Book Review: Three Ways With Stale Bread by Ross Dobson

Three Ways With Stale Bread is a compilation of 300 plain and simple recipes presented in a casual and relaxed format with ingredients highlighted throughout the recipe rather than given as a list.

 

There is nothing flashy about Three Ways With Stale Bread. The book is plain and simple just like the recipes inside. There are no glossy photos of the finished dishes. This is more a recipe book to be left on the kitchen bench and actually used on a day to day basis.

In this innovative recipe book Ross Dobson has formulated a simple method of using leftover ingredients, with a list of 100 common ingredients you would find in fridges and pantries all over Australia and corresponding recipes.

 

Simply look up the ingredient you have at hand from the list of 100 common ingredients, turn to the relevant page and there will be three quick and simple recipes using that main ingredient.

100 ingredients and 300 delicious, fuss free recipes with an extensive index and conversion chart in the back of the book.

 

I'll let Rob have the last word:

 

This book is not about reinventing your pantry ..... it's all about making the most of what you have at hand. It is all about being creative, thoughtful and resourceful. 

- Ross Dobson

 

Three Ways With Stale Bread is the perfect book for gifting in times like these when we are all looking for ways to be more thrifty.

My rating 4/ 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: Echo Publishing

Publication date: 3rd September 2024

Genre: Non Fiction / Cooking

Pages: 224

RRP: AU$29.99 (paperback)

Source: courtesy of the publisher

 

Book Review: The Journey by James Norbury

The Journey

by

James Norbury

Big Panda and Tiny Dragon 

 

Publisher: Penguin Australia

Imprint: Michael Joseph

 

Publication date: 18th October 2022 

 

Pages: 160

 

RRP: $35.00AU Hardcover

 

Source: Beauty & Lace Book Club

 

The following review appeared first on Beauty & Lace Book Club 

 

My review of The Journey: Big Panda and Tiny Dragon

This is the perfect book if you are having a bit of self doubt or wondering where you are heading in life. James Norbury has used Buddhist philosophies as Big Panda guides Tiny Dragon through some of life's trying moments. Having a friend by your side makes change just that little bit easier.

My granddaughter grabbed this book and read it as soon as it arrived. She loved the enchanting story about Panda and his best friend Dragon.

The Journey is not aimed at one particular age group, its appeal is all-inclusive.

For children it's an exciting adventure story. For adults it is a story of friendship, overcoming adversity, being in the moment, acceptance, gratitude and weathering life's storms.

The Journey is a beautiful book that would make a precious gift for both child and adult. Charmingly presented in hardcover with gold foil features and a ribbon bookmark. The illustrations move from black and white sketches to colour water washes to tie in with the mood of the story.

This is the second book in the Big Panda and Tiny Dragon series and I'm eager to get the first.

My rating 5/5  🐼🐉🐼🐉🐼

 

 

Book Review: Super Easy Knittting for Beginners by Carri Hammett

 Super Easy Knitting for Beginners

by

Carri Hammett

 

Publisher: Quarto Publishing Group

 

Imprint: New Shoe Press

Publication date: 2nd August 2022

 

Genre: Craft / Hobbies

 

Pages: 144

 

RRP: $14.99USD (paperback)

 

Format read: eBook

 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher via Netgalley

 

My review of Super Easy Knitting for Beginners

 

I have been knitting for a few decades now but I approached this book as if I was a complete beginner.


The book takes you from simple basic stitches to more advances techniques. It starts with the basics of knitting with crystal clear step by step instructions and lots of tips and helpful photos. It includes everything you need to know before you start including yarns, tolls and handy extras. There is so much in this book that I would have loved to know when I started knitting! 

All projects state what you will learn and what you will need at the start of each pattern.
 

Each new chapter builds on previous skills learned and adds additional skills so you are advancing your knitting prowess. There are chapters on stripes, colour blending, stranded knitting and adding beads. You won’t just be knitting scarves and beanies.
 

Hand knitting is making a comeback with online groups to give a helping hand, charity groups and face to face groups popping up everywhere.
 

