How To Train Your Dragon: book series review

Am I the only one who didn't realize that the How to Train your Dragon stories were based on books!  My 8 year old son and I came across Cressida Cowell's book series at the library.  The first book was published in 2003 and there are currently 11 books published.  My son and I started with the 11th book (because that is what was at the library) How to Betray a Dragon's Hero, published in Sept 2013.  At the end of the book, the author notes that the 12th book is coming soon, and will be the final book in the series. Check out the book series website howtotrainyourdragonbooks.com.

I was so blown away by the book we read.  It was artfully done with skilled prose and pencil drawings.  The book moves alone quickly, and we always had a hard time stopping at the end of a chapter.  The 17th chapter, Sword Fight, was so wonderful, I took it to work and shared it with many friends.  It was all about what makes a hero, a king, a leader.  It was about hatred and forgiveness, and about identity and what choices we have when someone else has what we want. 

 

The books embody great character and morales, wonderful prose and illustrations, and the timeless epic tradition of books like the Narnia series and The Lord of the Rings.  Now, mind you, they are different in many respects too...but there is a journey across many lands, with multiple types of dragons, and the battle between good and evil.  The hero endures trials and overcomes obstacles, until he becomes more and more the king he was destined to be.

My son is 8 and is able to read the books alone, although I do think he misses a lot that way because of the vocabulary used.  He seems to get more out of it when we read together.  I love the books, so they are definitely appropriate for anyone about 3rd grade and older, depending on reading level and proficiency.

Lifelong Learning on the Web: A Review of Coursera

I just discovered the wonders of coursera.org.  This website offers over 650 free online courses from over 100 national and international sources including top universities like Princeton, Duke, University of Edinburgh, and more.

The courses span a range of topics including things like medicine, finance, history, art, food and education.  The courses are geared toward three groups of people: those who are lifelong learners and like to explore new topics, those who are students wanting to augment their learning in a particular area (e.g., astronomy, physics, statistics), and professionals who want to learn more in their field of study (e.g., how to teach character in the classroom).  Most of the courses are in English, although some are in different languages.

The courses run for a specific length of time, so not all courses are running simultaneously.  Most courses are about 6-8 weeks.  Each course estimates the amount of time commitment per week (e.g., usually about 4 hrs a week).  I tend to feel the estimates are on the long side. 

Coursera has an app that can be used for the course, although not all features are available on the app.  Some of the features that allow you to chat and discuss topics with other students in the class are not yet available on the app but are available at their full website.  Each week of the course, there will be videos available to watch in which the teacher is speaking right to the camera (not a far off shot from a large class in session).  The course is made just for coursera students.  Each video may be about 2 - 15 minutes in length and there may be 5-8 videos per week.  There may be extra links or readings suggested or available.  Then there is a weekly quiz in which you click an honor code button that you are doing your own work.  The quiz consists generally of 5-10 questions and is untimed.  You can typically retake the quiz 1-2 times and use your highest score. 

Many of the courses offer you a certificate of completion and there is an option to pay about $45 for a verified certificate if this is important to you. 

So whether you want to learn about new topics from your own home or want to supplement your schooling or career, check out coursera.org where learners learn for free. 

Great Fun with Jigsaw App

I really enjoy jigsaw puzzles, but there are some drawbacks to getting one pouring out the pieces on your floor or table.  The pieces get lost, you lose interest in the picture, you get stuck and give up, or it takes so long to complete you have to put it all back in the box undone. 

I recently discovered the Jigsaw Collection HD app from iTunes.  I paid for the 2.99 premium version, but there is a free version as well with some puzzles included.  

The premium version lets you upload any photo you want and turn in into a puzzle, for endless personal puzzles of your choice. You can also buy packs of themed puzzles from iTunes.  

Some nice features are that you can save puzzles you are working on, and have several puzzles in process at one time.  You can choose the type of pieces you want...such as traditional puzzle pieces, waved squares, or flat squares.  You can choose how many pieces are in your puzzle from as low as 12 to as high as 288.  You choose the color of your background puzzle table.  You also have the choice to have the pieces right side up at all times, or rotated in random ways to make it harder.  You can have the app separate all the edge pieces for you and bring them onto the table first.  In other words, there are many ways to make the puzzle personal and adapted to your difficulty preferences!

