
* Mulled Apple Cider
* And so many more!

My Review:

Beautiful food photos, along with simple, easy to make recipes. I love how the book is organized by seasons, too. What a great idea to shop locally and prepare fresh, green food from market to table. For Spring, I recommend Rainbow Chard Basil Pasta. Eggplant Parmesan is good, along with the Watermelon and Quinoa Pear Salad for Summer. I'm looking forward to trying the author's Baked Acorn Squash and Butternut Squash Soup under the Autumn section. Since I have lots of herbs in my garden, I really enjoyed making the Fennel Stuffed Tomatoes and the Rosemary Roasted Potatoes that is provided for the Winter category and enjoyed anytime. This is a great cookbook. You won't be disappointed.

5 stars! Recommend for your Kindle.      

These photos are not from the cookbook but I wandered down to the lower part of our avocado grove and came across this one lonely mushroom. I chuckled to myself because I've always wanted to try to make stuff mushrooms that are store boughten, not my own. Have you ever tried it? Well, here's a recipe from the cookbook, The Farmer's Market Seasonal Cookbook by Karen Pettine and Little Pearl. 

Stuffed Mushrooms

Ingredients

• 2 dozen medium mushrooms, rinsed
• 3/4 cup butter
• 1 small yellow onion, rinsed
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 4 Tbsp. grated Parmesan
• 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
• 1 cup herb seasoned breadcrumbs

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees
2. Remove stems from mushrooms. Chop enough stems to make 3/4 cup.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter.
4. Brush mushroom tops with melted butter. Place mushrooms in oven safe casserole dish top side down and brush insides of mushrooms with butter as well.
5. Add chopped mushroom stems, onion, and garlic to pan with butter. Cook until onion is translucent.
6. Stir in cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and breadcrumbs. Mix well.
7. Fill each mushroom cap with approximately 1 tablespoon of the breadcrumb mixture.
8. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until filling is hot.

The Farmer's Market Seasonal Cookbook Cooking Fresh Food Fast While Eating Local and Staying Green

Enjoy!






“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis
© copyright 2013 – All rights reserved
LadyD Books

Salsa Skywriter

                                                                   skywriter
                                                            can accommodate
                                                          an antenna structure
                                                       which occupied its place.
                                                                    interior!

                                                           -- Sharon Mason

                                                         Photos for Skywatch Friday

                                         Jackson 5 wrote a song

Skywriter

(chorus)
Skywriter
Sweep your silver pen,
Across the sky so high

Skywriter
Won’t you write the biggest
I love you
Cross the sky

She don’t read the letters
I write anymore
Sorry I upset her
But I wasn’t sure
Now I know I love her
I hope that she will see
A message high above her
That you write for me, yeah.

(chorus)

Hey hey
Send a box of cande
And flowers every day
Still she wouldn’t listen
Her pride got in the way

Now it’s up to you
It won’t fade away
Write it on the heavens
Love will make it stay, yeah

(chorus)

The Friday 56

Yes, that's right... I'm reading another cookbook from Zondervan. This one is a most enjoyable read and just by coincidence my page 56 this time is another delicious Mexican recipe. I haven't tried this one because I just don't care for real spicy, very hot food but my hubby sure does!

"This makes a lot, so I often freeze half to use at a later time. -- Becky

Killer Chipotle and Roasted Pepper Salsa 

Makes about a quart of salsa

1 28 oz. can organic crushed fire-roasted tomatoes (divided in half)

1/2 red onion

2 garlic cloves, peeled

3 small mini peppers (yellow, orange, or red) or 1/2 large red pepper, roasted)

1/2 c. of cilantro

2 large fresh jalapenos, seeded

2 chipotle peppers in adobe sauce

2 Tbl. white vinegar

2 teaspoons sugar

sea salt to taste

1/2 fresh lime, squeezed

1 tsp. smoked paprika

Put half of the crushed tomatoes and remaining ingredients in a food processor. Pulse until mixture has the consistency you like for salsa. Then stir in the rest of the crushed tomatoes, which will give it a nice chunky texture. Check seasonings once more. Grab a bag of chips... and enjoy.

We Laugh, We Cry, We Cook: A Mom and Daughter Dish about the Food That Delights Them and
the Love That Binds Them

 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

© copyright 2013 – All rights reserved
LadyD Books

Huevos Rancheros Skies

I am amazed at these summer skies of southern California. At first I steadied my camera on the rising sun between the two palm trees but then our sun quickly made a fast appearance and I clicked the button. This is the real deal folks. Top photo has no editing on my part. Lucky me to catch the sun's aura glowing warmly over our eastern mountain range. The day promises to be another hot one in July.

How is it where you are?

Photos for Skywatch Friday

For The Friday 56, I'm reading a great cookbook, with a huevos rancheros recipe to go with my sun photo.


"This is a simple version of the traditional Mexican dish. Make it easy with just tortillas, eggs, and salsa, or make it special by adding the extras. You can choose to make it with 1 or 2 eggs per person. To really go all out, add side dishes of beans and Spicy Cantaloupe Salad."

Moosewood Restaurant New Classics

Of course, Moosewood cook Eliana Parra definitely adds some chopped fresh cilantro, scallions and a bit of cayenne with lime juice, oil and vinegar to her dressing poured over sweet cantaloupe.

Photo Crdeit: Elise Bauer

Haven't tried this one yet but here's an online recipe for huevos rancheros. This Mexican cuisine consists of fried eggs served with warm tortillas but it's the salsa that makes it so special, I think.

 With all my bell peppers ripening in the garden, I just might give it a try... Have you made huevos rancheros before?