I liked that needle size is given in US sizing and mm, as sizing is different in Australia. Google did come in handy with some of the wool weights.
 

Super Easy Knitting for Beginners is a comprehensive and well explained guide to knitting that I would recommend to anyone wanting to learn the craft.  

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I am knitting this gorgeous little baby blanket from a pattern in the book. Perfect for beginners with a simple knit and purl stitch. The wonderful thing about a blanket is you don't have to worry about size, just match your needles to the wool you are using and knit away. I used an 8ply pure cotton.

About the author

Carri Hammett is the original owner of Coldwater Collaborative, a gem of a yarn shop in Excelsior, Minnesota. Carri loves to collaborate with both her customers and her readers as together they express their love of knitting and expand their knitting knowledge and skill. She is the author of Mittens and Hats for Yarn Lovers; Scarves and Shawls for Yarn Lovers; Ready, Set, Knit Cables; and Knitting 101.

 

 

 

 

Book Review: The Magical Girl's Guide to Life by Jacque Aye

The Magical Girl's Guide to Life

by

Jacque Aye 

 

Find your inner power, fight everyday evil & save the day with self-care.

 

Publisher: Ulysses Press

 

Publication date: 21st December 2021

 

Genre: Self Help

 

Pages: 192

 

RRP: $17.95US  $24.95CAN

 

Format read: Hardcover

 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher via Pacific & Court Publicity

 

My review

 

The Magical Girl's Guide to Life is a unique pocket sized book aimed at finding your inner magic and dispelling self-doubt. 

I originally thought this was a middle grade book, just going by the manga style cover, however the book is geared toward a young adult and older readership.

 

Jacque Aye uses scenarios from her favourite anime shows, such as Sailor Moon, Winx Club and cardcaptor Sakura, and explains how these magical girls handled different situations.

 

There are lots of fun exercises, journal prompts and personality tests throughout the book and sections on making friends, expelling self-doubt, caring for yourself, finding love and how to survive a broken heart. I found the book helpful to read a bit at a time, having fun with the quizzes, and learning more about my inner power.

 

Author Jacque Aye is an advocate and vocal supporter of mental health awareness and self-care. The Magical Girl's Guide to Life is a fun little book that will be especially loved by followers of anime and manga readers but will also find a special place on the shelf of any girl who wants their life to be a little less boring and a whole lot more magical.

 

My rating 3 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐

 

About the author

 

Jacque Aye is a therapist-in-training and “Head Magical Girl” of the Adorned by Chi lifestyle brand, Since launching Adorned by Chi in 2015 Jacque has grown her business tremendously, racking in 6-figure sales within the first two years of operation and a development deal within the first five. Adorned by Chi has also worked with the likes of Sanrio, collaborating on a collection for their Small Business, Big Smile initiative. As a leader in the manga and anime space, Jacque has grown her small tight knit community into one that boasts over 100,000 magical beings across social media. She is a vocal supporter of mental health awareness and self care amongst Black women, and advocates for those suffering from social anxiety. In 2020, Adorned by Chi was able to donate $10,000 to the Loveland Foundation. 

 

 

 

 

Book Review: Who Sleuthed It? Edited by Lindy Cameron

 Who Sleuthed It?

edited by Lindy Cameron

 

Fingers and feelers and paws and wings,

Solving thrillers and chillers and secretive things!

 

Publisher: Clandestine Press

 

Publication date: 1st September 2021 

Genre: Crime Anthology

 

Pages: 340

 

RRP: $29.95 AUD

 

Format read: Paperback

 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher 

 

My review

 

I do enjoy anthologies! I like that I can read a short story here and there and it's instant gratification.

 

Who Sleuthed It? is a collection of stories connected by the theme of animal sleuths. 

 

It did include a wide range of sub-genres within the crime genre and I am not a fan of paranormal however there were 19 stories in all so don't be put off by the fact some may be a genre you don't read. A short story may also be a good way to give something different a try.

 

All stories had a mystery at their core. I enjoyed more the stories where the animals retained their animal mannerisms, but could communicate with each other, over the stories where the animal characters took on human mannerisms.