5 Reasons I Started Shopping at Zulily

I have often seen ads for zulily.com but never checked it out until recently.  I was very pleasantly surprised and excited by the site.  It is a site where you can find the latest deals on things for women, kids, and the home from a variety of different vendors.  It is the type of site you check frequently, because the deals are only while supplies last, and the deals are for a limited time...usually about 3 days.  The items are discounted from regular price and the shipping costs are low.  You cannot return items, however, and you have to wait about 2 weeks to receive your purchases.  They have you "sign-up" so you have a log in and password, that this "membership" is free. 

 However, given those stipulations, I love so many things about it, I had to make a list...

1. Variety of Vendors and Items
We live in a fairly small city, and there are limitations to the variety of stores located nearby.  I tend to feel like I see the same things at all the stores.  But on Zulily, there are so many different vendors and the items are very UNIQUE.  In addition to having clothes, they also have toys, books, LEGOs, furniture, wall hangings, rugs, kitchen gadgets, boots, etc.  

2. Variety of Sizes
You can get unique clothing, shoes, lingerie, etc. for a wide range of sizes.  They have several plus sized vendors that have very nice clothing, of good quality, and a variety of styles (work, evening, lounge-wear, etc). 

3. Good Quality
The items I have received from them are of good quality and material, much better than if I bought them at a local discount store. 

4. Unique Categories: organic, gluten free/casein free, special needs
My son is in the autistic spectrum and he eats a gluten free/casein free diet to help manage his symptoms.  In the last month that I have been monitoring the site, they have had an Enjoy Life event for gluten free, allergy friendly food; many clothing events that have used organic cotton; and even a "special needs" event where they sold compression shirts, vibrating cushions, and chewy toys for kids.  

5. Latest Fashion and Toys
I was somewhat concerned that if these were "deals" they would be outdated clothing styles.  The merchandise they offer is always up to date for fashion and relevancy.  For example, they currently have many events carrying leggings, tunics, infinity scarves, and high boots for women.

Double Chocolate Chunk Cookies from realsustenance.com: gluten, grain, egg and starch free

I've been making these chocolate cookies from realsustenance.com lately.  Yum and Yum. 

Check out the original directions below (and then see bottom of post for my own variations). 

• 2 packed cups Blanched Almond Flour 

• 1/3 cup cocoa powder

• 1 Tsp. Baking Powder

• 1/4 Tsp. Salt

• 1/2 Cup + 2 Tbs Granulated Sugar 

• 1 Tbs Vanilla Extract

• 4 1/2 Tbs Room Temperature Butter  (Earth Balance, Goats Butter, Shortening or Coconut Oil)

• 2 Tbs Applesauce

• 1-2 bars of Dairy Free Chocolate Chopped into Chunks

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cover a large cookie sheet with either parchment paper or a baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Chop your bar(s) of chocolate into chunks (as big or as small as you want them).
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer (by hand should work as well) combine all of the ingredients until the dough comes together stirring in the chopped chocolate last.
4. Form 12 cookies with your hands into round / flat patties (I made mine 1 inch thick and about 3 inches wide).
5. Bake 15-16 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool before removing from baking sheet.

My own variations--
I use 1/4 cup agave nectar and 1/4 cup coconut palm sugar.  I like the texture of the cookie a little better this way.  If I don't have applesauce, I actually use one large egg because I do eat eggs.  I use coconut oil and it works out well.  The cookies are great without chocolate chunks or chips as well.  Recently I put in mini-chips and dried cherries.  

Check out Raw Chocolate-Swirl Cheesecake bars from Detoxinista.com

This is a great one from detoxinista.com.  I actually make a double batch of this recipe and use a cupcake tin with liners to make 12 servings.  I keep them in the freezer, and eat one for breakfast as I run out the door for protein packed goodness.  It fills me up and lasts a long time.  The basic recipe is below, but use the link for the most complete directions. 

