Happy weekend to everyone! Yes, I'm a bit over the moon about this weekend, mainly because it's a three-day weekend and I can not only R&R, but also get a few things done that I haven't been able to previously. I realize that I was a little MIA this past week, but I honestly didn't realize my week would be like that. We had a major presentation to give last Monday, followed by parent-teacher conferences on Wednesday. Even though it was only those two days, it kind of knocked me off my game. I barely read a word and found myself falling asleep not long my head hit the pillow. Having said that, I'm happy and excited about a long weekend so I can rest and read a bit. Oh yea, and catch up on my blog!
With a nice snowstorm that has covered our area, I thought it would be nice to make a yummy breakfast that wasn't a bowl of oatmeal (my norm). Strangely, I happened to have some ricotta in the fridge, so I made Williams-Sonoma's Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with a homemade raspberry and cinnamon sauce. They were so fluffy and delicious that I will definitely be whipping this recipe up again! The nice thing is that I also have a number of pancakes that I'm going to let cool and then freeze. Frozen pancakes aren't that glorious, but they are manageable during a busy work week.
The raspberry sauce is one that my family has made before, but I tweaked it just a little and left the seeds in, although you can use a sieve to take them out:
1 package Raspberries (I used frozen)
1 Tbsp. Lemon Juice
1/4 c. Agave Nectar (or sugar to taste)
1/8 tsp. Cinnamon
dash of salt
Bring the sauce to a simmer and let cook for about 5-10 minutes to develop the syrup. This sauce is a little tart, so fresh fruit or lemon curd would make a lovely addition to this pancake topping.
For more weekend cooking, go to Beth Fish Reads. You'll find all sorts of great food-related posts and recipes!
Well, that's my weekend in a nutshell. Although I have a number of papers to grade, I'm going to etch out some time to cook up some Creamy Italian Chicken and do some reading. My students are doing a 20 Book Challenge, so I have to do my part to keep up!
Here's what I'm reading at the moment, although I keep rotating through all sorts of different books. I don't know that I'll finish my reading this weekend, but here's what I'm enjoying at the moment:
That's about it for my week and weekend. What about you?
Synopsis: From Goodreads, "In her mid-thirties
Karen has it all: a career as a fashion editor, a handsome boyfriend, a
fab flat in west London and an array of gorgeous shoes. But when her
'plus one' leaves, she wonders if there is more to life than high
fashion. So, she hangs up her Manolos and waves goodbye to her city
lifestyle, deciding to go it alone in a run-down house in rural
Poitou-Charentes, western France. Once there, she encounters a host of
new friends and unsuitable suitors, soon learning that true happiness
can be found in the simplest of things - a bike ride through the
countryside on a summer evening, or six glasses of Pinot in a neighbor's
garden. If you've ever dreamed of chucking away your BlackBerry and
down shifting, "Tout Sweet" is perfect summer reading."
Review: After my trip to France this past summer, there isn't much about this book and cover that doesn't appeal to me. There is that certain passion for life in all of its facets that one can readily recognize in the French, and something that is very romantic--on the surface. Don't get me wrong, it is very romantic, but Karen Wheeler's memoir reminds us that there are drafty, run-down homes to be fixed, bug bites to cure (with nary a 24-hour drugstore in sight), and a lack of eligible bachelors to be found. Nonetheless, grabbing at life when she could is an appealing ideal for many readers, including this reader.
One of the things I loved about this memoir was the full disclosure of both Karen's self-possession and Karen's self-doubt. It was an interesting inside view of the person who took the journey. Maybe it was because of this unique inside look into her life that then had me fully vested in finding her true happiness, in whatever way possible. I loved watching her transform her rundown home into something all her own. From stripping floors to sealing and painting walls, it was so engaging to actually follow her process of remaking her little French home into one she could reside in.
One thing that had me on edge for her were the discussions of her romantic relationships. We start the memoir with a gripping heartache that propels her to France, that I think we all hope will be resolved with great friendships--which I'm not sure the assortment of people she meets fit--or with a love interest--which is hard when they have other motivations. Throughout the book she discusses looking for "suitors" in anyone from her neighbor to the baker in town. There does seem to be this build up to a relationship or sorts, only to have it dropped in the course of about three sentences--literally. For me, the build up of friendships and suitors to a startling resolution left me a bit out of sorts. If we were to spend 200+ pages dropping mention of the importance of relationships, I would hope that we would have a balanced explanation of their place in her life by the end.
Karen Wheeler is a marvelous writer, with an ability to recall her own life story in a novel-like fashion. I was so easily sucked in that my care and concern for her could match any fictional character I've been introduced to. Having said that, the philosophical end to the book felt very unsatisfying and left me sad for Karen, and not upbeat about the entire "finding of oneself" and slowing down that I think I was supposed to take away. On the whole, I have been recommending this memoir right and left, in the hopes that I can come to grips with my own reaction to its ending. It's not possible for me to spell out all the details, but I will say that the reality of it cuts through all that feels escapist or romantic. In short, I loved it and I hated it, both at the same time. I can't say that I've responded so strongly to a book in a very long time, and I'm still left trying to grasp how I felt. Honestly, you really have to read it to find out how Karen wrapped up her memoir. For this reader, I'll admit to wishing that maybe (like in my own life) there was just a bit more fiction to finish it off.
