#Quarto Publishing

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

Vegan Fast Food by Brian Watson

Copycat Burgers, Tacos, Fried Chicken, Pizza, Milkshakes, and More!

 Feasting on the photos was a delight and made me drool…would love to have picked up a burger ready to eat right from one of those pages but instead hope to make one at home in the future, if I can find the ingredients here in Lebanon.

 What I liked:

* The gorgeous photos with every recipe

* Concise recipes that are easy to follow

* The ingredients are probably easy to find in the West and sources and products are recommended

* Reading about variations on how to grill the burgers

* That there was one bean burger I can probably find the ingredients for locally

* That there were alternatives offered for basic “not-meat” ingredient

* Safety tips

* Kitchen tools, tips, and suggestions

* How closely the vegan recipes resembled the real fast foods

* Recipes I’d like to try: rice paper bacon, vegan Ranch Dressing Recipe and other condiments, actually… a lot of them!

* Kind of wondered about the nutritional information on the recipes but perhaps it is better NOT to know ;)

* The variety of recipes provided

 What I didn’t like:

* That many of the recipes are ones I probably cannot make locally as many ingredients are not available in Lebanon and if they are, they are prohibitively expensive due to the current local economy.

 Did I like this book? Yes

Would I give it as a gift to someone? Yes

 Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.

 5 Stars

      BLURB

 Forget the drive-through, in Vegan Fast Food you’ll find mouthwatering junk food and comfort food classics, minus the meat and dairy. Whether you’re a brand-new vegan missing buffalo wings or a longtime vegan tired of the limited vegan options when eating out, Brian Watson, aka Thee Burger Dude, has been there. In fact, few food bloggers have thought more about what textures, tastes, and special sauces make iconic dishes so addictive. In this book, he takes you on a tour through national chain favorites, regional cult classics, and even a few nostalgic dishes perfect for parties, potlucks, or any Saturday night. Recipes include: Nationwide Burgers and Fries: Brian made his name on recreations of iconic burgers. In this chapter, he shares his obsessively researched, version 2.0 editions for nationwide icons and debuts a ton of new recipes as well. Fried Chicken, Wings, and Nuggets: Multiple styles of plant-based fried chicken are covered, including Brian’s YouTube sensation oyster mushroom fried chicken. Beyond the Bun: Craveable Mexican, Asian, and fast-casual recipes that are every bit as good as the original meaty or cheesy versions range from delivery-like pizza and kung pao to gorditas, burrito bowls, and meatball subs. The Most Important Meal of the Day: Breakfast for dinner? Hangover brunch? No matter the mission, this chapter packs the vegan biscuits and gravy, breakfast burritos, diner-style pancakes, and the French toast sticks to make it happen. With a basics chapter that sets you up with homemade burgers, fried chicken, and all the essential condiments, you’re sure to find whatever you’re craving!

[fangirlnationmag]

Ella Queen of Jazz is a Young Reader's Introduction to a Music Legend

Ella Queen of Jazz is a Young Reader’s Introduction to a Music Legend

Ella Fitzgerald’s name is no stranger to the realm of music legends now, but this almost wasn’t the case. Helen Hancocks tells the story of Ella Queen of Jazz is an enjoyable children’s book that addresses the talent of Fitzgerald, while also showing the racism faced by African American performers.

The illustrations in Ella Queen of Jazz are fun to flip through and the book is enjoyable. Be…

[crafty-readership]

A STAGE FULL OF SHAKESPEARE STORIES BY ANGELLA McALLISTER REVIEW

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing for a digital Advanced Readers Copy of the book.

I ended up loving this collection more than I had expected! I've read only a fair share of Shakespeare's plays in abridged form and even less in their original form because it's always harder and more time consuming to grasp the situations in Shakespearean English. But the adaptation of stories in this book is delightful but also straight forward. I can't remember the  last time I enjoyed reading Shakespeare this much! Even though the target audience for this volume is clearly younger, the author does not beat around the bush with any of the principal themes in these plays. The character's motives and personalities come across clear as day. The layout is eye-catching and the illustrations are unique and very well complimenting. I loved the little portion at the end which gave a little background history on all the plays included!

A book that I believe can be enjoyed by adolescents and adults alike.