Raw Chocolate-Swirl Cheesecake bars

Chocolate Crust:

1 cup raw pecans
2 Tablespoons cocoa powder
2 Tablespoons pure maple syrup (preferably Grade B)
1 Tablespoon coconut oil
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Directions:

In a food processor, process the pecans and crust ingredients until crumbly.

Cheesecake filling:

1 cup raw cashews, soaked for at least an hour
1/2 cup zucchini, peeled and chopped
2 1/2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 Tablespoons coconut oil
1/4 cup honey (or agave, for vegans)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Directions:

Throw all of the ingredients into a blender and blend until silky smooth. Pour the filling over the chocolate crust and smooth the top, using a spatula.

Chocolate Swirl:

2 Tablespoons cocoa powder
1 Tablespoon pure maple syrup
1 Tablespoon coconut oil, in liquid form

Directions:

Whisk the ingredients together until smooth. Next, using a spoon, gently pour 3-4 lines across the cheesecake bars and swirl.

Gluten Free Frozen Pizza

I have recently been recovering from surgery, and having some food we can unwrap and throw in the oven is very nice!  That is sometimes a tall order when you are trying to eat natural food, and in addition, we eat gluten free, soy free, and dairy free. 

We recently discovered Ian's gluten free dairy free pizza at our local grocery store.  

We have tried other frozen pizzas but didn't care for the "cheese."  Ian's is now our favorite 
frozen pizza...nice crunchy crust, smooth cheesy topping, and delicious uncured pepperoni.  The makers describe it as "all nature allergy friendly."  

For those of you that like gluten free but can eat some dairy, you may want to check out Bella Monica's Gluten-Free Spinach and Feta pizza.  It has a subtle spinach taste and the feta adds a nice unusual twist to the usual cheesy topping.  

Civilized Caveman Cooking: Lemon Pound Cake (Paleo)

Interested in Paleo cooking?  You might want to check out civilizedcaveman.com,  I personally LOVE this recipe on the site for lemon pound cake.  I use agave nectar rather than honey and I leave the glaze off.  The cake is very moist and not too sweet.  I have noticed that the center often seems too soft when I take it out, which I think is a function of the coconut oil which melts easily even at near room temps.  I put it in the fridge for cooling and it firms up nicely.  

Serves: 12

Ingredients

Lemon Pound Cake

• 2 cups almond flour (185 grams)
• 1/2 cup coconut flour (63 grams)
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 tsp baking soda (3 grams)
• 2/3 cup raw honey, melted
• 2/3 cup coconut oil, melted
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons unsweetened full-fat coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons pure lemon extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Glaze

• freshly squeezed lemon juice from 2 lemons
• lemon zest from 1 lemon
• 1 vanilla bean pod
• 4 tablespoons raw honey

Instructions

Lemon Pound Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit.
2. Prepare a 9×9 baking pan by coating the interior lightly with coconut
3. oil.
4. Cut parchment paper to fit the bottom of the pan and place it
5. over the coconut oil.
6. Sift dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl and stir with a whisk to
7. combine.
8. Place oil and honey in the bowl of a food processor and process for 2 minutes.
9. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition.
10. Add coconut milk, lemon extract, and lemon zest, and continue to process until well combined.
11. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients and thoroughly combine using a wooden spoon until smooth
12. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 35 minutes or until it passes the toothpick test
13. Let cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes
14. Remove cake from pan and let cool completely

Glaze

1. While cake is in the oven, cut vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape the beans into a small saucepan.
2. Add the vanilla bean pod, lemon juice, zest, and honey to the pan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Let cool to room temperature. Remove pod and discard.
5. Using a fork, poke several holes in the top of the cake
6. Pour glaze over the cake, using a spatula to evenly distribute over the entire cake. Let the cake rest for an hour to fully absorb the glaze.
7. Serve immediately or cover and store in the refrigerator.

