{COOKBook Review} Gather Around The Amish Table by Lucy Leid

Disclosure: The item(s) mentioned below were provided complimentary for the purpose of an honest review. The opinions stated here are based upon my personal experience with the product(s) and are entirely my own. Regardless, I only recommend products or services that I feel would benefit my readers.

I LOVE to cook. Or maybe it is that I love to eat, and I know that in order to enjoy something delicious I need cook something delicious first. I'm not a picky eater at all, but I do live with a few, so dinners can be very hit-or-miss in our house. I get nervous to try anything new for the picky ones, but I'm almost always sure to like it. This make my repertoire of meals seem repetitive at times. I'm all about trying new things, but if a meal isn't a hit all around, it tends not to make it to the dinner table again. All of that being said, I am on the constant search for recipes, so when I had the opportunity to review Gather Around The Amish Table by Lucy Leid, I was super excited.

What is wonderful about this cookbook, aside from all of the mouth-watering recipes, is that several of the recipes throughout are accompanied by short stories from the person/family that submitted the recipe. The author, Lucy Leid, is an Old Order Mennonite who lives in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. She came up with the idea for this unique-style cookbook from a newsletter called Die Botschaft. This was a weekly newsletter that delivered news from all around several of the Amish communities across the United States. Included in this newsletter, was a section called Ivverich und Ender which means "what's left over, the ends". In this section would be all of the miscellaneous material, including recipes. Sharing recipes is a beautiful act of care, and Leid wanted to create Gather Around The Amish Table to celebrate the tried and true recipes from the Amish tables across the nation. She required those who submitted recipes to also provide a snippet of information about the recipe or a story to accompany it. This way, while you are cooking, baking and preparing meals for your family, you can read the funny and heartfelt stories of how they were born.

 So, the first recipe that I tried out of this cookbook was the Bacon Beef Balls, however, they disappeared so quickly that I never had the opportunity to capture them. They were so, so, so good, and I will make them over and over again. They are like a meatballs with rice and bacon inside of it, topped with a savory tomato sauce. The next recipe I tried were the Drop Biscuits, because they were easy, and went well with our ham, pineapple, and mashed potatoes. They turned out wonderful as well. And, because I have a super sweet tooth and love me some chocolate, I also made the Moist Chocolate Cake. We ate that all in a couple of days. I don't know if I should be proud of this or embarrassed. I topped it with my own marshmallow frosting, but the cake was divine. It is very moist, and heavy, but in a good way. And the best part? The cake batter does not contain eggs, so I didn't have to feel guilty letting the kids lick the beaters. Actually, the best part of cooking from scratch is that you know what you are putting onto your plates, and furthermore, into your bodies.

This cookbook is categorized, so finding recipes is a breeze. Each page has a colored strip that runs across the top. Each section has its own color, and each particular section's name is displayed at the top corner of the page as well. I found it very easy to navigate. Some recipes I am really looking forward to trying out are the: Favorite Soft Pretzels, Easy Hamburger Soup, Amish Macaroni Salad, Onion Rings, Chicken Pot Pie, Glazed Peach Pie, S'More Bars, Yoder's Eight-Minute Cheesecake and Real Lemonade. As you can see, there are an array of different recipes throughout this cookbook.

I highly Recommend Gather Around The Amish Table by Lucy Leid with 10 stars:

★★★★★★★★★★

If you are interested in purchasing your own copy of this cookbook, you can do so here. Please be sure to read some of the other Lifuse reviews here.

{Book Review} - Let's Learn About The Lord's Prayer by Catherine DeVries

Disclosure: The item(s) mentioned below were provided complimentary for the purpose of an honest review. The opinions stated here are based upon my personal experience with the product(s) and are entirely my own. Regardless, I only recommend products or services that I feel would benefit my readers. 

Reading to my children at bed time was something I always wanted to make a "routine" in my house. I remember my mother reading to me as a small child, and I wanted that same special time each night with my own children. Plus, it gives them an opportunity to choose what book they want to hear that night. Sometimes in the life of a young child, it's a great privilege to make their own choices. Lately, my 3 year old has been choosing the same book over and over, and that book is Let's Learn About The Lord's Payer by Catherine DeVries (illustrated by Ryan Jackson). The main character is a 4 year old girl named Emma, who speaks right to the child as she teaches them the Lord's Payer and what it means. 