Rating: 5/5 stars

[zenprintz]

Untitled #10 by kyleeenglish featuring a black door mat ❤ liked on Polyvore

[wonderwinchester]

The Big Brands - contest by gagenna featuring black heeled shoes ❤ liked on Polyvore

Chanel wool dress, €1.160 / Chanel coat, €1.330 / Chanel black heeled shoes / Chanel bag, €2.775 / Chanel pearl necklace / Chanel fragrance, €88 / Little People, Big Dreams: Coco Chanel Book, €13

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

The Plant Protein Revolution by Robin Robertson

 Supercharge Your Body with More Than 85 Delicious Vegan Recipes Made with Protein-Rich Plant-Based Ingredients

 With decades of experience cooking vegan meals, preparing recipes for cookbooks, and sharing her information, Robin Robertson has once again presented a book with wonderful vegan recipes to prepare for family and friends. This time the focus is on protein and how to provide it in vegan meals.

 I have and use Robertson’s book with 1000 recipes and have taken more than one dish to potlucks made from that cookbook. Each time they have been a hit. I have taken the Veganuary challenge for the last three years and every year come closer to becoming vegan 24/7 year round. With this goal in mind I am always on the lookout for new recipes and cookbooks that use readily available, inexpensive ingredients used in tasty sounding meals. Living overseas a lot of ingredients are not easy to find so “basics” are my mainstays.

 The book begins with an Introduction and is followed by a section on plant protein before moving on to the recipes. I was especially on the lookout for bean, seed, nut and grain recipes since tofu, plant milks and other commercially produced items are hard to find in Lebanon…or exorbitantly expensive. The chapters are then presented as follows: appetizers & snacks, salad power, super sandwiches, stovetop simmers & skillets, from the oven, breakfasts of champions, protein rich sweets and finally plant protein basics…with of course some references, acknowledgements, information about the author and an index. Scattered throughout the pages are boxes in gold with tidbits, words of wisdom, and other information.

 What I liked:

* The photographs

* The information and chart on protein

* Allergies information

* Substitutions

* How to add more protein

* Nutritional Analysis

* Layout of recipes

* Introduction to each recipe

* Flavor palette ideas I might be able to play with

* Variety of nations included

* Comfort foods – or what sounded like comfort foods to me

* Basic recipes to create replacements for some meats and dairy products, mayonnaise, and such.

 What I didn’t like:

*  Knowing that to make many of the recipes that sounded good would require substitutions since many ingredients common in the West are not available where I live.

 Did I like this cookbook? Yes

Would I read more cookbooks by this author? Yes

 Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing-Harvard Common Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.

 4-5 Stars

   BLURB

 In this sumptuous and authoritative cookbook full of delectable protein-packed recipes, best-selling vegan author Robin Robertson shatters the stubborn myth that it's hard to get enough protein on a plant-based diet. Robin serves up more than 85 fantastic recipes that deliver ample amounts of entirely plant-based protein, along with a host of other nutrients and a whole lot of big, bold, substantial flavors that anyone, vegan or not, can enjoy. From snacks and appetizers like Roasted Smoky Chickpeas, in which tamari and chickpeas are the main protein sources, and Baked Tofu with Peanut Sauce, where peanuts and tofu deliver a big protein punch, through delicious soups, stews, salads, and sides, and on to dozens of robust main courses like Jambalaya Red Beans and Rice, Indonesian Noodles with Tempeh, and White Bean Cassoulet, The Plant Protein Revolution Cookbook packs loads of tasty nutrients onto every page. Chapters on plant-protein-rich breakfasts, sandwiches, and sweets and treats make this a book you can use all day, any day. Whether you are a vegan wondering where your protein will come from or an omnivore who wants to eat meatless on occasion but needs to know you're getting plenty of protein, this enticing book deliciously delivers all the recipes you need.

[essentiallyessence]

Shein Collection

View this collection on Polyvore

Shein Collection by lillili25 ❤ liked on polyvore.com

[toaster-fashion]

I'm The Queen by xxonyx-lightwaterxx featuring purple home decor ❤ liked on Polyvore

Tie dye shirt / High waisted shorts / Heart necklace / Humble Chic rose jewellery / Humble Chic chains jewelry / Purple home decor / Home decor / NCU 001.11, an art print by Teun van der Zalm / AMETHYST - WWW.BESTCRYSTALS.COM

[dan-and-phil-fangirl-13]

I'll be alone by myself tonight by coffeeismysoul featuring an ebony pencil ❤ liked on Polyvore

