Friday, May 22, 2015

Review: Ian Quicksliver

Ian Quicksilver blog tourAbout the book:
Nerdy foster kid Ian just found out it’s up to him to save the galaxy. But the only way he can do it is with help from the hottest girl in school, Arianna—who doesn’t remember that she and Ian are exiles from another planet—or that they’re betrothed. So . . . that’s awkward. Funny and full of twists, this is one sci-fi adventure you won’t want to miss!

About the author:
Alyson Peterson lives in a mountainside gully –of all places– in northern Utah with her neurotic, shed-tastic dog, two ninja kids, and superhero husband.  She spends her time painting, breaking bones at her Martial Arts class (mostly her own) and reading as many books as she can get her hands on.

 From Reidhead Randomness:

When the book arrived in the mail, my 12 year old daughter was exited to read it.  She jumped right in, and polished it off in less than 1 day.  Granted, she is definitely a BOOK WORM.... a reading machine!!!  Since she was so excited about the book...and was trying to get everyone else (Dad, Me, and her sister) to read it, I thought she should be the one to write the review!

From Reidhead Randomness, Jr. #1:

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Read English App: Review (homeschool)

I have been homeschooling for over 7 years now!  WOW, time has flown by!  

I love using Abeka for the core subjects as referenced HERE (see my Homeschooling in Utah 101 post).  We expanded to use other things now for history (Story of the World) and Science (Harcourt), but still use Abeka for Math and Language.  As such, I spend *A LOT* of time doing phonograms and flashcards in the early grades.  With all the tricky blends and weird sounds that the English language involves, it's a wonder that we ever learn to read!  

Rachel has struggled this year with blends and reading.  Thankfully, we now have this app to help in our homeschooling!  It has a great library of sounds and blends.  It is basically a set of phonogram flashcards that a child can do by themselves.  I know how much kids love electronics and games....so since its in app form, it will hold their attention longer than regular flashcards will!  They are the same blends as Abeka, as well as most reading/writing programs.


There are 73 letters and blends/phonograms.  Each has a page like this:

Read English Full Version - screenshot thumbnailRead English Full Version - screenshot thumbnail


Read English Full Version - screenshot thumbnail
 
One of the wonderful things that I love is that all the sounds are represented...for example:  The 'A' says a short A, a long A, and Ah.  All 3 sounds are represented.
 
Read English Full Version - screenshot thumbnailRead English Full Version - screenshot 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
And that it is VERY customizable. 

Right now it is only available on Android.  If you want to check it out, there is a free LITE version.  If you want the FULL version, its just $1.
 



 
This app is meant to help people learn to read English by helping them learn the sounds or phonics of letters and combinations of letters in the English alphabet. The user has the option of seeing the sounds for words be sounded out or blended in the three following speeds: slow, medium, or fast. The value of this app is very high but the price is low so that many more people can benefit from it. This app could be used at home or even in the schools or other locations to help individuals learn to read English. Students who are learning English or programs such as English as a Second Language (ESL), English as a Foreign Language (EFL), and English-language Learners (ELs) or Limited English Proficient (LEP) can benefit from this app. This app can help people of all ages learn to read English.
Read English Full Version - screenshot thumbnail
Total Letters and Combinations of Letters with Sounds: 73
Total Sounds: 119
Total Different Example Words: 714
Total Different Example Images: 357
User Levels: Basic and Advanced
User Level Basic: 357 Different Example Words with Text, Audio, Pictures, and Blending of Sounds
User Level Advanced: 357 Different Example Words with Text and Audio
User Customization Options
Uppercase and Lowercase Options
Contains the Alphabet, Vowels, and Consonants with Text and Audio
Support for Android Versions Froyo (2.2–2.2.3) - Lollipop (5.0–5.1.1)
Supports Phones and Tablets with Android
Content Appropriate for All Ages
No Internet Needed to Run App
No In-app Purchases
No Ads or Advertisements