Let's Learn About The Lords Prayer is actually the first book in the HeartSmart series which was developed to teach children scripture in fun and engaging ways, allowing them to open their heart to God from a young age. What is unique about this series is that it pairs the scripture with song, so you can deliver the entertainment on another level too! The author, Catherine DeVries has written 20 books for children, so she is no newbie when it comes to pleasing their little ears and eyes. She is an associate publisher of Children's Resources at David C Cook, where she leads product development for The Action Bible collection, which has sold over a million copies! She lives with her husband, their three children and their large furry dog in the Colorado Mountains. 

Author Catherine DeVries

My 3 year old daughter has been LOVING this book. Each night, without fail she requests that we read this book. She always answers the questions that "Emma" asks, and has been very successful at learning the Lord's Prayer. She just started preschool earlier this month where they are learning The Lord's Prayer, so this book helps us to practice a home what she is also learning in school. I cannot forget to mention the illustrations too. I feel that they are perfect for this title, and very engaging for the young children. The book itself is like a board book so it much sturdier than other books we have - this was smart thinking! 

We have zero complaints about this book, and recommend it with 10 stars:

★★★★★★★★★★

You can purchase your copy of Let's Learn About The Lord's Prayer here. Please be sure to read what other Litfuse Reviewers had to say here.

{Book Review} - Dataclysm: Who We Are (When We Think No One's Looking) by Christian Rudder

Disclosure: The item(s) mentioned below were provided complimentary for the purpose of an honest review. The opinions stated here are based upon my personal experience with the product(s) and are entirely my own. Regardless, I only recommend products or services that I feel would benefit my readers. 

I have a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master's in School Counseling, so it's likely that I have a clear interest in human behavior. While I tend to be most interested in the Mystery genre when it comes to  reading for pleasure, I will occasionally choose books to read that give me insight into the career path that I have ultimately chosen. Hence, my latest read, Dataclysm: Who We Are (When We Think No One's Watching) by Christian Rudder.

This novel was born from the loads of statistical information collected via the online behavior of millions of people. See, the author is actually one of the founders of the dating website OkCupid, and is also a mathematician. Put those two things together, and you have some great data about human behavior! I have always really loved math and statistics, and obviously, human behavior, so I was sucked right into this book. Much of the information isn't necessarily surprising, however, it does give you a peek into the potentially disturbing world we live in. And it also opens your eyes to how much data our social media activity can predict about who we are as individuals. Overall, it's very fascinating how unique we all are, yet how predictable our behaviors can.

One quote that summarizes what much of the book about is, "Unfortunately, surveys have historically been unable to uncover true attitudes on topics such as race, sexual behavior drug use, and even bodily functions, because respondents edit their answers. ... And often the ugliest, most divisive, attitudes remain behind a veil of ego and cultural norms that is almost impossible to draw back, at least through direct questioning. It's a social scientist's curse-what you most want to get at is exactly what your subjects are most eager to hide." Essentially, most forms of data collection always have some sort of user bias. In this book you see a less-biased view of information because it comes from internet user searches and on-line behaviors that people likely consider to be "when no one is looking". Surprise! There are people looking and analyzing this data all of the time.

Overall, this was a very quick read, and very interesting, so I give it 8 stars:

★★★★★★★★

Summer Flavors Featuring Almond Breeze Vanilla Coconut Almondmilk

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Almond Breeze Almondmilk

While Summer is rapidly coming to an end (my children start school this week!!!!!!), I'm not quite ready to let go. See, here in New York our Winters can be really brutal. Lo and behold, the Farmer's Almanac has called for a really harsh Winter this year, so my death grip on Summer has gotten a bit tighter. Fall is definitely my favorite season, but I know what comes shortly thereafter so.... In my life, I have been trying to extend some Summer flavors into the rapidly approaching Fall so that I can hold as much of Summer with me as possible. One of my favorite ways to do this is with Almond Breeze Vanilla Almond Coconut Milk Unsweetened.

I really love how much variety I can find with the Almond Breeze Almondmilks. From hint of honey, to the original, and now vanilla and coconut! What's great about Almond Breeze Almondmilk is that it really caters to individuals who have certain sensitivities. It is dairy-free, soy-free, lactose-free, cholesterol-free and gluten-free. Even for those without dietary restrictions, the Almond Breeze Vanilla Almond Coconut Milk Unsweetened is all-natural, contains 50% more calcium than milk, and is only 45 calories per serving. It makes it such a healthy alternative. It's also a wonderful option for those who follow a vegan diet.