Flourless PeanutButter Banana Muffins from Detoxinista

We are enjoying these muffins at Detoxinista.com so much.  These flourless muffins are high in protein and really filling.  They are a great breakfast or snack, and travel well in school lunches.  A few notes: I actually end up having to bake them for 20 minutes, so you can adjust that based on your oven. These muffins do rise, so don't fill more than the recommended 1/4 cup.  Also, I always add 4 or 5 dried cherries on top before baking. Yum...like a peanut butter and jelly muffin!

Ingredients

• 1 cup natural organic peanut butter

• 2 very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup mashed)

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3 whole eggs

• ½ teaspoon sea salt

• ¼ cup honey (or stevia, to taste)

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• Optional add-ins: ½ cup chocolate chips, or 1 cup fresh raspberries, or ½ cup dried raisins or cherries, or 1 sliced banana

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350F and prepare a muffin tin with 12 paper liners.

1. In a medium bowl, combine all of the ingredients mix until smooth. At this point, you can fold in one of the optional add-ins, if desired.

1. Scoop the batter, using a ¼ cup, into each muffin liner.

1. Bake for 15 minutes at 350F. The resulting muffins should be firm, and lightly golden.

1. Allow to cool for 15 minutes before removing from the pan.

1. Serve immediately, or store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week!

Notes
Adding fresh raspberries or dried fruit will make these taste like a ‘peanut butter and jelly’ muffin! Almond butter can easily be substituted for the peanut butter in this recipe, if you prefer. You could also try sunflower butter as a nut-free option!

A Fun Way to Learn History: History Detectives PBS

I have always loved to learn about history through "the story" of a person or community.  I think this is why I like historical fiction.  I read about the story of a character or family, but set in a period of history that is intriguing and perhaps new to me. 

I recently found History Detectives on PBS.  It is not a new show, but a new discovery for me.  Each hour long show includes 3 historical mysteries that are investigated.  Rather than a story of a person, the investigation centers around a piece of memorabilia, document, artwork etc that may have some connection to an important part of American history.  Some of the episodes include pieces from the old west, the suffragette movement, the Titanic, and the earliest airplanes.  It is somewhat reminiscent of Antiques Roadshow in that people bring in things that have passed down their family or things they purchased at estate sales, but in this case you actually learn the story behind the antique or piece of memorabilia presented and its place in history.  All past episodes of History Detectives are available at this link.

Tea: What Makes It So Wonderful

I have recently realized how little I have understood about beverages and foods that take on characteristics of the region they come from (e.g., wine, tea, coffee, cheese). 

I recently read a new book in the Tea Shop Mystery series by Laura Childs.  The book is Sweet Tea Revenge and was just released in March of 2013. 

Aside from loving a good cozy mystery, I so enjoy reading her descriptions of teas, flavor profiles, infusions, and blends. 

Tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world (after water).  It is reported to have health benefits including the reduction of blood pressure, weight control, and the increase of bone mineral density.  Tea catechins are said to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities. 

Teas can be categorized based on how they are processed with at least 6 different types: white, yellow, green, oolong, black, and post-fermented tea.  Teas from multiple areas may be combined to form blends.  There are also a large range of scented and flavored varieties such as Earl Grey.  In the United States and Canada, 80% of tea is consumed as iced tea. 

Check out the Teavana website for all things tea or visit one of their locations. 

They sell tea, tea blends, and other products like teapots and infusers.  They even have Tea of the Month clubs and their app is free.

Avacado Recipes: Surprising Ways to use these Healthy Fruits

This week I came home and needed something quick for dinner but didn't have much in the fridge.  Then I remembered I had some banana and some avocado in the freezer.  I threw together a smoothie with those fruits and some cocoa powder with agave nectar.  I had been hearing about using avocado in frozen recipes but hadn't tried anything yet.  It was wonderful, creamy, filling, and did not taste like guacamole!

Avocados are a fruit with many health benefits.  They contain all 18 essential amino acids, fiber, phytochemicals, as well as vitamins A, B, C, E, K, copper, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium.   The fats are primarily monosaturated and good for your body.  See here for 15 health benefits of avocados: 
Avocados and Health.  