Many of the stories included an element of humour which always appeals to me. Because the stories are so short it is quick to move on to the next one if one doesn't appeal.

Overall my rating averaged out to 4 stars over the 19 stories and there were plenty of 5 star reads in there.

 

Who Sleuthed It? is a fun collection of stories that will appeal to animal lovers and crime readers alike. I also discovered a few new authors that I am now keen to seek out their full length novels. 

 

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

About the authors

 

List of contributing authors. There may be a few names here you already know.

Louisa Bennet - Australian

Lindy Cameron - Australian

Kat Clay - Australian

Livia Day - Australian

Jack Fennell - Irish

David Greagg - Australian

Kerry Greenwood - Australian

Narrelle M. Harris - Australian

Craig Hilton - Australian

Meg Keneally - Australian

C.J. McGumbleberry - American

Chuck McKenzie - Australian

Atlin Merrick - American

Dr. L.J.M. Owen - Australian

GV Pearce - British

Vikki Petraitis - Australian

Fin J Ross - Australian

Tor Roxburgh - Australian

Elizabeth Ann Scarborough - American 

 

Book Review: Big Book of Baby Knits by Marie Claire Editions

 Big Book of Baby Knits

by

Marie Claire Editions

 

80+ Garment & Accessory Patterns

 

Publisher: Fox Chapel Publishing

Publication date: 24th August 2021-US

                      4th November 2021-AUS

Genre: Non Fiction / Craft

RRP: $22.99US

Preorder on AmazonAU: $26.19AUD

Pages: 192

Format read: eBook

Source: Courtesy of the publisher via Netgalley

 

My review

 

I can't go past a knitting book and The Big Book of Baby Knits has a gorgeous cover which would immediately entice me to pick it up and have a browse.

 

In the front of the book is a section on getting started with basic stitch terms and abbreviations.

Each finished item is beautifully photographed. 

The book includes a vast array of baby items including: 

Blankets

Booties/shoes/socks 

Hooded jackets

Toys

sleeping bags

Beanies

Pants

Tops

Tunics

Overalls/rompers

 

Patterns have instruction for age ranges: newborn to 6months or 3months to 12 months.

There are only two patterns that go beyond the 12 month age. 

 

The majority of patterns are simple stocking stitch pattern with a couple of cable stitch patterns and one Intarsia pattern. 

 

I loved that this book features a modern take on classic baby knitting patterns with the colours of grey and navy used. I also liked the hoodie patterns and the long knitted baby pants. I would probably buy this book just for these patterns.

 

There are 7 patterns for toys that each match one of the clothing patterns. They are a cute addition although I don't have any interest in knitting toys. 

 

As babies have moved from booties and bonnets to shoes and beanies The Big Book of Baby Knits features lots of up to the minute patterns for the modern baby.

 

As I looked through the patterns for something to knit I found that the instructions are not fully explained leaving a lot up to the assumption that the knitter knows what to do.

I'm a lazy knitter and I just want to follow a pattern stitch for stitch and not have to work out each step.

The stitch pattern is definitely for beginners but you may want to have an experienced knitter on hand to go through some of the instructions. One pattern I simply gave up on because I had no idea what the instructions meant.

 

 The jacket I knitted

 

3 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐

 

 

 

Book Review: Just Desserts by Charlotte Ree

Just Desserts

by

Charlotte Ree

Publisher: Pan Macmillan 
Imprint: Plum
Publication date: 29th October 2019
Genre: Cooking / Non Fiction / Lifestyle
Pages: 144
RRP: $29.99AUD
Format read: Hardcover
Source: Courtesy of the publisher 

 Instagram sensation Charlotte Ree is famous for her simple and delicious sweets ... and her love of puns. Her easy, user-friendly creations are designed to taste amazing, rather than just look pretty (though pretty they most certainly are!).

Just Desserts showcases 30 of Charlotte's most popular and delicious cake, biscuit, slice and dessert recipes in one outrageously gorgeous little package. Featuring essentials, such as chocolate brownies, shortbread caramel slice and chocolate-chip cookies through to show stoppers, such as layered berry pavlova and chocolate ganache & blackberry bundt, Just Desserts is the ideal gift for the baker and sweet-lover in your life - even if that's YOU!

