Nutrition in Your Backyard?

Sergei Boutenko's new book, Wild Edibles is a refreshing look regarding edible weeds. Even though some of the information is at times repetitive, I appreciated his brief descriptions of the plants and parts, along with clear color photos.

 He also gives nutrient data on quite a few of the plants. The poisonous plant list at the beginning, while not complete, at least covered some of the most common. I've not been an avid forager mostly because it fails to occur to me, but his presentation of the material has made this book a take-along to every hike. The recipes included tickled me. I had to go out and find something wild to put in a smoothie just to say I did it. Edible flowers frozen in ice for drinks. What a great idea!

 Sergei makes incorporating wild edibles easy. He also lists other helpful books as well as his websites (one exclusively devoted to green smoothies.) I am happy to have read Wild Edibles and the circumstances under which his family learned about this valuable information. (You are all very brave!) When I was young, my father taught me some of the plants and I remembered a fair amount of them. But with time, the memories had faded from lack of use.

The knowledge found in Wild Edibles will delight young and old. My family and I are planning many excursions into various parks and wilderness and hope to incorporate wild edibles into our kitchen at the peak of summer. If you are a hiker, or camper and enjoy walks in the woods and identifying plants, this would be a great addition to your library.


I received this book free from the Amazon Vine Program in exchange for my honest opinion.

Jewelee Peters debut album Look Inside My Soul

I couldn't wait to get my ears on this selection of music by Jewelee Peters. The first time I heard her sing was several years ago in person; she gave me chills. I knew if she ever put an album together, I would have to have it.
 Jewelee didn't disappoint. Hopeless, Look Inside My Soul and Wait for You are some favorites. I played Jewelee's music at work and everyone loved it, wanted to know when she was going to be playing in our area because they fell in love with her voice. They never seem to get tired of hearing it. I feel the same way.

This is a great collection of Rhythm and Blues sound and a voice that will reach right into your chest. Check it out and see what you think. I would give it six stars if I could. Five will have to do. I can't wait to see what she comes out with next. Get yours now at Amazon.

Painting the Rain: Book Review

 Today's post is from guest author, Jack Petersen of In Xanadu.

"PAINTING THE RAIN is a truly remarkable work of fiction. It has drama, action, and more than satisfying strength in both character and plot development. (Be prepared to read the last third of the story in one sitting. Yes, it’s that kind of a book – you can’t put it down.) 

 The novel is based on a play co-authored by J.E. Ocean and myself, so I was naturally curious to see the work “fleshed out.” I was not disappointed. 

Ocean took sub-plots in directions I never imagined. Subtle whimsy appears here and there, along with charming touches of romantic sentimentality I found surprisingly refreshing in a work of heavy drama. (I also discovered I had been written into the story – and killed on page 9. Another story for another time, I suspect.) 

 I must also confess that I am a novice at this downloading-to-a-Kindle business, but Amazon made it so easy I think I was just a little disappointed. 

 Bottom line: I loved the book. I think you will too. I know a 2nd, 3rd, and 4th novels are in progress. I can’t wait. J Petersen


To learn more about Jack's perspective, life and photos visit his blog In Xanadu.

Just in time for summer: Sport>>Brella!

I couldn’t wait to test drive the Sport Brella recliner chair. My husband and I have taken other sports chairs to the park and even got the beach chair edition. But a recliner with an umbrella? This feels like the  Cadillac of comfort, the extra wide seat (which I’m happy to say I didn’t need but it’s so comfy!).  The back of the chair is higher than the usual sport chair, and from just below the shoulders, it’s padded. I actually took a nap in it.

The hammock style foot rest lets you set your heels in, or if you want to pull your knees up a little, you can set them on the edge. The foot rest is adjustable and removable. Mine is let all the way out at the moment. I’m actually writing the review from the chair.

The pocket on the left arm rest is constructed so that you drop in your music player, and with an “X” portal, the headphone wire isn’t in danger of getting crimped. That lets you listen to your favorite beach tunes while watching the kids play in the surf and not worry about your player getting sunstroke. As always, the Sport Brella chair has installed a round mesh pocket to hold your favorite relaxing beverage. 

