Book Review: Better Than Before...but is it?

I went into this book with an open mind, I previously read The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin and found her voice in the book to be pretentious.

It did not take more than a page or two before the author sounded completely arrogant.  She makes it out to seem as if she is the only one who has thought of her "fantastic" idea.

She just made me filled with anger when I read her work and also wishing that she had a thesaurus so that she wouldn't have to say the word habit every sentence.

To the author: Gretchen I realize you want to be some life changing author but maybe you should go back to your 40 ways to look at someone shtick.

My advice to anyone is to avoid this book and avoid this author.

I received a free copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for writing an honest review.

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Book Review "Confections of a Closet Master Baker"

Confections of a Closet Master Baker: One Woman's Sweet Journey from Unhappy Hollywood Executive to Contented Country Baker by Gesine Bullock-Prado
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I picked this book up as a recommendation from Goodreads...I had no idea it was written by Sandra Bullock's younger sister. That isn't terribly important to this story as it is a fascinating read about the author Gesine (Geh-See-Neh) and her desire to move from the fast paced Hollywood life to rural Vermont.
Gesine does a fantastic job of spinning her tale and providing some very delicious recipes to go along with the book (I am a big fan of getting recipes when I am reading a food book).
I was disappointed though to learn that she's sold her bakery and is now in front of the camera...which is completely opposite to her viewpoint in the book (she talks about being an introvert and being almost a misanthrope).
That disappointment aside the book was a wonderful read, and it is a quick read so a great book to bring along when travelling.

View all my reviews

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20 Days and Counting

Well whether we are ready for it or not Christmas will be here in 20 days, for those who celebrate Hanukkah you only have 11 days.

Not that I am trying to induce any stress.

This year we've taken a pretty laid back approach to Christmas and the shopping that goes with it.  Having three kids we decided there are a plethora of toys in our house already so we should come up with about 3 meaningful gifts for each of them and then focus the remainder of the day on hanging out with family and enjoying a meal together...OF course there will be focus on food (I love the stuff).

So let me share with you a delicious treat and something that might distract you from any stress you might be under.

• 1 1/2 C all purpose unbleached flour
• 1 C spelt flour
• 1 1/3 C sugar
• 3/4 C unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 Earth Balance, melted
• 3 ener-G egg replacers
• 3 Tbsp almond milk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• Place flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix together with a fork and set aside.
• In a separate bowl mix together your Earth Balance, vanilla, almond milk, and egg replacers.
• Gradually add in your dry mixture and beat until fully incorporated.
• With damp hands form two loaves (12" x 3") from the dough and place on a greased baking sheet.
• Bake at 325 degrees for 30 minutes.
• Allow the loaves to cool for 10-15 minutes on the baking sheet.
• Remove from the sheet and slice the loaves (you should get at least 12 slices from each loaf).
• Place the sliced cookies back on the baking sheet, cut side up, and bake at 325 degrees for an additional 20 minutes.
• Allow them to cool before dipping (or eat them as is...I promise they are delicious just like this).

These might not make you all zen

But hopefully they will give you a nice little break.  Pair these (yes you should have at least two) with a cup of hot tea, chocolate, or coffee (whatever your please is).

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