In addition to everyone's favorite guacomole, avocados can be key ingredients in a variety of other recipes.  They can be substituted for heavy creams in some deserts likes cakes and frozen desserts.  And don't worry--they don't taste like avocado.  

Check out detoxinista.com's Healthy Fudgsicles

Try this Vegan Chocolate Cake at ambitiouskitchen.com!

Book Review-- Start: Punch Fear in the Face, Escape Average and Do Work That Matters by Jon Acuff

Start: Punch Fear in the Face, Escape Average and Do Work That Matters by +Jon Acuff .

I saw this book discussed on twitter as one you will find in the business section of your local bookstore.  I can see why, although it is certainly broader in topic than just business.  It is both motivational in tone as well as practical with steps to get started with work-that-matters.  I really enjoyed reading it and have recommended it to several people since it came out in April.    

Some of my favorite points and quotes:
1. "Fear is schizophrenic--it always tries to argue both sides of the coin. It will tell you you can't chase your dream, or that if you do, it must be perfect."  Or fear will say "It's too late to chase your dream" and "You should chase your dream later." 

This is a really good point--that not only is procrastination often fear-based, but so is trying to do everything right now and perfect.  The reason fear is addressed in a book talking about doing work that matters, is that Acuff tries to put into perspective how to achieve meaningful things over the long term.  He talks about taking small steps now (starting) and knowing they grow into bigger things later.  And no-it's not too late to chase after meaningful work. He points out that in 2011, 20 percent of new entrepreneurs were between the ages of 55 and 64.  He also emphasizes that the internet and social media break down many barriers that existed for previous generations.

2. "You have to be brutally realistic about your present circumstances and wildly unrealistic about your future circumstances." 
Acuff makes a good point about needing to be realistic about where you are.  Dreaming is not permission to abandon responsibilities to "chase after your dream."  He encourages you to be brutally honest about your finances, your family, your education, etc.  But be a starter--the only thing you are completely in control of is the starting line.  Take small steps to move toward the dream.  Be unrealistically optimistic about the future because no one knows how things will end.  You don't control the outcome, only the start.

I highly recommend this book.  I don't usually read books from the business section, but it is much broader in content and focus.  His writing style is also easy to read with many funny anecdotes and personal stories that add to the meaning he conveys.  This would be a great graduation or Father's Day gift since those holidays are coming up!

Thomas and the Dragon Queen: Book Review

My son and I were looking for the sequel to How to Grow up and Rule the World at the library (see previous book reviews) when we stumbled across this delightful adventure. My son is 7 and not reading chapter books yet, but he is a bit old for the more simplistic picture books and loves a good adventure.  So we have been reading some short picture books with chapters and also one lengthier chapter book with about 200 or so pages.  I do most of the reading, but I know he reads along because he corrects my mistakes!   


Here is the story synopsis:
A kingdom is at war.
A princess has been kidnapped by a dragon queen.
A brave squire volunteers to set out on a quest to rescue her.
But there's just one small problem. He's Thomas, the shortest of all the squires. With little more than a donkey, a vest, and a sword, Thomas will have to use all of his courage and determination to battle a beast with many heads, reach a forbidden island, and rescue the princess from a most fearsome dragon-and an even more fearsome fate!
Part thrilling adventure and part enchanting fantasy, sprinkled with charming black-and-white illustrations, Thomas and the Dragon Queen will delight young readers from start to finish



My son insisted on getting a book with at least some pictures, and this book fits the bill. The illustrations are black and white sketches and he loves to look those over.  The book was published in 2010 by Shutta Crum .  It is described as being geared for ages 7-10 or grades 2-4.  Good Reads website documents an average of 3.73 stars out of 86 ratings.  Some of the lower ratings did not have an actual review attached, but those that did seemed to feel it was somewhat simplistic and best for younger readers just starting out in fantasy fiction.  My son is 7, so he seems to fit the bill. 

For us the story is moving along at a nice pace, and at the end of each chapter you want to read the next.  We both love stories with an unlikely hero on a quest to rescue someone!  Those stories are timeless and Thomas is one unlikely hero, whereas adults may seek out The Hobbit or Captain America!  