*FTC Disclosure: This review was based on a review copy of the book provided by the publisher.
If you've read this one, PLEASE tell me your own thoughts. I'm dying to discuss it with other readers, so I'd love to hear from you! Did you have the same response that I did?
This week I'm feeling a bit dazed and out of sorts, like someone needs to poke me to really wake me up. It's that February funk where you feel overwhelmed a bit, but also like you're running through waist-deep sludge that prevents you from running at full speed. In professional terms, I call it my "Season of Self-Doubt" as it is the time of year I always start to feel like I'm not doing enough. I've learned that every teacher feels this at some point, so I try to just deal with it and keep moving!
One thing that my students are doing, along with several other teachers in my department, is a 20 Book Challenge to end the school year. For this final Semester (two terms), we've asked the students to participate in a challenge to read 10 books each term. They do have a variety of categories/genres to choose from, but they pretty much get to choose what they would like to read. In short, we just want them to READ. The fun part for me is that I'm doing it with them so we can all share what we're reading. That has really helped me get moving on my own 100 Book Challenge for the year!
Since I knocked out non-fiction this past week with The Candy Bomber, I'm tackling poetry this week in Lisa Schroeder's I Heart You, You Haunt Me, and what I'm guessing is fantasy in Brodi Ashton's Everneath. I'm excited to read both of these books, but especially Brodi Ashton's since I've met her a time or two at our book blogger get-togethers. She has a wicked sense of humor and has been talking about her writing for quite awhile, so I'm eager to check it out!
To switch gears a bit, I needed to end my Sunday Blatherings with a bit of reflection. I think I'd be pretty reticent to not mention the passing of Whitney Houston. Between Madonna, Michael Jackson, Bon Jovi, and Whitney Houston, these artists shaped my school years. I, like everyone else, was mesmerized and blown away by Houston's I Want to Dance With Somebody, How Will I Know, and One Moment in Time. Later, we all got sucked into the vortex of hits that this amazing artist performed, I Will Always Love You and I'm Every Woman, to name a few. For me, the quintessential moment in her career was her performance at the Superbowl in 1991. I was in high school at the time, and I still remember how completely chilling her performance was, especially considering we were in the Persian Gulf War at the time. Honestly, it is the performance I compare all others against to this day. It was flawless and seemingly effortless all at the same time. For a time when we all felt such a heightened sense of patriotism, Whitney's performance was stunning. I'm sad that she is gone, and am thankful that in the time she lived, that she left us with such amazing music. Thanks Whitney, for giving me songs that I could belt out in the car, to capture every mood. Your voice was untouchable.
Synopsis: Based on the true story of a WWII pilot who served in Europe after the war was over, the book tells the story of the air force pilot who saw a need in the people and children of Berlin, and filled it. Often not told are the stories of starvation and repression by Germans left in Berlin after the war ended, held impoverished and surrounded by rubble. Blocked off from the allies by their Soviet captives, many of the citizens of Berlin suffered extreme poverty. To this came the answered prayer of an American air force pilot, Lieutenant Gail Halvorsen and his comrades, who began to drop gum and candy over the city as a way of renewing hope to the children of Berlin. Halvorsen was then flooded with pictures, cards, and letters from young children in Berlin, thanking him for his sweet treats and even giving him directions to their homes so he could drop more on his next visit. Known as Operation Little Vittles, these missions seemingly affected American relations with Germany and gave hope to generations of children that has spanned the years.
Review: As far as historical non-fiction is concerned, this was one of my all-time favorite reads. The mix of pictures, primary documents, and written background were a perfect mix to make this is quick read, but an informational and inspiring read. Honestly, this story really touched me, and although I already knew it thanks to a college friendship with one of Halvorsen's relatives, it was nice to have the details of these candy missions to Berlin. The idea of giving hope to those who should have essentially been our enemies was really touching. Rather than just washing their hands of these German citizens, these soldiers saw a need and did all in their power to fill it.
Halvorsen went on to keep in touch with some of the children that received his sweet treats, and has gone on to speak across the globe about his sweet-treat missions that brought such hope. It's always amazing what true human kindness can do to break down walls of misunderstanding, despair, and anger between people or countries. Reading this history and about the lives it touched, it is easy to see the good it has done for generations after the event.
If you're looking for an engaging piece of history for young readers or adults, this short piece of nonfiction is a must read. The positive message of the book will stay with you long after it is finished. In fact, I walked away wanting to figure out a way that I could do something good for someone else!
*FTC Disclosure: This review was based on a personal copy of the book.
Let me not be shy about my love for Captain Wentworth. His ability to be so long suffering and to carry a flame for Anne Elliott across the years has always made him one of my all-time favorite heroes. How could I then pass on a lovely novel set in the present day in Lyme? That's not it though. It's on the set of another filming of Jane Austen's famed Persuasion. In short, Victoria Connelly's Dreaming of Mr. Darcy was my perfect fit.
