LadyD Books: June 2014

Friday 56: Natural Cosmetics

cover art: The Complete Book of Natural Cosmetics

My mother-in-law gave me this cool paperback book to read. It's called,

COMPLETE BOOK OF NATURAL COSMETICS: AN AUTHORITATIVE GUIDE TO NATURAL BEAUTY AIDS THAT CAN BE PREPARED IN THE BUYERS OWN KITCHEN

I quickly skimmed through the contents and discovered the use of fruits and vegetable cosmetics, such as... grapefruit, apples, lemons, limes, strawberries, cucumber, pineapple and papaya. Then there's the use of teas and herbs, like licorice, slippery elm, rose-water, honey, oatmeal and lavender.

Have you used natural substances in your hair or put them on the face before? And were you pleased with the results?? As I get older, I'm constantly reading food labels everywhere I go. I guess the same applies with cosmetics, sunscreen, etc.

So, dear readers... what do you slather and lather, rub and spray on your face?!

Snippet

I noticed one recipe that was marked in the book called, Golden Scarecrow Beauty Drops.

1 egg
2 Tbl. sesame oil
2 Tbl. honey

Separate the egg, drop the yolk into a small jar, then add the sesame oil and the honey. Hand-stir until thick, rich and smooth. Now add the egg white, close the jar, and shake hard. The mixture will thin out somewhat and become even smoother. And so will you, when you dab it on in dry-skin or wrinkle areas-- throat, elbows, upper lip, and especially those nasty crow's-feet around the eyes. You wondered why I called this "Scarecrow," didn't you? Try it, and you'll find out!

The Friday 56

"You now have a cup and a half of the most luxurious, skin-loving lotion you've ever met, with a "pH" (acidity or alkalinity level - in this case, acidity) in the normal-skin range - about 5.5. It's a pale-green emulsion, rich in feel, with the skin-loving qualities of cucumber and apple pectin, the protein content of egg and yogurt, the astringency of witch hazel, and the emolliency of apricot-kernel oil." --Beatrice Travern

Kirkus Reviews

"As commonsensical and easy to do as squeezing a grapefruit into ethanol alcohol. Presto! - a zingy astringent."

About The Author

Beatrice Traven, author of the first modern book on cosmetics to be made at home, Here's Egg on Your Face, was hailed by Mademoiselle as "the Julia Child of cosmetic cookbooks."

COMPLETE BOOK OF NATURAL COSMETICS: AN AUTHORITATIVE GUIDE TO NATURAL BEAUTY AIDS THAT CAN BE PREPARED IN THE BUYERS OWN KITCHEN

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

Talking Parrots at the Park

Beautiful blue parrot at the San Diego Safari Park: LadyD Books

When you first walk into the San Diego Safari Park, you'll be greeted by this lovely blue parrot. I love the coloring, especially his eyes and the way he extends his leg while grooming. He's quite impressive and talks with authority as a greeter to the grounds. I'm always thrilled to see him each time I enter the grounds to the huge refuge park in the San Pasqual Valley.

You'll often see this local guy wandering around the Avocado Festival that's held once a year in April. Of course, he's with his companion, a small pet parrot. Such a lovely shade of green and he seems quite loyal to his owner. He's quite popular amongst the crowd.

The red-blue parrots are the noisiest bunch at the park. So demonstrative in displaying their wing span, stretching and squawking so loudly, in such a commanding way!

Beautiful white parrot at the San Diego Safari Park

Beautiful parrot in a tree branch: LadyD Books

Parrots are very social and this beautiful white bird was making such complex sounds!

These parrots live safely and socially with their group. I was so fortunate to see so many of them at one time. I was pleasantly surprised to see them at the Del Mar Fair. If you're interested in teaching your parrot to talk, you might enjoy www.2ndchance.info/parrottalk.htm

Do you own a parrot?

LadyD Books is linking with Wild Bird Wednesday

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

Review: Thank You, God

This bright, lyrical book offers readers of all ages and backgrounds the perfect chance to reflect on all the things that they have to be grateful for. Thank You, God is a celebration of family and friends, of homes and food to share, and of the wonder of creation from the first light of day to the calm, peaceful night.

This inspiring book, with its elegant yet accessible text and vibrant illustrations, is sure to have a powerful impact on readers as it encourages them to view the world around them with fresh eyes.

Inside Flap

Thank you, God
for the sun smiling on our earth to wake up the day,
for the light opening my eyes
to see all you have made.

From the first light of day to the calm, peaceful night, Thank You, God highlights all the many things that readers have to be grateful for: life, love, stories, family, food, homes, and more. With its elegant yet accessible text and vibrant illustrations, this book captures the wonder of creation and encourages everyone to view the world with fresh eyes.

Friday 56

Bless you, God

for this day,

for life,

for your love holding us together.

Amen.