For us, with me reading much of it, it is a good supplement to our nighttime reading, as it makes him want to continue reading.  If we can pick a great adventure book, that is fun and entertaining, then we look for more!  Looking through the library shelves together is how we found this one.  We are glad we did!

The Skinny on Coconuts: Water, Milk, Oil, and Flour

There's a lot of buzz these days about the health benefits of coconut products.  If you are like me, you might have trouble keeping up with the terms and advice.  Here is a summary of what I have found--

1. Coconut Water
Coconut water is the liquid inside a coconut and is harvested from young green coconuts 5-7 months of age.  The water is fairly clear and health benefits include electrolytes, enzymes, vitamins, minerals and phyto-nutrients.  Coconut water is a good thing to drink if a person is battling stomach flu or diarrhea, because the presence of electrolytes and minerals help replenish the system more than pure water.  It is also a good thing to drink if you are working outside gardening or mowing the lawn because of its hydration and restorative properties.  Some sources report that coconut water may help if you're prone to bladder or kidney infections; the water seems to lend detoxifying properties to the urinary system.   Coconut water contains the same lauric acid as mother's milk, and therefore adds a boost to your immune system (lauric acid has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties). 

Some sources I found point out that any coconut product is best if purchased organic and raw.  The product is not raw if it has been pasturized; if pasturized (common in packaged coconut water), the amount of beneficial ingredients such as enzymes are much lower than in the raw product.

Personally, I find coconut water difficult to drink because of the texture.  I do, however, like it in smoothies with fruit.  You might want to check out this smoothie recipe on +Food Network's website.

Coconut Water Smoothie


2. Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is produced when water and coconut "meat" are mixed together and then pressed so the milk is harvested.  Some sources I read said the water used is coconut water and others just said "water." Coconut milk contains medium chain fatty acids, the fatty acid type most easily recognized and used by your body.  Because coconut milk is not a cow's milk product, it is free of lactose and the large milk proteins that can be associated with intolerances and allergies.  It is also vegan.  It is versatile and can be used in smoothies, rice dishes, soups,and curries.  Coconut milk is found in cans, sometimes in the international food section of your grocery store.  

3. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is extracted from the mature coconut meat.  Coconut oil is now recognized as one of the healthiest oils and includes medium chain fatty acids.  Coconut oil, like coconut water and milk, contains lauric acid, with its protective immune properties.  The oil helps you absorb minerals more effectively from food.  Many use it as a beauty product for their skin or hair.  Extra Virgin coconut oil is unrefined and has a flash point of 350 degrees F.  

4. Coconut flour
Coconut flour is grain free (and therefore often used in grain free and paleo cooking) and made from the coconut meat.  It is high in fiber; sources report it has as much protein as wheat flour but without the gluten (gluten is a large protein in wheat that causes health problems for many people with sensitivities or Celiac disease).  Coconut flour has only 3g of net carbs, and coconut has a low glycemic index (45).  Therefore, the flour is appropriate for low carb and low glycemic diets such as South Beach, Atkins, and the Zone.  This is in contrast to wheat/white flour which has a high glycemic index (I typically found numbers of about 74-75).  


Check out the recipes at FreeCoconutRecipes.com

Maybe you want to try out the Mexican Hot Cocoa Squares?  They look yummy.

Great Mother's Day Gift Idea: Tagxedo.com

I am very excited about finding Tagxedo.com. This is a free site, although I believe you can pay for a more premiere membership with additional fonts, etc.  At the site, you can create your own graphic with a certain shape (as above), font, and color scheme.  You type in all the words you want to be included in the graphic, and the program does the rest.  You can then save your graphic file.  You could use it as your profile picture on a social media site.  On the Tagxedo.com site, you can also connect to see what gift items you can buy with your graphic on it. 

For mother's day, I am making a unique graphic for each grandma, saving the file, and creating gift items.  You can go to a variety of sites to use your graphic, but I ultimately chose VistaPrint and created  personalized note cards to order, so that the grandma's can use them as stationary, thank you cards etc. You can also put the graphic onto mouse pads, t-shirts, aprons, carrying bags, ornaments etc.  What a great way to honor the women in your life this Mother's Day!