Dr. Martens dr martens boots, $105 / Mead 3-Subject Spiral Notebook, 120 Sheets, College Rule / Faber Castell ebony pencil, $27

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

The Best Veggie Burgers on the Planet, revised and updated by Joni Marie Newman

More than 100 plant-based recipes for vegan burgers, fries and more

Vegetarianism and Veganism is not new to me. Living overseas where commercial convenience foods found in the USA are not easily found it does make the lifestyle somewhat more challenging. Only in the last few years have I found vital wheat gluten, TVP is relatively new, tofu options are limited and though the “health food” options are on the rise they are still limited by Western standards. That said, the produce found in Lebanon is phenomenal year round and many fast foods are vegan or easily vegan-ized.

When I saw this book I thought, “Hooray! I will find recipes I can make easily.” and that is not exactly true as some of those items mentioned above that are not easily found are listed in many of the recipes in this book. That said, I did get a LOT of fun ideas for enhancing the veggie burgers I currently make and look forward to using some of those ideas in the near future. I may ask my daughter to pick this book up for me before she comes next time to visit so I can have a hands-on copy near at hand.

What I liked:

* The photographs

* The way the chapters are set up and what is included in them

* The variety of flavor options

* The allergy indicator icons for every recipe

* The introduction to each recipe

* The “so vegan” comment at the bottom of each recipe

* The notes and recipes for homemade or store bought items like mayonnaise

* The addition of bread recipes

* The ideas I came away with

What I wished for:

* A basic recipe to play with that does not require items I can’t find locally (liquid smoke, nutritional yeast, tempeh, etc)

Overall I believe this is a book I would like to have in my cookbook library and I know that if I ever return to the USA to live I would pick up a copy to use in my home.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4 Stars

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43251351-the-best-veggie-burgers-on-the-planet-revised-and-updated

BLURB

Hold on to your buns, the burger revolution has begun! The Best Veggie Burgers on the Planet takes the popular veggie burger to the next level of flavor and fun with more than 100 daringly delicious, internationally inspired vegan burgers—burgers that stack up to any patty around (meat-full or meat-free) and will wow not only your vegetarian and vegan friends, but all the skeptics, too. In this revised edition of the original, you'll find more than 30 new recipes featuring healthier options, fewer processed ingredients, and more whole-food, plant-strong ingredients like jackfruit and aquafaba (plus icons for no added oil/salt/sugar, and even more gluten-free recipes!). You'll also find budget-friendly tips and tricks, a "fast-food favorites” section that recreates iconic favorites from popular chains, updated techniques, and alternative cooking methods to include the slow cooker and air fryer.   All of the recipes you'll find inside have been expertly designed to suit your every craving and desire, and include such favorites as: Denver Omelet Breakfast Burger BLT with Avocado Burger Pulled "Pork" Sliders Inside-Out Sushi Burger Super Quinoa Burger Sesame Bean Banh Mi Burger Mac and Cheese Burger Split Pea with HAMburger Summer Squash Burger Korean BBQ Burger With The Best Veggie Burgers on the Planet, you’ll find more than 100 ways of looking at burgers in a whole new way. Let’s get this “patty” started!

[midcenturyamericana]

MidCentury Americana is undergoing an exciting new transformation. Stay tuned for details!

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

Hmm...this is a book I can see buying for someone young that wants to start cartooning although it doesn’t really say how to make a cartoon strip it deals more with the basics with some step by step illustrations and practice pages. Maybe a beginner book for cartoonist wannabes.

Thank you to Quarto Publishing, Walter Foster and NetGalley – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39089154-the-little-book-of-cartooning-illustration

BLURB

In The Little Book of Cartooning & Illustration, beginning cartoonists, animators, and illustrators will discover key concepts associated with learning the art of traditional cartooning and animation. With this guide, dozens of tips from the pros will help you find the materials and tools you need to develop your own unique style. A combination of creative step-by-step projects and open practice areas offer encouragement and invite participation for those artists who want to put their newfound skills to immediate use. You'll learn all the cartooning and animation tricks of the trade, including: The squash and stretch principle Exaggerating details Rendering faces and expressions Anthropomorphizing inanimate objects Creating original characters Mastering body shapes and movement Writing gags and jokes With so many tools at your disposal, why wait any longer to start animating? Get started, get drawing! The Little Book of ... series focuses on delivering fun, approachable, and interesting art instruction in a fresh, portable format. With its contemporary design, open practice pages, creative exercises, and prompts that encourage interactivity, beginning artists learn the fundamentals of their craft, often with immediate results

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

Ballparks

A Journey Through the Fields of the Past, Present, and Future

by Eric Enders

This book was a joy to read. It has history, photos, tidbits, sites to visit that are relevant to baseball but not stadiums, information about owners, players, teams and more. It is a treasure trove of information and well worth having. I hadn’t realized that early stadiums in the mid to late 1800’s were made of wood and often burned down. Also, wood requires more upkeep and many didn’t stay in place as long as if they had been made of concrete.