91 Languages Supported:
The following languages are supported by this app: English, Afrikaans, Albanian, Arabic,
Armenian, Azerbaijani, Basque, Belarusian, Bengali, Bosnian, Bulgarian, Catalan, Cebuano,
Chichewa, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch,
Esperanto, Estonian, Filipino, Finnish, French, Galician, Georgian, German, Greek, Gujarati,
Haitian Creole, Hausa, Hebrew, Hindi, Hmong, Hungarian, Icelandic, Igbo, Indonesian, Irish,
Italian, Japanese, Javanese, Kannada, Kazakh, Khmer, Korean, Lao, Latin, Latvian, Lithuanian,
Macedonian, Malagasy, Malay, Malayalam, Maltese, Maori, Marathi, Mongolian, Myanmar (Burmese),
Nepali, Norwegian, Persian, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Sesotho,
Sinhala, Slovak, Slovenian, Somali, Spanish, Sundanese, Swahili, Swedish, Tajik, Tamil, Telugu,
Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, Urdu, Uzbek, Vietnamese, Welsh, Yiddish, Yoruba, and Zulu.

Renuzit Pearl scents: Giveaway and Review

 I was so excited to try this new home fragrance!  It is the NEW Renuzit Pearls Scents!  I opened it and thought it might be too strong, so I put it in the sunroom at first....kinda far from the rest of the house.  To my surprise, it wasn't too strong.  It has a pleasant fragrance and wasn't overpowering.  After sitting for a couple weeks, I picked it up and gave it a shake.  Its fun, since the fragrance is a bunch of little squishy balls in the jar.  They are fun to look at and fun to shake in the jar.
 I like the decorative top that you place over the balls after removing the seal.  It is decorative and stylish.  It comes in LOTS of other "flavors."

*Blue Sky breeze
*Sparkling Rain
* Serenity...Fresh Lavender (With essential oils)
*Eucalyptus
*Tranquil...Chamomile and Jasmine (With essential oils)
*Seductive Pineapple

I can't wait to try out other scents as well.  I will try it in the laundry/pet room next!

YOU CAN WIN A FREE ONE!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


I received a sample of Renuzit Pearls Scents in exchange for a product review.  However, all the opinions expressed are my own.

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Deals and Review: Fun at FatCats



FatCats is your number one stop for great entertainment!  At FatCats you can bowl, play mini golf and have a giant slice of Pepperoni pizza. Don't forget that each center has a full service arcade, with some of the latest and greatest games.


No other place around is better for your event than FatCats. Whether your event is corporate, family, school or charitable, FatCats will take the work and stress from off your shoulders and make your event an experience that is sure to bring you back.

Fat Cats offers the ultimate birthday party experience for kids of all ages! Great fun and Great prices!  Don't wait, Sign up at http://www.fatcatsfun.com/free_stuff for your next Children's Birthday party and we will send you a free Birthday gift!


FROM 
REIDHEAD RANDOMNESS:

 John was on FIRE tonight!  He got a great score of 119...which, if you know us and our family...that is a REALLY high score!





 


I actually broke 100 and tied with Grandpa!
 
























We had a great time bowling tonight!  The Salt Lake FatCats location is very family friendly, clean and FUN!

Plan on playing about half your game before expecting the food...BUT, the food was worth the wait. We got a pizza (peperoni is the BEST pizza here) and some bread twist (MY KIDS ABSOLUTE FAVORITE!!!!)  

Fat cats is one of the nicer bowling alleys in the valley. The upbeat, pop music isn't so loud that you have to yell at each other to talk. The employees are nice and helpful.  And.....There are hand sanitizer dispensers around!!!  Automatic bumpers linked with each persons name means they will come up and down for each player.  Combine that with the helper ramp and the kids have a great chance for success!

They have several fun promotions going on!!!

Date Special - $19.99.....(1) Large, 1-topping Pizza, (1) Pitcher of Soda, (2) Breadtwists, (1) Game of Bowling for Two.  Go Here to print your coupon.

Buy 1 Get 1 FREE During Thunder Alley at Fat Cats Fun. Some restrictions apply.  Go HERE to print your coupon. 

Another fun promotion is the $.99 summer!  All attractions are just $.99!  Glow golf, bowling, shoes!  It starts June 1st and is good M-TH open to close and Friday til 8 PM.




Saturday, May 16, 2015

Book: Enslaved to Save

Enslaved to Saved blog tourAbout the book:
Who is your master: sin or the Savior? This well-researched book explores the cultural and political background of slavery during the time of Christ and what it implies for our modern-day commitment to the Lord. Thought-provoking and insightful, this book will strengthen your relationship with and faith in the Savior.