Eat Nourishing Recipe Site

I recently discovered eatnourishing.com.  Eat Nourishing was created in 2011 by husband-wife team, Anthony and Jami Delgado.  It is a recipe sharing site with recipes based on whole, unrefined ingredients.  There are many grain free and paleo recipes which I am interested in these days.  My son follows a gluten-free, dairy free diet and there are many compatible ideas on this site. 

You may be able to see from this screen shot that there are icons above each recipe that tell you what is true about the ingredients.  There are icons for vegetarian, dairy free, gluten free, grain free, paleo,etc.






I ordered some almond flour and coconut flour to get started with some of the recipes.  I would like to try this one called :  Paleo Almond Flour Crepes

 

 

Which one looks good to you?

Vordak the Incomprehensible: Book Review

My son just turned 7, and he is beginning to read simple story books on his own.  This is a book that I have been reading to him, because it is geared for 4-8th graders.  The subject matter, though, is right up our alley.

The premise is that the evil super-villan Vordak has written a book to help his snivelling readers aspire to greatness as evil rulers of the world.  Each chapter helps the reader understand the importance of selecting a dastardly name, choosing minions and henchmen, building a secret evil lair...well, you get the picture. 

There are a total of 3 books in this series including Rule the School and Double Trouble. 

The writing is very funny, and we are enjoying it.  There are many "big words" in this book like "villany" and "incomprehensible" and "dastardly." That is why it is for older readers, but we are doing fine with me reading it to him and then explaining some of the words. 

You can even check out the the Vordak website which includes Vordak's blog, information about books, and activities/games. 

Enjoy!

Stuff You Missed In History Class: Review of Show

I have always been a music lover, and typically when I am grocery shopping, cooking, or driving in the car, I like to listen to music.  No talk radio for me. 

However, lately I have been listening to podcasts from HowStuffWorks.com.  They have several different types of shows and podcasts, and I can't wait to check out the different topics. 

But for now, I am hooked on the show called "Stuff You Missed in History Class."  A few days ago, I listened to the episode about the Voynich Manuscript.  It is a document described as "a mysterious, undeciphered manuscript dating to the 15th or 16th century."

Many of the shows on this history podcast include some type of mystery or some unearthed information about historical events that not everyone may know.  This document has words on it that look like a language, but linguists feel that there are specific things about it that don't act like a language.  Others feel it is a type of cypher or code, but the code breakers have been unable to crack the code either.  Another theory is that it is a hoax of some kind.  It has tested out as a very old document, but the language itself may have been made up jibberish for whatever reason. 

There are many other good podcasts for this show on the site including one on Johnny Appleseed, a New England witch trial, and the invention of the sewing machine.  They are each about 30-45 minutes long and make for good listening while grocery shopping!

You might want to check out the How Stuff Works app.  That is how I do all of my listening to the show. 

What is your favorite historical time?  Did you learn about it in history class?

JibJab: Video ECards with a Personal Touch and more

My husband recently had a birthday and my parents sent him a JibJab e-card.  I have to say, I laughed out loud!  Completely hysterical.  I remember that they sent a Christmas ecard and I loved it as well--I need to start using this site. 

What is it?  Well you go to jibjab.com and see an array of ecards with face cut-outs.  Then you use digital face photos from your own library to insert into the ecard which then dances to music or tells a story.


So, go onto your computer and pick out some good face shots of friends, family, or yourselves and check it out.  You might make a video card that looks like this:

 JibJab snow race card
 

Also at the site, jibjab is announcing their new children's site called StoryBots.  It looks like a site built for fun and education in which you put your child's photo into the applications so they see themselves while playing the game or learning new information. 

They also advertise apps--They have a behavior game where kids earn points during the day and can loose points according to behavioral goals.

Another app is one that captures kids quotes with their photos in a cute display for messaging others.  Here's an example-- 

Many of the features seem fun.  I am going to check them out!