I loved the photos from the past with the way the team uniforms and players changed and evolved over time. The sites used for movies such as Field of Dreams and Bull Durham brought back memories. I hadn’t realized that there were college and little league world series or where they are held. I did know that some teams moved from one city to another but had not heard as much as was included in this book.

Spaulding balls and bats are commonly purchased and I bought them for my children never knowing that Spaulding was a baseball player and that he organized world tours for baseball players in 1888 and 1889. The photos of the teams in Cairo were priceless.

Nice little visit to the past this afternoon and I would like to than Quarto Publishing Group – Chartwell Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37970866-ballparks

BLURB

If you love baseball and the venerable stadiums its played in, you need this definitive history and guide to Major League ballparks of the past, present, and future. With a tear-out checklist to mark ballparks you’ve visited and those on your bucket list, Ballparks takes you inside the histories of every park in the Major Leagues, with hundreds of photos, stories, and stats about:   Storied parks like Wrigley Field, Fenway Park, and Dodger Stadium Fan favorites AT&T Park, Camden Yards, PNC Park, Safeco Field, and so much more Forgotten treasures like Shibe Park in Philadelphia, Sportsman’s Park in St. Louis, and all five parks of the Detroit Tigers New stadiums like the Atlanta Braves’ SunTrust Park, the Minneapolis Twins’ Target Field, and New York’s Yankee Stadium and Citifield More than 40 other major league parks that tell the story of the national pastime through the lens of the fields the players call home No baseball fan's collection is complete without this up-to-date tome.

[cathygeha]

Willow by Jenny Crisp

  Traditional Craft for Modern Living

This comprehensive well explained and beautifully illustrated book tells of the willow (salix) used for weaving. There are directions for items to make and examples of items I would love to own. I almost envy the author her three decades of creating wonderful items that people no doubt enjoy and cherish.

 I have done basket weaving as a child but this is much different from what we did. I learned about willow and the techniques used to create and would like to someday try weaving with willow should I have the chance. I also have to say I thought about this as a potentially lost skill that with this book one could be able to create useful items should an apocalypse occur ;)

 Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing-Jaqui Small for the ARC – This is my honest review.

 4-5 Stars

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38743290-willow

BLURB

As natural materials such as wood, leather, rattan and cork continue to be used in the home, handmade woven objects, from bread baskets and trays to stools and screens, are fast becoming the must-have accessories of the contemporary interior. Master basket maker and willow grower, Jenny Crisp, teaches you some of the key weaving techniques to make 20 simple willow projects without the need of complicated tools. Jenny’s approach is innovative and moves forward beyond the old patterns and boundaries, to allow the reader to make work that is fresh and for contemporary use.

[cathygeha]

In Focus Crystals by Bernice Cockram

 Interested in learning about the properties and uses of crystals? They are more than just stones. Their colors and abilities are discussed in this book along with which ones are best for what purpose. This book is jam packed with information to absorb that will help you understand a bit more about the subject. I believe this is a subject that may require time to fully understand and believe that I would keep it at hand when thinking about buying crystals or planning to use them.  I look forward to sitting with this book, reading a bit, trying out some of the ideas and seeing what happens.

 Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing for the ARC - This is my honest review.

 4 Stars

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35724016-in-focus-crystals

[cathygeha]

In Focus Astrology by Sash Fenton

 Interested in learning about astrology and perhaps more about charts and how to create and read them? This book is jam packed with information to absorb and that will help you understand a bit more about the subject. I believe it is a book best taken in small sittings so that what is read can be retained then added to what comes next. There are more complex books on the subject but this would be a good book to begin with. It will take some time to learn it all but it is a treasure trove of ideas and knowledge gleaned over the years by the author who gladly shares it with the reader.

 4 Stars

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2525646443