About the author:
W. Reid Litchfield is an endocrinologist from Henderson, Nevada. He is a graduate of Brigham Young University (B.S.) and University of Calgary (M.D.) and completed his endocrinology fellowship at Harvard Medical School. In addition to a number of scientific publications he has published medical history papers entitled On The Physical Death Of Jesus Christ and The Bittersweet Demise of Herod the Great. He is the recipient of numerous Top Doctor awards as well as professional awards for leadership in his community and medical society. You can find more of his writings and his blog at www.reidlitchfield.com.

Friday, May 15, 2015

3D Settlers of Catan game board

I FINALLY finished painting the 3D Settlers of Catan game board!

It was a fun project!  It took about 3 days total to print it all.  We learned lots of tips when printing it too!  Then I painted all the detail it!









WANNA WIN A FREE COLOR RUN!?!? Salt Lake City


Want to do the Color Run!? It was so much fun last year! 

How about a coupon code?? Use code: TCRSLC2 and save $5!  
WOULD YOU LIKE TO RUN FREE?!?!  ENTER AT THE BOTTOM!!!


Color run coupon code: Use code TCRSLC2 and save $5!

 A global phenomenon is reaching all new heights as The Color Run Shine Tour 2015 jumps from sea to shining sea. Are you ready Salt Lake City for 8/22?! With sparkly new course elements, The Color Run is bringing you all the glitz. Dance, twirl or skip your way to sparkley goodness! Sign up today!Sign up TODAY! 

HURRY before the price increases!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
















The Shine Tour is here! We have so many surprises in store for you! Grab your besties and spread the word because tickets will go fast!
Team (4+) Runners* Individual Runner
$35.00/person - Team Runner Pricing $39.50 - Solo Runner Pricing
$40.00/person - Starting April 1st, 2015 $45.00 - Starting April 1st, 2015
$45.00/person - Starting July 1st, 2015 $50.00 - Starting July 1st, 2015
*A team is 4+ friends running, laughing, and dancing through the course together. You don't need a full team to get started! Get yourself signed up today and then round up your team!  Encourage them to signup ASAP...creating a team does not hold or reserve spots.  The event can sell out at any time.

We can’t wait to see you! Below is all the information you will need to be ready for race day. Grab your tutus, your friends, and your running shoes and we’ll see you at the start line!

Start Window

The start-line window will open at 9:00 AM with waves going every few minutes until about 10:00 AM! Make sure you plan your day with plenty of time. At The Color Run, the start line is its own pre-race party with music, dancing, warmup stretching and giveaways!

Course Map

Library Square, Downtown SLC
200 East 500 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84111




What Is The Color Run?

At more than 1,000,000+ Color Runners strong, The Color Run is on almost every single continent on EARTH!

Less about your 10-minute-mile and more about having the time of your life, The Color Run is a five-kilometer, un-timed race in which thousands of participants are doused from head to toe in different colors at each kilometer.
With only two rules, the idea is easy to follow:
1. Wear white at the starting line
2. Finish plastered in color!
The fun continues after Color Runners complete the race with an unforgettable Finish Festival. This larger than life party is equipped with music, dancing and massive color throws, which create millions of vivid color combinations. Trust us, this is the best post-5k party on the planet!
It's a unique paint race that celebrates healthiness, happiness and individuality. We're making rainbows all over the world, come join us!

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Review: Keep in Real and Grab a Plunger

Keep-it-Real-Blog-TourAbout the book:
Learn how to overcome your natural manipulative, authoritarian tendencies and foster your child’s self-discipline, respect, and emotional maturity. Humorous, insightful, and authentic, this book will get you through the sticky stuff with grace so you can enjoy those parenting moments that make it all worth it.


About the author:
Popular radio personality, university professor, author, and TV expert Julie K. Nelson combines her professional expertise with her personal experience as a mom of five in this book. Humorous, insightful, and authentic, this must-read will help you enforce rules without manipulation or coercion and addresses a wide variety of essential parenting topics.

From Reidhead Randomness:

In Keep in Real and Grab a Plunger, humor and wit abound as encouragement, stories and relate-able experiences are shared.  Many topics (and age groups) are covered:  family vacations, talking to teenagers, encouragement and praise, helping kids when they make mistakes, helping kids overcome fears, potty training, and MANY MORE!  The author gives you a very real glimpse into her day......I'm sure most moms could relate!

