Inspire Transformation is a weight loss book. You’re going to be disappointed when you read this book, if you expect to be told exactly what to do. Naomi Teeter (of MindBodyGreen fame) lost 125 lbs and has kept the weight off for five years. That’s a whole lot of years people. Her weight loss book is going to be a let-down for those of you who have given up on yourself and now you want an “easy out”. If you want to open up a book and see that all you need to do is eat three egg…
For kids that have trouble with anxiety, nervousness in crowds, or are quick to react emotionally, there is nothing better than a good book for them to gain perspective. Here are some that I have read to my kids that have struck a chord and opened up discussion. They teach coping skills to help kids bounce back from their problems on their own, so that they will be more resilient in the future. Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell. Both Molly Lou Melon books that Patty Lovell has published are amazing. They are all about being yourself in the face…
This book is amazing. Some have described it as a “nergasm” and it’s a perfect description. It’s a post-apocalyptic world and we on Earth have used up our non-renewable resources. Jobs are scarce and the poor get poorer as the rich get richer. Many live in “the stacks”, which is a terrifying mess of trailers in the trailer park stacked one on top of the other to conserve energy and space. Everyone spends all their time in the larger than life game-world of The Oasis, rather than in their depressing real world spaces. When the creator of The…
What an arrogant novel with unlikeable characters. I tried to like this novel, I did. I didn’t like this novel. (Obviously). This book surprised me. I LOVE Jane Eyre, and was expecting a similar work of genius and insightful entertainment in this novel. Sadly, I recommended reading this book to my Husband for our Two Person Book Club. I was so sure of her talent that I pushed for it and it was my Husband’s first Bronte novel. I regret this deeply. Shirley was the only entertaining and likeable character in this book. Even Shirley couldn’t hold my love though…
I love our Community Shared Agriculture farm. We picked Eagle Creek Farms which is close to Calgary, AB, and is run by Farmer John and his family. They deliver the veggies and herbs weekly to a nearby farmer’s market. I don’t have a garden or a yard and a potted plant garden on my balcony can only yield so much. I don’t often get to the farmer’s markets so supporting a local farm and getting veggies once a week from them is a dream! I’ve made so many things. Here I used the cilantro to make salsa, cucumbers to make pickles,…
Let’s talk about things that I love. Books. I love books. Last time I wrote about the children’s books that are rocking our world lately. Now it’s my turn! I have so many graphic novels and coffee table books that I adore. Here are the ones I own that I keep going back to. 1. City of Glass: Douglas Coupland’s Vancouver. A gorgeous love letter to Vancouver. This is not, I repeat not, a guide-book but a realistic look at Vancouver’s insides. The writing is genius, of course, and the photos are gorgeous. Worth a read if you want…
We have started to frequent the library again. The kids love the library! Both of them pick out any books they want and then check them out with their own cards. Here are three we keep going back to….. 1. We have taken this one out twice in a row and my kids don’t want to take it back. Inside this book, the Dinosaur versus everything from spaghetti to talking grown-ups to tooth-brushing. It is a really fun read and the kids love helping out with the roaring. I have even used this one to convince them to do other…
Always do your research before trying something new. Even if it is a natural material or vitamin. Maybe, especially if. I didn’t read about what side effects eating maca powder raw could have, and I really should have. I started taking maca powder raw in my coffee or smoothie to help regulate my periods and clear up my skin. It worked like a charm. I did this after reading one blog post. A month and a half later I could barely eat without getting stomach cramps or sweating and I was very gassy. I thought maybe drinking too much coffee…
My husband and I have started something interesting. I recommend it. It happened almost by accident. My Husband had downloaded a book on tape, Steig Larsson’s “The Girl Who Played With Fire” for a road trip. I finished my book while he was away and started to read the same book. When he came back it turned out we were in about the same spot in the book, but he was a bit ahead of me. Since I read at lunchtime while the kids eat, and Josh listens to his book on tape while driving to different clients all day,…
I saw The Place Beyond the Pines awhile ago and haven’t really stopped thinking about it since. A phenomenal movie it was less a movie than a play in 3 parts. There was a focus on each father and then the sons. There is no hero or villain here. Everyone is equally flawed and F*cked up. There are subtleties that should not go unnoticed when you see it. The mention of ice cream for instance and whether that dream is fulfilled. Also, some of the camera work. I am trying to keep these thoughts sparse because if you haven’t…