Synopsis: From Goodreads, "Fledgling illustrator and
Darcy fanatic Kay Ashton settles in the seaside town of Lyme to finish
her book, The Illustrated Darcy, when a film company arrives to make a
new adaptation of Jane Austen's Persuasion. Kay is soon falling for the
handsome bad boy actor playing Captain Wentworth, but it's the quiet
screenwriter Adam Craig who has more in common with her beloved Mr.
Darcy. Though still healing from a broken heart, Adam finds himself
unexpectedly in love with Kay. But it will take more than good
intentions to convince her that her real happy ending is with him."
Review: I really enjoyed reading Dreaming of Mr. Darcy. Considering it was more about Captain Wentworth, including plenty of references to reading Persuasion, I felt like it should have been Captain Wentworth that we were dreaming about! That wouldn't have lost me for one second.
When our heroine settled into Lyme and her new B&B, she didn't seem to be some lovelorn woman trying to shake off a dodgy past. Instead, Kay seemed to be a sweet girl who was living her dream to live on the sea coast. I really loved the premise behind Kay settling into Lyme and opening her B&B, only to have the newest film crew becoming her first customers. There is a fun, bumpy love story between Kay and the star playing Captain Wentworth, but a variety of other love interests for other characters are also running about. The biggest love triangle though becomes one that no one knows about other than Adam, who has fallen for Kay from first sight, but can see that she is falling for the big movie star. In short, he can see what's going on, but can't resist his love for Kay.
If there was one wish I could have made for this fun, romantic sort of modernization, it would be a slower build up to the relationships. Call me a cynic, but I would have liked to see Adam come to realize his interest in Kay and not be smitten from the first moment. I think that would have helped me cheer him on a bit, rather than see him as a romantic sap. He was such a lovable character that I spent a good portion of the book feeling like our flighty heroine might not be good enough for him! In the end, it all works out and there are moments of delightful tension. Overall, I would say that it is the perfect night by the fire type of read and one that I'll be sharing with my girlfriends who love Austen-esque stories.
Now, where can I get myself a good deal on a little place on the English coast? It sounds pretty promising.
*FTC Disclosure: This review was based on a review copy sent by the publisher.
Do you ever feel like the weekend is really about falling into a heap of fatigued laziness? Although I'll admit that I had a pretty good week last week (no deadlines or essays to grade), I've still been pretty lazy this weekend. Honestly, you have to snatch R&R wherever and whenever you can!
I didn't ever mention it here on my blog, but I made a goal to not eat out during January. I failed. One of the things I hate stocking in my fridge are salad fixings. I'm sorry, but nothing grosses me out more than a bag of salad that looks like it has wilted down and sloshed to the bottom of the bag or plastic crate. I hate the smell of salad that is decomposing, I hate the colors they turn, and I hate the very idea of eating it. I know. I should be eating them before they get to that point, but it happens so quickly that it drives me crazy! Having said that, I did stop and get a Zupas salad a couple of nights. Other than that, I did pretty well. It was an interesting challenge, and one that I think I'll expand on. It was a lot easier than I thought! Besides, it put me back into the routine of cooking every night.
One of the reasons I've been thinking about cooking more during the week is because of the set of Jamie Oliver cookbooks I checked out from the library. I can't say that I cook a bunch of recipes directly from the cookbooks that I check out, but I love the inspiration they give me to cook up my own meals. I own a few of Jamie Oliver's cookbooks, Jamie's Food Revolution being my all-time favorite, but I wanted to check out a few others as well. I love Jamie Oliver's passion for food, and the wide variety of dishes he cooks.
Thanks to my bestie, who knows how much I love Jamie Oliver, I now own his "Jamie Oliver's Food Escapes" video collection. Over the past several weeks I have been working my way through each of the regions he covers: Andalucia, Pyrennes, Athens, Venice, Stockholm, and Marakesh. I do remember catching several of these when they were broadcast on BBC America, but it is nice to have the set to watch whenever I want. He cooks amazing dishes like paella, tart tatin, honey cake, risotto, and lamb stew, all while in beautiful locations. For anyone who is a foodie and a traveler, this DVD collection is a must have. I have really enjoyed it and know I'll be trying out many of the recipes. Honestly, now I have to go visit more of these locations for myself!
Here is a fun video clip of Jamie helping to cook paella for a crowd of 500 people in Spain (Andalucia):
For more weekend cooking, go to Beth Fish Reads. You'll find all sorts of great food-related posts and recipes!
I have to be honest. For a long time I was kind of a book trailer snob. I think that to some degree, I still am one. The thing that has started to turn me around though was the profound affect these trailers have had on my students! I've shared a number of book trailers, but I have to say that the trailer for Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children and Shatter Me really grabbed their attention. See for yourself!
Having seen the response first hand, I think there is a great opportunity here to really get the word out to teen readers. They love these trailers and will go pick up a book because of them. I suppose you can say that I'm now a believer!
What are some of your favorite book trailers? Any others that you think I just have to share?