As a home school mom, I have a different set of challenges, but I have seen family and friends go through many of the challenges.  For example, I don't have to worry about the frantic "Get-your-hair-fixed-NOW-so-you-don't-miss-the-bus" scenario, or the "lemme-hurry-and-pack-a-lunch" one either, but....MOST of the book deals with the everyday challenges of being a mom.  This is a fun book for every parent!  It is filled with great advice and perspectives that are easy to implement!

I received this book to write a review, however all opinions expressed are my own.

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Review: Doubt your Doubts

Doubt Your Doubts blog tourAbout the book:
Why don’t women hold the priesthood? How should we deal with homosexuality? What about evolution? Even your toughest gospel questions can become testimony-builders with this timely and informative book. Unafraid to address hot-button issues, this is an eye-opening read that will strengthen your faith, help you confront controversial topics, and find answers you can apply to your everyday life.

About the author:
Chad has a BS (BYU) and MS (Boston U) in philosophy. He has been a seminary and institute teacher for the CES for 20 years. He was a philosophy professor at BYU for 7 years. He was an EFY speaker and session director for 5 years. He is the author of Out of the Killing Fields and Into the Light and Daily Discipleship with CFI.

From Reidhead Randomness:

Many difficult topics are covered in Doubt your Doubts.  This informative and ponderable book gives you direct quotes from the Scriptures, Prophets, and Apostles, as well as commentary from the author as guidance in interpreting them.  Each chapter is a stand alone, so you can read just the areas of interest, without having to read the entire book.  The book will offer help, guidance, and insights to many people including youth, leaders, and all members of the LDS church. 

I received this book to write a review, however all opinions expressed are my own

Friday, May 8, 2015

Book Review: Persona non Grata

About the book:
Paladin Smith is in a foreign country—and way out of his element! Sent to war-threatened Crimea to persuade a rebellious former student to return home, seminary teacher Paladin soon finds himself in the midst of political intrigues and international conspiracy. The close calls and adventures of this everyman thrust onto the world stage will thrill you until the final page!
Persona non Grata blog tour 2
Persona non Grata

About the author:
Stephen J. Stirling was born in Los Angeles, California and grew up in the Southeast LA semi-ghetto of Huntington Park. Graduating from high school in 1970, he received a scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 17. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism in 1976, and then spent the next few years wandering America in search of adventure. Interspersed through his college career and days on the road, he served a mission in Chile and taught for 8 years as an early morning seminary teacher. Settling briefly in Chicago, he entered the profession of advertising, a field in which he ultimately held many positions with companies from the Mid West to the Pacific Coast. He eventually planted roots in Orange County, California, where he established Stirling Communications and spent 15 years as a freelance copywriter, scriptwriter, and video producer. In 1994 he was hired by the Church Educational System and relocated with his family to Gilbert, Arizona, where he has fulfilled a lifelong dream of teaching released-time seminary for the past 20 years. He and his wife, Diane, were married in 1981 and are the parents of five children – Jennifer, Lindsey, Brooke, Marina, and Vladimir. Brother Stirling is the author of several books, including The Ultimate Catalogue and Shedding Light on the Dark Side.

From Reidhead Randomness (Hubby guest posting):

Everyone has a hero, someone they want to be when they grow up.  They imagine the adventures they will have making a difference in the world.  This is a story of just such an occurrence.  I love the fact that the hero of this book is an “ordinary” teacher who is enabled to make a difference in the world by the support of his loving wife and father.  I was on the edge of my seat through the whole book as the author wove a tale that constantly put the hero in unpredictable, but believable situations that required wit and divine help to escape from.  I liked the humor of the author and found myself laughing or chuckling several times.  I think the story moves fast enough for even middle school readers.  I would highly recommend this book to anyone!

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Review & Giveaway: Crave, Eat, Heal

Crave-Eat-Heal-blog-tour-banner2About the book:
After struggling for many years with a raging sweet tooth and emotionally-driven cravings, author Annie Oliverio began the journey back to a healthy, balanced palate. This is a cookbook focused on plant-based foods that protect, nourish, and heal – yet satisfy “cravings” that can easily trip one up when striving to eat healthier foods or when feeling lonely, stressed or in the need of comfort.