I have a weakness for dessert books. Well, not only the books, I love cooking desserts! Cakes, slices, biscuits, tarts. I have a particular penchant for gorgeous covers and Just Desserts certainly falls into that category.

Charlotte’s book is split into two sections; biscuits, slices, sweets and cakes, bundts, tarts. Thirty of her favourite, no-fuss recipes. Desserts her Grandma made. Many taking less than 30 minutes so you can enjoy sharing your bakes with friends.

Ree includes a simple introduction with tips for cooking and a guide to the basic equipment and baking tins required. The book also includes a handy conversion chart in the back.

There are no fancy over-priced ingredients with most of them already in any well stocked pantry. I had a quick look through all the ingredients and there was only a very small list of items I would need to specially purchase for some of the recipes.

The beautiful and colourful illustrations of wattle, bottlebrush, banksia, waratah and gum leaves throughout the book give it a true Australian flavour. I would like to give a special shout out to Alice Oehr for these gorgeous illustrations. Go check out her website! http://www.aliceoehr.com/

I was already familiar with some recipes in the book and wanted to try something different. The honey madeleines looked easy and delicious. I had all the ingredients at home however I did need to buy a madeleine tin. They proved to be quick and easy. The perfect thing to make when friends drop in.

Charlotte suggests serving them with a dollop of cream but I thought if I left off the cream I could eat more. They certainly were irresistible!

My next bake will be Charlotte’s Chocolate Ganache & Blackberry Bundt Cake.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Photo credit: Pan macmillan

 

Charlotte Ree is an avid baker and recipe developer with an impressive online following. Based in Sydney, Australia, she develops recipes and content for brands such as Marimekko, Kenwood and Williams-Sonoma. When she isn't baking, Charlotte is usually travelling as part of her day job as media and communications manager for a book publisher. Charlotte believes strongly in scratch baking, going back to basics with the classic flavours and techniques that our grandparents perfected. Just Desserts is her first book.

 

 

This review is part of the Book Lover Book Review Aussie author challenge

and Australian Women Writers challenge 

 

 

Book Review: The Edible Garden Cookbook and Growing Guide.by Paul West

The Edible Garden Cookbook and Growing Guide

by

Paul West

Publisher: Pan Macmillan 
Imprint: Plum
Publication date: 24th September 2019
Genre: Lifestyle / Gardening
Pages: 304
RRP: $39.99AUD
Format read: Paperback
Source: Courtesy of the publisher

For Paul West, a meaningful life is one built around food and community. In The Edible Garden Cookbook & Growing Guide , Paul shows you how easy it is to grow and cook some of your own food, no matter how much space you have.

The Edible Garden Cookbook & Growing Guide is a celebration of real food and vibrant community. It will inspire you to grow, cook and eat with those you love - and find real meaning along the way.  

Did you find yourself, a few months ago, standing in an empty supermarket wondering how you were going to feed your family? Me too!

Why do we leave ourselves at the mercy of panic buyers when it is so easy to grow your own vegetables?

The Edible Garden by Paul West, host of River Cottage Australia, is a guide to growing your own edible garden. This 304 page book is filled with glorious colour photos and over 50 easy to follow and healthy recipes with pictures of the finished product. I always like that finished product photo, it gives me a good idea of what my meal is supposed to look like.

Paul gives us gardens for the space poor, gardens for the time poor, micro gardens and community gardens. With chapters on worm farms, composting, keeping chooks and keeping bees, what to plant where and when. Paul has a big focus on food and community in chapters on hosting a pickle party, brewing your own beer and building a wood fire barbecue.

With bookmark flaps on the front and back cover this is one coffee table book you will find yourself turning to again and again for recipes to feed your family wholesome, easy to cook meals.

My husband and I both grew up in families where there was always a large supply of vegetables and eggs in our own backyards. We had tried gardens over the years but the possums usually beat us to the produce.