.I grew up drinking cows milk so sometimes the unsweetened varieties of Almondmilk take a little getting used to for me. I tend to use them in my smoothies which are naturally sweet from the fruit, or in my cereal, although, on a particularly hot day, I did enjoy a glass of the Almond Breeze Vanilla Almond Coconut Milk Unsweetened with a slice of apple pie. I really love the subtle hint of coconut that it brings to the drink. It's perfect for Summertime, and I found out one morning when I ran out of my traditional coffee creamer, that this too makes a fine and tasty replacement. I admire all of the benefits that it brings to the table, and even though I (or my family) do not have to follow any particular dietary restrictions, I am glad that I introduced this variety of milk to my children while they were still young. They especially love the Vanilla and Chocolate Almondmilks.

I give Almond Breeze Vanilla Almond Coconut Milk Unsweetened 10 stars:

★★★★★★★★★★

Ending Summer on a High Note With Blue Diamond Almonds

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Blue Diamond Almonds.

Since becoming a Blue Diamond Tastemaker, I have come to the realization that Blue Diamond has truly outdone themselves with the fun and innovative ways they have changed the face of almonds. Don't get me wrong, I will eat plain almonds all day long. I just like the way they taste naturally, but the different flavor varieties that they offer are simply irresistible! I'll take my almonds any way.... sweet, savory, plain, flavorful. I recently had the opportunity to try 2 varieties of Blue Diamond Almonds: Oven Roasted Blueberry Almonds and Salted Caramel Almonds.

As you can see, my family could not contain themselves and busted into the Blueberry ones before I even had a chance to snag a picture of them perfectly sealed. Oh well, life happens. Needless to say, the kids like them, and I'm super OK with that because not only do they have 5 grams of protein per serving and taste delicious, but it also provides a healthy dose of some very important vitamins and minerals. For example, they provide 30% daily value of vitamin E, 3 grams of Fiber, and a measly 25 milligrams of sodium. I'm happy when the kids choose these over sugar filled, unhealthy alternatives. I find the blueberry taste to be sweet and refreshing, and the perfect pair for a Summer day. Plus, they're PURPLE! 

The Salted Caramel Almonds are absolutely a sweet treat. When I first tasted them, I knew they would be the perfect pair with ice cream. They are perfectly crunchy, yet sweet like caramel with a touch of salt. It really feels like you are indulging in something fattening/unhealthy, so you feel guilty until you read the label. There are only 3 grams of sugar per serving! AND... they provide 20% of your daily value of Magnesium. I have no idea how true this is, and I am not a medical professional, but I have read a lot lately about the importance of Magnesium, and how almost everyone is very low in it. What a great and tasty way to boost those levels! Plus, as I mentioned before, it goes undeniably perfect with vanilla ice cream, if you have a sweet tooth like me. I suppose you could put it in yogurt if you are feeling a little healthier than myself, and Greek yogurt if you are feeling uber-healthy.

My goal is to eventually try every almond variety that Blue Diamond has to offer. Next up on my list is the Wasabi and Soy Almonds. I have heard all good things, so I need to try them for myself. My favorite to date are the Sriracha Almonds. Do you have a favorite Blue Diamond Almond flavor? If so, let me know in the comments!

These Oven Roasted Blueberry and Salted Caramel Blue Diamonds Almonds wrapped up our Summer deliciously, therefore, I give them 10 stars:

★★★★★★★★★★

If you want to explore all of the flavor options, you can do so right on their website, and then even find where you can buy them at your nearest retail location! Check it out HERE.

Tubby Time For the Littles!

Disclosure: The item(s) mentioned below were provided complimentary for the purpose of an honest review. The opinions stated here are based upon my personal experience with the product(s) and are entirely my own. Regardless, I only recommend products or services that I feel would benefit my readers.

I tend to be a pretty laid back, non-picky person about most things in my life. That being said, I am very particular about what products I will use on my children. My daughter has battled with eczema since she was an infant, so using gentle yet effective products are absolutely essential. Its my personal preference, but I really like to use organic body washes, shampoos and conditioners on my kids because I feel they are safer. I don't judge anyone for using conventional brands because I've done that in the past, and also because it's much more cost effective. I love that there are some new brands that are creating more affordable products for our families that use safer ingredients. One such brand is Gaia Organics, and I'm excited to say that we are currently using their All Natural Baby Shampoo and Body Wash.

