"Picture Me Cooking"

A couple of weeks ago, I won a giveaway at SouffleBombay.blogspot.com. The author, Colleen, and a few of her friends have written and published a cookbook that is also a photo album. It is the cutest idea! I won one of the books and I wanted to show you how fun it is. I can't wait to start using it with my two little guys.

There are different categories with pictures of each dish so you know what your recipe is supposed to look like. I definitely like that in a cookbook. They look so yummy and the best part is, they are all kid-friendly dishes!

There are also little photo pouches for displaying a photo you've taken while making each individual recipe. Such a cute idea! My 3-year-old loves to help in the kitchen, so it will be fun to have photos of him helping with specific recipes.

There are even a few pages dedicated to writing down your own family's recipes.

I don't get any bonus prizes for informing you all about this cute cookbook, but I wanted to share it with you because I think it would be such a fun thing to have. It would probably make a great gift, also! Too bad I didn't get around to posting about it until AFTER Christmas. Oh well. There's always next year!

If you want to check it out for yourself, head to the website here.

The Hunger Games...

I just recently read The Hunger Games and its sequel, Catching Fire.  I LOVED them!  They weren't at all what I was expecting, and I liked that aspect.  I'm a bit obsessed now, and I will be re-reading them here shortly.  (I know, I'm a nerd.)  If you haven't read the books, you should!  That way we can discuss! 

Also THAT time of year...

Around this time of year, I get the craving to read "Twilight" again. Please help, it's an addiction I don't know if I can kick. It's just so tempting to grab the book before I head out into the backyard to sun-worship. I need a new book. With "New Moon" coming out in a few months, I'm tempted to re-read the series just so that I can have the story fresh in my memory (yeah, that's my excuse, so what?(like I need reminding.)) But also, "Harry Potter 6" is coming out this summer, so maybe I should refresh my memory of that story. What do you think? I'm putting a poll up just to see what you guys think I should do, as if any of you actually read my blog anyway.

*Update*
With the new blog decor, I lost the poll. Thanks to the few that voted. Looks like I'll be reading something new! Thanks for the suggestions!

"Oh, Edward" or rather, "Totally Random Post #1"*

I must be honest... I love these books. I have read them several times each, and I will most likely read them again. I can't resist a juicy fantasy novel, 'cause lets face it, that's what they are. They sucked me right in (no pun intended) and I couldn't put them down. Bella was a bit of a drag through the whole series, but teenagers usually are over-dramatic, so I guess it just came with the territory. I'm definitely a member of "Team Edward," but I find it funny when people talk about him like he's a real person. Men are threatened by him. Women find mortal men mediocre when compared to him. What's the deal?! I must have missed something in the several times I've read these books where it actually refers to there being some sort of reality in all of it.

I am deeply entertained my other people's obsessions, though. This girl's site makes for a fun distraction from the mundane diaper-changing and Disney Channel-watching that takes up most of my days. I really hope she is able to rescue "Pocket Edward."

But to those of you who still swoon when Edward saves Bella's life for the __nth time (like me), I say these words: "Give your main man a squeeze and appreciate the fact that he is real and that he can keep you warm at night." Emphasis on "real."

* '#1' in title implies that there will be other random posts in the future. Just a heads-up.

Scriptures

I've had a real need to read my scriptures lately.  I have felt void of spiritual enlightenment and I have had a great need for comfort and guidance that I know I can only get from the Spirit.  By reading my scriptures, I was able to get some insight into how I should deal with some feelings I have had lately about things going on around me.  They really put things in perspective and I was able to receive comfort.  I know that is what Heavenly Father intended when he commanded his prophets to record the words found in scripture.  I am so grateful for them.  Whenever I have needed answers, I have always known that I can turn to my Heavenly Father and he will guide me.  I never have to feel lost or alone because of Him.  (Jacob 3:1)