simplyalexandra's Reviews (890)

This book is a beautifully photographed and documented portrait of Ilona Oppenheim's life. She lives in Aspen with her family, where they live in harmony with their natural surroundings. They forage and search for responsible local sources for their food. Just like the nature of their lifestyle, the recipes and information in many ways go back to the basics. The recipes are for things like oatmeal baked apples, pine needle tea, hearty soups, quiches, and breads. She even explains processes like making cheese, yogurt, etc. things that are not traditionally made at home in modern day American society. After reading this, I get the sense that Ilona and her family live life at a slow and comfortable pace, enjoying the natural environment surrounding them, and leaving a light foot print. It is filled with stories from her life, that really back up her lifestyle choices. It's a really lovely picture. I appreciate that a fair chunk of the recipes are also accessible to your average home cook, someone who does not live somewhere so scenic or remote, who may not be able to forage for mushrooms, etc. I bookmarked quite a few recipes that I would like to try myself! All that being said, some of the recipes were a little far out for me, especially things like making my own cheese or yogurt, it just isn't something I could do right now. But I do like that she presents it to you in a way that is useful, and perhaps a possibility for the future, should the reader decide to taper their life into a more from scratch type of lifestyle. I do have a handful of friends that I could see doing these types of things at home. Overall, I would recommend this book for people who are interested in a simpler, greener lifestyle, and for anyone who loves gorgeous rustic food and photography. I don't think this book is for everyone, but for those who are interested in this type of lifestyle, it would definitely be a treasure on their bookshelf.

*I was given an advance reader edition of this book in exchange for an honest review via netgalley. All opinions are my purely my own.*

From the blog of the same name, a visual treat of a guide to the season's. Emily Schuman thoroughly lays out her favorite tips and activities of the season from fall wardrobe essentials to spring flea market shopping tips. She shares her favorite decorating tips, entertaining strategies, and recipes, along with specific details on things like party playlists and bookcase design. This book is gorgeous, approachable, diverse, and I love the seasonal layout!

I love everything about Daphne Oz's love letter to life. The recipes are inventive, exotic, and fun - but also extremely approachable! In addition to the many recipes shared here, there is a wealth of advice and knowledge shared about entertaining, traveling, fashion, decor.... you name it. Oz feels like an old friend when you read this, and I benefited greatly from her wisdom, and have loved EVERY recipe that I have tried so far! She even shares funny anecdotes about entertaining woes, and how she's learned from her mom to go with the flow.

Read More Here:http://simplyalexandramyfavoritethings.blogspot.com/2013/09/relishing-life-book-review.html

This book is an all around resource for having a cleaner, greener, healthier life. As a mom she approaches a lot of the topics from the standpoint of keeping them safe and healthy! This is not just a whim of a book, Alba knows her statistics! I found this book extremely clear, inspiring, helpful and eye-opening. I am so glad to have read it before starting a family!

Read More Here: http://simplyalexandramyfavoritethings.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-honest-life-book-review.html

This is one of my favorite books of ALL TIME. Erin Bried interviews grandmothers who grew up during the great depression, they give her colorful stories and quotes, and teach her how to do all sorts of essential things. The writing is funny and sweet, the grandmothers are lovely, the how-to's are both fun and applicable to everyday life. I would buy this book for every woman I know, if I could afford it! :) The book includes: How to Roast a Whole Chicken, How to Repel Furry Friends from Your Garden, How to Handwash Delicates, How to Make an Apron, How to Make a Centerpiece, How to Wear Red Lipstick, How to Make the Most of a Night In, How to Shop Without Credit, How to Start a Bookclub, How to Host a Potluck Dinner Party, How to Play Charades - just to list some! I could go on and on about this one. This is the sweetest book.

Read my thoughts on it here: http://simplyalexandramyfavoritethings.blogspot.com/2010/10/my-new-favorite-book.html