Tuesday, September 30, 2014

The New American Herbal

The New American Herbal is a comprehensive guide with a little something for everyone,whether you are just getting into herbs, are wanting too add to your existing knowledge or are already an expert. Every page offers something useful, from herb basics, drying your herbs, homemade dried spice blends, medicinal herbs, and essential oils. Every herb has its own page explaining its origin,height,seasons,safety and more. There are herb garden projects, herbal beverages and even delicious recipes! This book is packed from cover to cover with beautiful photos showcasing the herbal beauty of flavor and health. What a great book! Much more than I was expecting. Almost an information overload, in a good way. There are so many great ideas for herbal gardens and herb uses. The information provided about each herb is easy to understand and very helpful, with ways to make a good cup of tea even. (some of the herbs) The recipes look delicious, though I haven't had the opportunity to make one yet. I cannot wait to learn more about herbs and get my garden started! I will definitely be telling others about this book. I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Monday, September 22, 2014

Elsa Shiaperelli

She's a fashion mogul. She's a bit rebellious. She's shocking at times. She's Elsa Shiaperelli, or Shiap as she was fondly known as. But she was also, a bit of an introvert. Surprisingly modest. Not to mention shy. She absolutely loved books, had a pension for theatre/cinema and was constantly traveling. She hated to shop, unless it was shoes for her supposed perfect feet or for antiques. These were all parts of her lesser known side. What people did know about her was her extreme fashion designs. Including a gown designed with a large red lobster display on the skirt. She made handbags that lit up or played a tune, a smoking glove that had a storage for the matches and even a striking board on the wrist, and a hat named jubilee, designed for the anniversary if the Eiffel Tower that was made of black feathers in a towering arrangement! She had lovers, she had friends, she had a troubled background. She even launched a fashion live for misses, ostensibly designed by her daughter Gogo. She was intricate, she was interesting, and she lived a life full of intriguing and exciting detail. This was a really fun biography. It was very interesting to delve into Elsa's inside life. The side most didn't see to know. I liked reading about all her designs And inspirations. I will say, It was a little dry, in that I had a hard time getting completely sucked in. Which I thInk was due largely to the sometimes disjointed writing style. I felt like things skipped back and forth at times, or brought up facts at random times. But overall, for anyone who loves to read about fashion, and Shiap in particular, will really enjoy this.

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Best Party Book Ever

It's party time!! So why not throw a soirée that's not only memorable, but beautiful and fun!? With loads of ideas, all packed into a wonderfully colorful and perfectly photographed book, you won't have trouble planning the perfect get together here. From the star style swap- a run-way inspired party, to a summer spa party, or maybe a creative Pom Pom party? And don't forget the classic ice cream social, or new ways to throw the perfect holiday bash! So earn some brownie points throwing your tweens or teens the most fashionable party on the block. Really cute book! The photography and creative layout make this book very eye pleasing, and the party ideas are all very do able and fun. I know I would have loved to have this book as a teen. My parties were never so chic as these. I will definitely be passing this around and recommending it among friends and siblings.

Monday, September 15, 2014

It's never too late to get your brain in better shape and now you can do so the fun way , with chain games, thinking outside the box, scrambles,carousel puzzles and more! Set up into four different difficulty levels, you can easy into the learning at your own pace. Learning should always be exciting, and with this book it will be. So sit down, bend your brain and see just how much smarter you feel and will be! I'm really enjoying this book. I am not all the way through it of course, that will take time, and honestly I like to savor it, doing a few puzzles at a time. I like the way the book is set up, and even to the feel (floppiness) of the book. I don't even mind the black and white pages. (I usually opt for color). Really looking forward to continuing on in the differing puzzle difficulties. I think any one who loves brain games or puzzles will really enjoy this book.

Monday, September 8, 2014

Sheerluck Holmes and the Case of the Missing Friend




Sniffy is missing, and Sheerluck Holmes is determined to find out who did it and why!  He questions the whole dart paying crew until answers begin to fall into place. Could it be Sniffy ran away on his own accord? Or was it something someone said?

 Great book for young readers. My son loves veggie tales, so I know this will be a great way to inspire his learning to read. I really like that he will get to learn a good life lesson as he is testing out his reading skills. Cute pictures. Perfect length.

Thursday, September 4, 2014

A beautiful Mess- Happy Handmade Home



Is it time to reinvent your space? Are you hoping to throw a party and are in need of some eye popping decor and exciting new cocktails? Well here you are!  Packed from cover to cover are pages filled with projects to get your creative juices flowing. Here you will find anything from color wheel clocks, to cross stitch stools,to custom serving dishes and even a kids playtime blanket.  There are ways to reinvent your refrigerator, your recipe box and even your headboard. And your sweet tooth won't go home empty as you try your hand at cinnamon and olive oil waffles, chocolate chip cookies and birthday cake martinis. So grab some unique supplies and have fun!

I really wanted to like this book, really anticipating it's arrival.  I am however disappointed.  I have not been a regular on the Beautiful Mess blog, but have stopped by enough to think I'd really get a lot out of the content of this book.  And while I can say there are things I do like, for instance the way it is creatively laid out, and the well done photography, there are also things I don't really like. Which unfortunately will be the main premise of the book;  the DIY projects. I found them to be very juvenile and quite honestly tacky. I am a very creative person, and love a unique place. But I don't want it to look cheap or thrown together by children. And a lot of these projects looked that way to me. The ideas would be really cute for things like kids parties or camps or a college students place. I can't see most of this stuff in a grown adults home. And the recipes they had, honestly didn't make sense to me. They were just random basic recipes. Nothing to wow you or see the relevance of them being in this particular book. On a whole, I will take a few ideas away from the book for sure, and I'll be able to modify some of the projects to make them a little more classy. But sadly  it's not a book I'd tell anyone I was head over heels for.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.