Review

Another beautifully written story by J. Bradley Wigger, taking the reader on a delightful journey. It's a story of love and encouragement for every child and adult. Starting with creation, so thankful for the sun's light and being grateful for God's love keeping us all together through the night. This beautiful book is a must for every home and Sunday school library. The lyrical style helps children to be grateful for food, family, friends and their homes. The beautiful illustrations are so vibrant and charming, filled with soft warm colors. I especially like reading the part about sharing stories and singing songs. Over all, the book renews a hopeful perspective of trusting God and letting your heart dance, surrounded by His love and grace. Definitely brings the whole family together with purpose!

5/5 stars. Highly recommend for ages 3-8

Get a copy of the book, released in August. Thank You, God

About The Author

J. Bradley Wigger is professor of religious education at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. He is the author of Together We Pray: a Prayer Book for Families (Chalice Press)

Biography

Brad Wigger grew up in Alton, Illinois, along the Mississippi River near St. Louis. He is from a family of teachers and has himself been at it for some twenty years--currently as a professor at Louisville Presbyterian Seminary in Kentucky. He specializes in courses and work with children and is currently doing field research in the wildly imaginative world of children's invisible friends. His latest scholarly work, "Original Knowing," explores the deep roots of the human mind, and what this suggests about a religious imagination. It is followed by a picture book for children, "Thank You, God" scheduled to be released August 1st.

About The Illustrator

Jago is an award-winning children's illustrator. His books include The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones and Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing (both Zonderkidz). Jago lives in England. Visit his website at www.jagoillustration.com

Get a copy of the book that's soon to be released in August, Thank You God

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

Canadian Geese: A Masterpiece

They had been joined together by nature's force to always be as one,
the pair had traveled many miles through rain, sleet and sun. --Eula Slauson

I spent some time at the San Diego Safari Park wondering around and capturing a few photos of these beautiful Canadian Geese. It's such a peaceful environment for them to enjoy. These feathered beauties are not shy with the public. As long as there is an abundance of grain and berries, I'm pretty sure they'll be around the park for quite some time. Photos for Wild Bird Wednesday

Average life span in the wild is 24 years.

Canada Goose swimming on the lake: LadyD Books

They wear coats of liquid light, made of water and of air.
-- Mark Koslow

He continued,

honking his displeasure

as his right foot

slid sideways

from under him. -- Belle Schmidt

Graceful geese gliding on the water: LadyD Books

Group name: Flock

A feathered elder!

Lessons From Geese

http://www.canadageese.org

Coloring Pages and Worksheets

http://www.kidzone

Books

Chesapeake Bay Goose Music
Wild goose, brother goose,

Music

http://www.poems.lovecanadageese.com

Have you seen Canadian Geese in flight?

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

Book Review: The Chopped Cookbook

Synopsis

Never again let the question, “What's for dinner?” stump you. The Chopped Cookbook features secrets for combining pantry staples to make exciting meals.

If you’ve ever looked into your fridge, hoping for inspiration to strike, let The Chopped Cookbook help you shake up weeknight dinners. Just as each basket on Chopped has many tasty possibilities, so, too, do the contents of your refrigerator. By showing you how to spin your favorite ingredients into 188 fun, doable, and delicious recipes—including go-to guides for making salad dressings and pan sauces, four-ingredient market baskets that can go in many tasty directions, and ideas for ways to reinvent pasta dinners—the culinary masterminds at Food Network set you up for mealtime victory every night.

The Friday 56

"Jerk seasoning (a combo of allspice, thyme, and hot pepper) and spicy andouille sausage bring the heat to this flavorful chicken skillet. Use the inner stalks of celery here - they cook quickly and end up melting into the sauce." -- Jerk chicken, Sausage, and Celery Fricassee

Glimpse Inside

I'm a fan of Chopped and I enjoy listening to the judges critique the contestants food preparation and I especially like seeing what's hidden in the baskets. Here are a few quotes from the book and the dedication:

"To all the chef's who have passed through our kitchen throughout the many years of Chopped: thank you for your creativity and fearlessness. You inspire our cooking daily."

Q: What is your most off-the-beaten path pantry ingredient?

A: "I love preserved lemons." -- Judge Geoffrey Zakarian

Q: What is your dream Chopped basket?

A: "My dream Chopped basket probably won't ever happen: New York strip steak and potatoes."

-- Host Ted Allen

Q: What is your most indispensable kitchen tool?

A: "My Microplane. I use it for everything from spices to ginger, garlic, lemon zest: it's a small tool that has the power to unleash big flavors." -- Judge Maneet Chauhan.

My Review

When I picked up this book, I was expecting a cookbook with stylish, entertaining recipes. Then I kept reading, mainly because I was more interested in knowing if there were practical meals offered. I really enjoyed how it all came together. I was not disappointed to find tasty Rigatoni and Linguine with Bell Pepper Marinara for the family. Many of the recipes take about 20-30 minutes to prepare. I had to try the yummy Marinated Tilapia Tacos and the delicious Greek-Spiced Wings and Potatoes with Yogurt Dipping Sauce. Vegetarians will devour the Moroccan Carrot Salad, along with the Green Bean and Coconut Stir-Fry. All in all, the ingredients and cooking time are proportioned nicely. The book is well worth the money. Looking forward to trying the Thin Lemon Pancakes next. Enjoy!

5/5 stars. Recommend.