The right arm rest had other sweet features: a pocket with dual zipper entry and Velcro closure keeps whatever you have stashed from prying eyes. The water resistant lined pocket hangs under the right armrest and fits up to four beverages , your camera or your Kindle HD. We found two long-necks sit upright in it just fine (and stows empties until you’re ready to get up).

A pocket hangs from the front of the seat and a zipper pull with a bottle opener attached. Perfect for tailgating.  It’s big enough for a wallet, cell/smart phone, sunglasses, season tickets or the seashells you’ve been collecting.

At shoulder level is the three way swiveling asymmetric umbrella.  The UPF 50+undercoating blocks over 99.5% UVA/UVB rays. And if you’re by the water, you know how important that is. If you don’t need it, it unclips quickly and easily. You can easily attach it to either side of the chair.

The final fantastic feature of the Sport Brella chair, is the three-click range of reclining comfort. Whether you just need to rest that bellyful of fantastic BBQ or you want to wear your sunglasses and take a catnap, this chair is just a click away from your favorite relaxing position. For safety’s sake, I found I couldn’t adjust it while sitting in the chair which means when the chair is in position, it’s solidly locked in. I give Sport Brella five stars. Summer’s just getting underway, so be sure you get yours soon!

Haunted by Dark Skies

Dark Skies reaches out into your safe, normal looking neighborhood and grabs you into the unbelievable, mind boggling and just possible enough world of is-this-really-happening?  The Barretts are your everyday normal, struggling family trying to keep up appearances. When their youngest son starts talking about The Sandman, life takes a decidedly left turn for all of them.
 This very entertaining movie sucked me in even when I tried to remain emotionally disconnected. It’s been a long time since I watched a film in this genre and it really got into my head. Some weird little things happen in the story line that are tip offs that something bigger is coming. Days later, when weird little things happen around my house, I start thinking of the movie all over again.
If you're a fan of sci-fi, X Files or thoughts along those lines, you might like this. The movie was really well done and just enough special effects to keep me wondering what was around every corner… and sometimes, following th.em down the corridor. The children in Dark Skies were just as compelling as the adults. See the trailer here.

The disc contains Special features: Alternate and deleted scenes, commentary with writer/director Scott Stewart, producer Jason Blum, and others, which I can’t wait to see.

Even though it’s rated PG 13, I wouldn't recommend this as a family movie to watch with kids (or anyone) who is subject to nightmares. The cover art alone is disconcerting enough and since I saw the movie I can’t stand to look at it. It ends on a slightly fatalistic note with just enough thread hanging loose to wonder if there will be a follow up. If you like/love this sort of thriller, it’s a five star movie.

Bunnery Natural Foods: Tastefully Delicious

I have a deep appreciation for natural foods. It always makes me feel down to earth, connected to the planet and like I’m doing something good for myself. Granolas can be wonderful unless it contains unwanted, or refined sweeteners.

Bunnery Natural Foods sample pack arrived from Amazon Vine and what a treat! Five point five pounds of nutrition packed goodness! Opening the box was like looking into an Easter basket of pastel colored eggs. The Blueberry Granola and Original Granola are sweetened with honey. The Cranberry Nut Vanilla and Banana Honey Nut Granolas are sweetened with honey and rice syrup. The O.S.M (oats, sunflower seeds and millet) Pancake and Waffle Mix is sweetened with a tiny bit of brown sugar and the O.S.M. (could also be pronounced awesome!) Oatmeal is not sweetened at all. All of them are tasty and full flavored.

Bunnery Natural Foods frustration-free packaging is easy open rip tabs with re-sealable bag. The granolas arrived in 12 ounces packages, the pancake mix 18 ounces and the oatmeal 15 ounces. According to nutrition facts, one ounce is a serving. Even three ounces didn’t really hold me till lunch on its own. But, I added one ounce to a 10 ounce fruit smoothie enhanced with protein powder and that lasted me 5 hours.

The labeling on the sturdy bags is easy to read making it clear what you’re getting as well as a mountain shaped see-though window to display contents. Bunnery Natural Foods are made in Jackson Hole Wyoming. I figure if it sustains the cowboys out west, it will sustain the cowboy at my breakfast table. Five stars.