“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis
© copyright 2013 – All rights reserved
LadyD Books

Billy Graham Nearing Home: Review

I just finished reading the New York Times Bestseller, Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well. As you can see from the cover art, Billy Graham's writings won the 2012 Christian Book of the Year.

My Review

How do you prepare for unexpected twists and turns of getting older and do you like growing older? Do you or someone you know is now facing infirmities and uncertainties that are a part of this maturing process? I can relate to these timely questions and thought of so many dear people that surround my life with these same thoughts and feelings. Billy's writings encourage and inspire us to live bravely in the midst of difficulty and shows us how to be content.

Throughout the pages of the book perspectives on life and faith are sprinkled through the ten chapters. The author focuses on "old" as genuine, valuable and beautiful. God used so many people in the Bible in their later years. Are you willing to be used by God regardless of being bound by physical ailments, financial constraints or the loneliness of growing old?

As a grandma of five, I heard a repeated theme or call if you will, to invest the fruit of your experience in the lives of others. Billy Graham is passionate about legacy and leading other generations by example. Life is a journey of many steps and growing older is a gradual process. Burdens and disabilities become our companions. Are you willing to be used by God? 

I love the book and plan to get copies for gift giving. Get the book, you'll be blessed.

5/5 stars. Highly recommend.







“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis
© copyright 2013 – All rights reserved
LadyD Books

Golden Skies and Golden Years

What a glorious day! Wow, how blessed we are to live in this great country of ours. Hope your 4th was spectacular in every way. Happy July 5th! This awesome 'golden sunrise' was taken from my eastern view with a Nikon D200. For other fabulous photos, please visit Skywatch Friday.

Who doesn't love Billy Graham? Currently I'm reading this wonderful book by the famous evangelist and author. It's really good... no, it's great and so full of valuable wisdom! For The Friday 56

"I admire others who can lighten heavy hearts and bring a twinkle to tear-filled eyes in times of grief." -- Billy Graham

Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well

I received this book from Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review and I look forward to posting my thoughts soon. Have you read some of Billy's writings? I've read Unto The Hills and you'll find my review of this devotional book there. It is inspirational for walking through the Bible with favorite snippets for each day to reflect upon.

Happy Reading!






 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Book Review: Verdi for Kids by Helen Bauer

Verdi for Kids introduces opera and Italian culture to young musicians and composers.
2013 marks the 200th anniversary of Verdi's birth.

About The Book

Giuseppe Verdi dominated Italian opera for 50 years, and his operas are performed throughout the world today. Verdi for Kids offers young readers an accessible, behind-the-scenes peek into the exciting world of opera and traces Verdi’s path to fame, delving into the great composer’s childhood, musical training, family tragedies, and professional setbacks and successes. Kids also learn about the Italians’ passion for opera and Italy’s tumultuous past, key political figures, and cultural pastimes. Aspiring sopranos, baritones, musicians, conductors, and stage directors will learn about opera jobs and production, what happens at rehearsal, and music terms and vocabulary, gaining an understanding of opera’s rich tradition.

Verdi for Kids: His Life and Music with 21 Activities (For Kids series)

  My Review

If you're a music teacher, a student or Opera buff, you'll appreciate this great music resource immensely. The biographical information is well-written and truly the book is a labor of love. Many of us know that Verdi  wrote opera, choral and chamber compositions, plus songs that tell a story. We've listened to his famous works of Requiem, La Traviata, Aida and Otello. But who was Giuseppe Verdi that 200,000 people came to his service? I had to know. 

The study of great music and the life of Verdi will not disappoint. Learn of Verdi's personal loss and grief that motivates and compels him to write more successful works. As you discover Verdi's constant desire to monitor the political scene, the reader comes to know the composer's love to unite his country Italy, and the charities he created from his concern for others less fortunate.

As a piano teacher and grandmother of 5, I especially like that the book is for ages 9 and up. 10 activities are provided all through the book, like making homemade pasta, playing bocce ball, creating pizza party invitations, costume designing and planting a tomato sauce garden. Not only is this a fun book for singing like a Diva but learning about Leitmotif and the kiss motif, too. It's a wonderful and valuable music resource with beautiful illustrations, offering a timeline, glossary and list of additional resources with end notes.

5/5 stars. Bravo! Highly recommend.

About the Author

Helen Bauer is the author of  Beethoven for Kids: His Life and Music with 21 Activities (For Kids series). Another book by the same author, Verdi For Kids,  explores Verdi's impact on opera and introduces Italian history and culture to budding musicians. Book published by, Chicago Review Press.

Helen Bauer, born in New York City, is a graduate of the High School of Music and Art (now known as the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and Art and Performing Arts) and Hunter College. As a vocal student at Music and Art she had the privilege of working with Leonard Bernstein on a nationally televised Young People's Concert performance of Aaron Copland's opera The Second Hurricane. Mr. Copland, later that year, conducted another presentation of the opera at the Metropolitan Museum of Art which was broadcast on the radio.

She also participated in several private concerts at Carnegie Hall and a number of public performances as a member of a chorus. Her experience on the stage encompassed summer stock musicals and some off Broadway revivals. Working with a band, she also sang in the large hotels in upstate New York as well as entertaining at private parties. She often headlined at small cafes in the New York area.
Moving to Connecticut after her marriage, Mrs. Bauer directed, staged and conducted several musicals for teen-aged youth groups. One of these teen singing groups toured the Eastern seaboard. She also provided piano and music theory lessons to individuals. A certified teacher, Mrs. Bauer has taught in New York, Connecticut and Florida.

Verdi for Kids: His Life and Music with 21 Activities (For Kids series)

Best,






“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis