Friday, December 21, 2018

Rising Above Lyme Disease by Julia Greenspan

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Lyme disease is becoming more and more common. Treatments vary, but some have a lot of side effects and nothing seems to cure the disease.

Dr. Greenspan examines the symptoms and causes before offering holistic solutions. She includes food and a healthy lifestyle in her recommendations. If you know someone with Lyme disease, this is a must read for consideration of various techniques to manage your illness.

Hand Sewing Magic by Lynn Krawczyk

★★★★★  The publisher provided a copy for review
Ever wondered what to do with a needle and thread? Maybe you've tried it and things bunched or turned out lumpy.

With very limited materials, you can make all kinds of fun embroider and connect fabrics and and other items to fabrics. The book offers clear instructions on buying threads and yarns. It shows you how to make and use utility stitches, and demonstrates a lot of fancy stitches, including dimensional embroidery. You'll like the projects, from easy to more challenging - book covers, a scarf, jacket, etc.

Recommended - esp if you're a young professional with time to relax in the evening OR a young mom who feels like she has nothing to show for the day ... after dishes are washed - again, laundry is folded - again. I remember how much fun crafts were at that stage of life. Pick up a copy.

Calligraphic Drawing: A how-to guide and gallery exploring the art of the flourish by Schin Loong

★★★★★  The publisher provided a copy for review
Move letters into shapes and have the time of your life. This book will show you how to combine lettering with pictures.

You'll learn basic calligraphic strokes and methods. The materials are clearly explained, from nibs to pens and paper. The sample projects will make you look like an accomplished artist. 

Put one of these on the back of an envelope or on the front of a card and you'll wow the recipient. Highly recommended.

The New Color Mixing Companion Explore and Create Fresh and Vibrant Color Palettes with Paint, Collage, and Mixed Media by Josie Lewis

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Love color and pattern but don't have a clue? This book offers templates for using color and simple geometric projects that are a lot of fun. You can use many materials to mix colors, and the instructions are clear and illustrated well.

It's simple and easy. If you've wanted to do something artistic - say for a book cover or journal - this might be the way to go. Enjoy it!

A Dangle a Day: Lettering Alphabets and Seasonal Designs with Charms by Angela Porter

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Very cute book - if you like lettering in a journal or sketchbook, you'll get lots of ideas here. The supplies, page layout, and color options augment monthly and seasonal graphics. Whimsical drawings and alphabets will make you smile - and add zip and life to your bullet journal or letters.

Recommended!

How Rude by Clare Helen Welsh and Olivier Tallec

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Perfect for our grandkids - they'll laugh while they learn good manners.

The illustrations are amusing and attractive. The words are easy to read, so it is good for early readers as well as in the classroom. Recommended.

Common Cents A Budget Workbook by Earn Spend Live

★★★★★  The publisher provided a copy for review
Wow - if you're a young adult with no clue about money, you need this book.

Do you get confused by spreadsheets and thick books on finances, this one's for you. The sort, easy and simple explanations, clear graphics, and loads of worksheets will help you get a grip on what you're earning and spending. With this help, you'll be in the savings and future business before you know it.

Highly recommended.

We Build Our Homes by Laura Knowles



★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
What a charming book! The children in your life will love this - especially when they become interested in animals. It's filled with charming illustrations and clear language.

This would make an amazing gift for a primary teacher or for a child learning to read. It would also be a great gift for a child who is moving from one home to another. Recommended!

Not Your Mother's Cast Iron Skillet Cookbook by Lucy Vaserfirer

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 150 One easy One Pan meals.  What's not to love?

You'll enjoy the recipes - they're classics like Yorkshire pudding, Dutch Babies, Hot Wings, and Potstickers. The tools and methods are clearly and simply laid out. There are pictures that explain the procedures, too.

I recommend this if you have a small apartment or limited storage - why not grab this book and a skillet - and learn to cook a few favorites?

Not Your Mother's Cast Iron Skillet Cookbook

More Than 150 Recipes for One-Pan Meals for Any Time of the Day