Cara’s Find

--Fix, freeze, feast. I went to the library the other day to find a book on better meal planning. What I discovered were a bunch of recipe books, but nothing really geared around planning meals ahead. Then I found this: Fix, Freeze, Feast by Kati Neville and Lindsay Tkacsik. Packed with 125 recipes, it basically teaches you how to shop in bulk, prepare recipes up to the cooking stage, and then store in freezer bags until you’re ready to whip out a meal out. (Similar to those franchises where you assemble recipes, take home, and freeze). I haven’t tried it yet, but I’m all set to head to Sam’s Club this weekend to buy 6-pounds worth of chicken. The book has gotten great reviews on Amazon, so I’m hopeful.

Sara’s Find

Buy this book! When it gets closer to my own novel coming out (Fall 2010, y’all!), you’re going to get sick of hearing me talk about it. In the meantime, I’m going to pimp the novels of my friends, especially if they are as awesome as Gardens of Water by my buddy Alan Drew. It comes out in paperback today, so you should be able to pick it up for less. “Gardens” is an amazing story about a muslim family living in an American-run tent camp after the devastating earthquake in Turkey. It explores family dynamics, clashes in culture, etc. in such a sensitive way–and the storyline about the teen daughter, Irem’s, relationship with an American boy is so well-drawn that my friends and I agree this book should appeal to young adults and their parents. Buy this book – you won’t regret it!

– Safe (and cute) for baby gnawing. Need a baby gift — or have a little one sprouting some teeth? Check out all-natural, BPA-free Starbright Baby Teething Giraffes. These adorable chew pals are made using 100% pre-washed cotton fabric and are stuffed with eco-friendly Fiberfill. The stuffing is 100% renewable and plant-based (corn), as well as hypo-allergenic. Thanks to my pal Michelle for the tip!