The Gaia Organics Baby Shampoo and Body Wash comes in a relaxing Lavender scent which is perfect for your little ones nighttime routine. I think I saw it in a commercial, which stated that babies who have bedtime routines that include lavender scented products are more likely to experience a better nights sleep. Both of my kids are good sleepers at the ripe ages of 3 and 10, but I don't think a mother ever forgets what sleep deprivation feels like. Lavender is known for it's calming properties, so it certainly can't hurt! What is impressive is the short list of ingredients on the back of the bottle. What you WON'T find in the bottle are all of the nasty ingredients that you don't want touching your children's sensitive, new skin, including: sulfates, parabens, petrochemicals, preservaties or additives.


We've had a great experience using Gaia Organics Baby Shampoo and Body Wash. First of all, the scent is very faint and of natural lavender, so even if you or your child are bothered by scent, I really don't think this would be an issue. I love that the product uses natural and organic ingredients, and is made right here in the good old U.S. of A. The bottle could use a little change, and mainly because the formula is very watery. I wish this has a pump top versus a pop open and pour top because it can become difficult to dispense the product, or dispense the right amount of the product. Speaking of which, figuring out how much you need to use can have a bit of a learning curve. I cannot complain that the product itself is watery because many natural products are, and many do not lather either. I found that this did lather, but I needed to use more product than I would have lie to get that result. I really wish this came in a larger size because I feel that we will run through this quickly. Nonetheless, the product does clean my littlest lady, while leaving her skin soft and supple. I still have to use conditioner in her hair because it is super long, but this works well to clean her hair too. I'm definitely most drawn to the ingredients used in this product above all else though.

I recommend the Gaia Organics Bay Shampoo and Body Wash with 8 stars:

★★★★★★★★

If you are interested in this shampoo and body wash, or know someone who may be, you can purchase it from Amazon for $10.49.

Lotion that Heals

Disclosure: The item(s) mentioned below were provided complimentary for the purpose of an honest review. The opinions stated here are based upon my personal experience with the product(s) and are entirely my own. Regardless, I only recommend products or services that I feel would benefit my readers.

I know we still have some Summer left, and I am far from wishing it away, but I also know that the cooler weather is right around the corner, and I need to prep my skin for it. I despise dry skin. I especially hate when my hands are dry. It gives me the heebie-jeebies just thinking about it. I like to keep lotion out around the house to ensure myself, and any guests, don't ever have to deal with the nuisance of dry skin. I recently tried out a very innovative lotion that has quickly made it the answer to my dry skin needs. It is called Adamia Therapeutic Repair Lotion.

Adamia was born out of the desire to heal hurting skin, and a tree. The Macadamia tree holds the macadamia nut, which holds one heck of an oil: Macadamia oil. What's so unique about Macadamia oil? The fact that it's oil is very similar to the oil our own skin produces, makes it incredibly easy to penetrate our skin and get to work. Adamia has created their own exclusive blend of Macadamia oil that is rich in Omega-7 (called Promega-7) which boosts moisturization while also healing irritated, broken skin. Their formula promises to deliver exceptional absorption, while being fragrance-free, paraben-free, gluten free, cruelty free, petroleum free, soy free, non-greasy, non-allergenic, non GMO, vegan and clinically proven to improve distressed skin. This works really well with older individuals as their skin becomes thin and easy to tear. It comes in a generously sized 16.9 fl. oz. bottle with an easy to use pump top dispenser.

I really love this Adamia Therapeutic Repair Lotion. It leaves my skin feeling like silk. There is no exaggeration that this is very quick to absorb, which I love because there is nothing like a lotion that you have to rub and rub and rub and rub and rub and rub in. Many natural lotions use coconut oil and shea butter in their ingredients which can leave your skin feeling a little greasy until it completely absorbs, but this does not. While I normally love lotions that are scented, I am so obsessed with this formula that it doesn't bother me one bit that it has no fragrance. I use this so much that I keep it out on my front table so everyone has access to it. I know this will come in handy during the Winter months when I wash my hands every 5 seconds and the skin around my knuckles gets so dry it cracks and peels. While I mainly use this on my hands, it is intended for full body use, although they caution not to get it in your eye area. I mean, our eyes don't need lotion anyway, so I'm good with that.

Overall, I give the Adamia Therapeutic Repair Lotion 10 stars:

★★★★★★★★★★

If you're interested in such a soothing, healing, fast-acting lotion, I would definitely recommend the Adamia Therapeutic Repair Lotion which can be purchased on Amazon for $18 - a totally reasonable price for the size of the bottle! You can follow the brand on Facebook, or check out their website to keep up with them too!