He's Gone: Perfectly Captured

Deb Caletti's book, He's Gone took me on quite a mental trip. When Dani Keller awakes one morning, her head is throbbing, her shoes are muddy and her husband is missing. She can't remember what happened.

Caletti's lyrical turns of phrase painted amazingly clear scenes and brings in a chef's blend of quirky people. Dani is the girl next door on her worst day. The thoughts she reveals as she goes through the process of discovery was frighteningly real in its insight regarding abusive men.

She bares the raw truth of what many women go through in less than ideal marriages and the tailspin that sometimes follows. It's a story that heats up one degree at a time until you are sweating the end.

I was pulled along from page to page, every chapter ending on a cliff hanger. It was the last thing I read at night before sleeping and the first thing I read when I came home from work.

For my conservative friends, there are several f-bombs and an occasional irreverant curse words. The book discusses adultery at length and other adult themes; nothing gratuitous or graphic.

A fantastic work. Don't miss out on this writer.


I received this book free from the Amazon Vine Program in exchange for my honest opinion.

Spark Lit a Bonfire

Jason Jaggards's book Spark was the book I've been looking for. I knew that there were lots of things I wanted to accomplish with my life. During the day, I was treading water in a job I didn't like working with people I loved, but that could not encourage me in the ways I needed. It left me exhausted and frankly, without much hope for my future.
It was clear, it was time to move on.
Well, you know what the economy is like, what the job market looks like? And my hours were finally right where I wanted them. Never mind the stress of looking for a new job. The stress from the current one drove me to take a risk. That scary 4 letter word.
Risk is the name sake of this book. Intentional and healthy risks.
If you are ready to cast your stone onto a still pond, to make changes in your life, and even the world, this is the book you have been looking for. And, you can start making changes this week, by getting Spark.
Spark is what I needed to feel encouraged about making positive changes in my life. I now have a better job that leaves me feeling energized and allows me to pursue other risks. Check it out. I'm glad I did.

I received this book from Waterbrook for free in exchange for my honest opinion.

Soderberg's The Andalucian Friend: A Thrilling Masterpiece

The Andalucian Friend by Alexander Soderberg is an excellently written, riveting novel with a cast of characters you won't soon forget. I could barely put this book down to go to work or even sleep. I couldn't wait to continue reading it the second I got home. Soderberg weaves an interesting and complex tale covering four countries, and had me guessing every inch of the way.

Though at times violent, it was graphic without being gratuitous and at times so suspenseful I forgot to breathe. Soderberg's words paint scenes so well, they bloom like a motion picture in the mind. When I first began reading, the book was a daunting 400 plus pages. By the second day I was halfway through it and at the end, I was sad to be finishing.
For my conservative friends: there are several degrading references about women, quite a lot of killing which is at times very unsettling, a healthy sprinkling of F-bombs and one character deals with some drug abuse which is not the least bit glamorized. The Andalucian Friend is the first in a trilogy that I cannot wait to read. Five stars. By all means, add this to your summer reading list. You won't be disappointed.


I received this book free from the Amazon Vine Program in exchange for my honest opinion.

Backyard Bug Control: Does Cutter Cut It?

Cutter's backyard bug control lantern came with 4 AA Ray-o-vac batteries, and snaps together easily enough. The frosted plastic panes allow the L.E.D. lights to cast a cool glow, while a small fan quietly runs inside, above the insect repellent cartridge. The cartridge is a sort of small plastic tub containing a cotton core saturated with repellent, and a fragrance that is not unpleasant. The cartridge snaps into place in the bottom,and it is possible for the core to fall out.

At first, I had a lot of trouble getting the tub to lock in place so it kept dropping out of the lantern. Installing it is a bit tricky because you can't turn it upside down to see where it's going, and when you tip it to watch what you're doing, the core slides out. Because the tub is made with super thin plastic, it is easily squished out of shape. You don't want to get the repellent (which is oily) on your hands as it seems to dry them out immediately and just can't be good for you. We used it at our picnic spot--at dusk by the water--and didn't have any issues at all with any bugs flying around us while we leisurely ate our meal and had conversation. The light in the lanterns lets you know the fan is running. My unit seemed to have trouble staying on.