About the author, in her own words:
If there is an unnamed, undiagnosed condition where one suffers from planning, thinking about, and anticipating future breakfasts, lunches, and dinners while eating breakfast, lunch, or dinner, then I have it. And I don’t want to be cured. But I wouldn’t be opposed to having this ailment named after me.

I was fortunate to be raised in a home with two excellent cooks: my mom and dad. Mom covered the basics of breakfasts, lunches in brown paper bags, and a square meal at night. She also covered Thanksgiving and Easter dinners. Dad took over on Christmas Eve or whenever an ingredientbe it a stinky cheese or olives or eggplant or artichokes or polentacaught his fancy. Sauce splatters and piles of pots and pans in the sink were guaranteed. Between mom and dad, my three siblings and I ate eclectically and well.

My own culinary journey got off to a rocky start when I began living on my own post-college. I went for convenience and speed (and sugary, fatty, salty) rather than quality. Slowly, however, I began buying more fresh and whole foods to make my own meals. At the same time, I was learning about what foods are best for our bodies. Long story short, my plodding and indirect journey led me to plant-based eating. I no longer rely on packaged, frozen, or prepared meals, and instead make everything we need right here in our own kitchen.

What about the non-food part of my life? Before escaping the mean city streets for the wild, windy plains of Oklahoma, I was an administrative assistant and office manager at a subscription fulfillment company in Boulder, at a think-tank in Santa Monica, at a university in Cambridge, MA, in the Green Zone in Baghdad, and at a non-profit in Washington, D.C.

I now spend a good deal of time walking the pastures trying to identify different types of grasses and insects, feeding hummingbirds, writing and reading, struggling to solve crossword puzzles (with a pen and a lot of Wite-Out), and blogging at An Unrefined Vegan and Virtual Vegan Potluck. I live in blissful satellite- and cable-free isolation with my husband, Kel, and our only son, Ike (part dachshund, part Labrador).

From Reidhead Randomness:

I saw a T-shirt that read: "There is no 'Chocoholics Anonymous, because NO ONE WANT to QUIT!"

That has been the story of my life!!!  I don't want to quit....I'm no quitter!  ;-)

The book Crave, Eat, Heal is a game changer!

She begins the book by sharing about cravings.  She shared that when she was a kid she would curl up on the couch with a book and a big stash of candy (I can relate).  As a young adult, she would eat popcorn chased by ice cream.  When a workout was completed, rewards of M&M's were in order (I too can relate, unfortunately!!!) The next thing she shares is all about cravings.  The varieties they come in: salty, sweet, tart, spicy, etc. She came to realize that her cravings are the body's way of telling that it is needing something it isn't getting.  That could be water, healthy fats, stress relief, comfort or exercise.

This is more than a cookbook.  It is a curb your cravings book!  Are you stressed?  Angry?  Bored?  She shares that more often than not, your craving is based on an emotional need (NOT PHYSICAL)!  WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT!?!

The fun and unique thing about this book is that the "CHAPTERS" aren't really chapters!  They are grouped by "CRAVING" instead! Salty, Comfort, Crunchy, and Chocolate are just some of the chapters awaiting you!  The photography is wonderful...and crave-worthy!

This is not just another cookbook, not just another fad diet, not just another 'plan', but a change in thinking and living.

She shares that she is vegan and her reasons.  I am not there yet...I still like meat and dairy.  BUT...These recipes are WONDERFUL!  Everything I tried tasted great!


With that said, I would like to share a WONDERFUL recipe!

FROM The CRAVE, EAT, HEAL book:



One of my recipe testers told me that both she and her mother thought these cookies had a good “flavor profile.” I interpreted that to mean that they were satisfyingly chocolatey without a lot of guilt. High in fiber, protein, vitamin C, and vitamin A, bright red Goji berries also contain selenium, zinc, iron, and calcium. Beautiful blueberries have fiber, are low in calories, but high in protective antioxidants that block the activity of free radicals which may be a factor in the development of cancer.