This time we decided to put the garden close to the house and used raised planters which could be filled with good quality soil.

Our garden is going well and we have had more hits than misses. It’s very much trial and error at the moment but we have started to enjoy some of the produce we have grown.

The Edible Garden Cookbook and Growing Guide has gone a long way in increasing our confidence in choosing products for the local temperature and time of year.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Paul West is a trained chef, a passionate gardener, farmer and popular media personality. Paul hosted four seasons of River Cottage Australia (Foxtel and SBS), is the author of The River Cottage Australia Cookbook and has a regular slot on ABC radio and ABC television's Gardening Australia. After hosting River Cottage Australia in beautiful Central Tilba, Paul and his family swapped their 20-acre NSW South Coast property for a city life in Thornbury, in Melbourne's inner north turning a suburban backyard plot into a productive patch.  

 This review is part of the Book Lover Book Review Aussie author challenge

 

10 Books to help you stay optimistic and motivated

STAY IN PLACE

 

The wonderful and well read people at Pan Macmillan Australia have compiled a list of books to help us Stay at Home and stay optimistic and motivated in this time of uncertainty. 

Below, is a list of works by some of Pan Macmillan’s most brilliant minds to help you navigate the coming months. 

Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill, seeking guidance around mental health, or simply looking for a distraction, there is a book for you. 

  

STAY...WELL FED FOR LESS

 

SIMPLICIOUS FLOW
Sarah Wilson  In Simplicious Flow, Sarah blends the kitchen wisdom of generations past with her own stunningly fresh vision of how to be a conductor of good health and zero waste for every single meal you make.

 

STAY...CREATIVE IN THE KITCHEN 

 OSTRO

Julia Busuttil Nishimura 

Simple, delicious, generous food for every day, from salads and roasts to handmade pasta and pizza to simple bakes and show-stopping desserts all from the creator of inspirational website and Instagram feed, Ostro.

STAY...ECO

  A FAMILY GUIDE TO WASTE-FREE LIVING
Lauren and Oberon Carter

A Family Guide to Waste-free Living makes it simple and sustainable for families to eliminate waste in the home, at work and out in the world. This is a practical and inspiring resource for anyone wanting to live more sustainably.

STAY...AN ACTIVIST 

2040: A HANDBOOK FOR THE REGENERATION
Damon Gameau
Based on Damon Gameau's 2019 documentary, 2040: A Handbook for the Regeneration is a practical manual that provides you and your family with the tools and inspiration to live a more sustainable life - NOW. 

 STAY...HEALTHY 

HEAL
Pete Evans
So many of us are looking for practical changes we can make to nourish our body, be more active and find meaningful connection - ways to be stronger, happier and healthier, in a fast-paced world.  

STAY...SELF SUFFICIENT 

 THIS CHICKEN LIFE

Fiona Scott-Norman & Ilana Rose
A heart-warming celebration of chickens and the Australians who love them, featuring striking photography and stories that will move, delight and inspire you.

 

STAY...STRESS FREE

STRESSLESS
Matthew Johnson & Michael Player Fully illustrated, easy to follow and based on the latest medical science, StressLess is your go-to guide to identify and reduce your own stress and help others do the same.

 

STAY...PHILOSOPHICAL 

THE SUBTLE ART OF NOT GIVING A F*CK
Mark Manson In this generation-defining self-help guide, a superstar blogger cuts through the crap to show us how to stop trying to be "positive" all the time so that we can truly become better, happier people.

  

STAY...SANE

FIRST, WE MAKE THE BEAST BEAUTIFUL
Sarah Wilson Practical and poetic, wise and funny, this is a small book with a big heart. It will encourage the myriad sufferers of the world's most common mental illness to feel not just better about their condition, but delighted by the possibilities it offers for a richer, fuller life.

 

STAY...CONNECTED

 FAMILY, FOOD & FEELINGS
Kate Berry
Family, Food and Feelings charts the ebb and flow of family life around the four school terms, with recipes, activities and stories to keep you inspired throughout the year.

 Thank you to Pan Macmillan Australia for the above recommendations.