 The on/off switch for the lantern is a bit bulky and awkward, but the effectiveness of the bug repellent was excellent. The lantern is nice looking and has to be set upon a flat surface. It might be nice if the lid covering the batteries fit a little tighter. I personally think the addition of a loop that also allowed it to be hung would be a good idea. This is something I'd consider taking camping if the tub holding the repellent was in anyway resealable. It's like having an open can of Sterno which makes me uncomfortable but may not be an issue with other buyers.

I've only used it a few times, but the box says it can last up to 3 months. I may revise my review if I find out how long it lasted us and what the usage was. I thought it worked very well.

EPA-DHA Works For Me

What I noticed after taking Jarrow Formulas EPA-DHA for two weeks is the clarity of thought I have, even early in the morning when I am usually foggy (not a morning person).

 My dreams are colorful, active and vivid (I don't mind that as a creative person) I find myself firing on all cylinders at my job. It's like drinking coffee only I haven't. There's no crash afterward. I like the effect of having my brain running like a well oiled machine. I work with young men half my age and enjoy the banter. When it's crunch time at work, I feel good, happy even.

 There is no fish odor, and no after taste with this product. It contains 120 softgels which are easy to swallow and a 4 month supply for one person. I like that it is also a pharmaceutical grade quality product, and feel that it's a good value.

No Soft Soaping; Clean is Hard Core Help

How far would you go to save a loved one's life? 

Author of Clean, David Sheff, exposes the deeper issues of the complex illness called addiction. The definition of addict in his book, goes so far as to include alcohol, street drugs and prescription drugs, marijuana, opiates and cocaine. He spotlights the problems with current day rehab clinics.

 I found Clean thought provoking, educational and extremely insightful. Written with great compassion, as one who lost a son to addiction, Sheff's book is a must-have if you are in any kind of relationship with an addict. Clean offers real answers for the questions that plague the loved ones of an addict. Sheff takes great pains to explain what he's learned though interviews with addicts and counselors and personal experience. Also author of Beautiful Boy which I have not yet read but will look into.

Reading this book was like having Sheff put his arm around my shoulder, share a game plan that is workable, that told me when to take action. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, do not hesitate to grab hold of this book. No matter what stage of abuse or addiction, this book can help. It may even save a life. This book was given to me by the Amazon Vine program in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Measure of a Good Cup Set

The OXO measuring cups arrived and I couldn't wait to try them! They are wonderful! My last set was a little inexpensive set that matched all the kitchen utensils. I was happy enough until the measurement stamps on them started to wear off. I don't keep my cups in a set, but separated in case I need to other things with them or leave them in, say, coffee. These are on a ring, but with the handle design it lets you pull them off easily and also put them back on the ring with no fuss.

These are thick stainless steel and can be used to warm small amounts of things like butter, or dissolve Monk fruit granules in vinegar for sushi on the stove. I like the super grip handles. The toughest thing my set will ever have to scoop will be rice. The handles didn't bend at all. I can see where they could, but I don't see the point in torturing a good set of measuring cups. (They aren't really scoops, after all. That's a different design altogether.)

I love them! If they sit on the counter, they don't fall over until they are filled. They stay put. I am placing these on my list of top things to have in a kitchen. I'm going to brag about them and make sure that if any brides-to-be don't have a set of these, they will get them! These get five stars from me.

Earphones With Her in Mind

Subjekt HPM-21BL HerPhones Petite Earphones with Microphone Designed for Small Ears I couldn't wait to get these ear buds. For quite a few years, I couldn't get earbuds to fit well in my ears. They would press in easy enough, but after a while, my ears began to throb. It never occurred to me, until I saw these, that they made ANYTHING smaller. I am so happy about Subjekt HPM-21BL HerPhones! The normal casing on the bud itself is approximately 9mm, while these are 8mm and the speaker is the same.

It sounded like my music was closer and had better quality. Best of all, no aching ears! After running through a couple dozen pairs of buds over the past 4 years, I've finally found the ones I love. I give these five stars. Thank you Subjekt! P.S. These might also be appropriate for kids, given the size of the ear gels.