Gluten-free, Oil-free



DOUBLE CHOCOLATE BERRY GOOD COOKIES

Makes ~18



INGREDIENTS

1 Tbsp. flaxseed meal whisked into 3 Tbsp. water

1/4 coconut butter

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

1 very ripe banana

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Pinch sea salt

1 cup gluten-free oat flour

1/2 cup cocoa or cacao powder

1 Tbsp. arrowroot powder

1 1/2 tsp. stevia powder

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Dash cardamom powder

3/4 cup vegan stevia-sweetened semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/4 cup dried blueberries

1/4 cup dried goji berries



DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 375-degrees and line 2 baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper.  In a small bowl, whisk together the flaxseed meal and the water and set aside.  Put the blueberries and goji berries in a small bowl and cover with warm water for about 15 minutes to rehydrate.  Drain and set aside.



In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the coconut butter, maple syrup, banana, vanilla extract, salt and flaxseed meal mixture.  Process until very smooth.



In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the oat flour, cocoa or cacao powder, arrowroot powder, stevia, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and cardamom.  Carefully pour into the bowl with the coconut butter mixture and process at medium-low speed to incorporate the dry ingredients fully into the wet ingredients.  Add the chocolate chips, blueberries, and goji berries and pulse to blend into the cookie dough.  The dough will be very sticky.



Drop dough by the heaped tablespoon onto the prepared baking sheets.  Flatten and shape slightly.  Bake for 10-12 minutes, switching pans halfway through for even baking.  Let cookies cool on the pan for about 10 minutes before removing them and placing them on cooling racks.



Total time: 30-40 minutes



Suggestions:

Make your own oat flour by pulsing rolled oats in a food processor or mini prep until finely pulverized.  For one cup oat flour you’ll need about 1 1/4 cups rolled oats.



Recipe reprinted with permission from Ann Oliverio and Front Table Books.


NEXT FUN THING...YOU CAN WIN A COPY!!!


I received a digital copy of this book for review purposes, however all opinions expressed are my own.

Review: Ally's Kitchen

Blog-Tour-Banner-Allys-Kitchen-May-1-28-2015About the book:
Wander the world without leaving your kitchen! Popular blogger, chef, and TV darling Ally Phillips shares her favorite recipes from around the globe in this truly unique cookbook. Full of cultural background, delicious recipes, and Ally Phillips’s signature “food branching” ideas, this cookbook is guaranteed to turn your ordinary meals into memorable masterpieces.


About the author:
Dr. Alice D’Antoni Phillips, fondly known as Ally, grew up in “the hollers” in West Virginia dreaming of far away places. Now she visits exotic locales, both personally and virtually, on her well-traveled magic carpet. Whether she’s on stage, on location, or in the kitchen, Ally captures the essence of each experience ~ new foods, spices, and lifestyle tips ~ to bring them into her home and yours. Ally delights in dreaming up recipes on her yoga mat and transforming everyday objects into treasures.
Dr. Alice D’Antoni Phillips ~ school psychologist, actress, businesswoman, wife, mother, grandmother, awarded home chef, and prolific blogger ~ is the founder of Ally’s Kitchen and her trademarked culinary style, Bohemian Bold~thinking.fooding.living®. A Top 100 contestant in MasterChef Season 2 and winner of the 2013 Dole California Cook-Off, Ally revels in rocking the food and dining frontiers with authentic creations inspired from her life, travel, and adventures. Ally continues to create and share the magic from her nomadic bohemian kitchens on the coast of South Carolina and in the Colorado Rockies.
Listen to her in an interview here.

From Reidhead Randomness:

Ally's Kitchen is full of wonderful recipes!  It takes your tastebuds on a tour around the world!  The chapters are broken into "regions" and areas of the world.  She shares some fun stories of her travels and experiences.  There are lots of fun tidbits of how you can change each recipe.  She gives you lots of options!!  Although I was initially intimidated by some of the dishes, the ones that I did try were wonderful!  She tries to use spices that are available....or a good substitute.

Some of the tasty ones that jumped out at me were the Pineapple provence lemon chicken, Belgian waffles (Liege),  and Spicy mandarin salmon with chow mein noodles.  As I was reading through the recipe for the Mandarin salmon, I noticed that they had an ingredient in the instructions section that wasn't in the ingredient list.  I emailed the author on her webpage, and got a VERY quick reply.  She shared the measurement for the missing mayo, and away I went in making this delicious dish!

This is a wonderful cookbook for changing up your traditional menu!  You can taste your way around the world without leaving home!

I received this book in order to write a review, however all opinions expressed are my own.