Book Review- First Frost

   First Frost ( Allen, Sarah Addison, St. Martins Press, 2014)   a novel, show cases the Waverly Women from North Carolina, and they are a creative and unique family. Each member of the family has unique  and fascinating gifts.

   Claire is a caterer and candy maker. Sydney is a hair dresser, wants another baby.  Bay , 15 years old( Sydney's daughter) has already decided what boy she needs to be with- although the boy in question seems totally unreachable).Mariah ( Clarie' s daughter) is young and her gift is not yet evident. Then there is the mysterious stranger.

   They are all waiting for the First Frost. That's when their apple  shade tree blossoms and falls down  and everything that was wrong so far every year straightens itself out.

  This is an exciting and warm story that will keep you on the edge of your seat . And when its finished you will be wishing that there was more to read.

Easy Recipe- Pasta Salad

  Here is an easy recipe Bob put together last night.
  We had pasta left over from a night when he made a pasta bake( His specially)
First  he made a simple citrus dressing.
Then in a large bowl , he  put  the pasta ,
 a drained can of chick peas,
 chopped red  and yellow  peppers and
finely chopped red onion.
We had it with grilled chicken and seasoned potatoes also done on the grill.  Very tasty and we have left for another meal!

Book review- Firecomb Manor

     Firecomb Manor ( Riordain, Harper Collins, 2015) pairs two characters : Alice ( 1933) and Elizabeth ( 1898) as they await the birth of Alice's first and Elizabeth second child.  Alice becomes pregnant by a married man  - her parents send her away  in shame,  Elizabeth struggles with her demanding , always angry husband  with his need to have a male heir. Elizabeth has been unable to hold on to many pregnancy's

    The novel begins with Alice in London , just 22 and finding her self pregnant. Her mother send her to Firecomb manor to an old  friend  who is the maid /caretaker of the place.  This is where she begins to read the diary of Elizabeth as it outlines her daily life.

    The chapters go between Elizabeth and Alice, as we learn about each of them. Alice learns about Elizabeth and feel a definite kinship with her  The ending appears to be  natural conclusion although endearing and  exciting, Alice decided what she will do with her life   providing us with a nicely wrapped package ending,

Recipe- Lasagna Cupcakes

   We saw this recipe and had to try it!  We did a few adaptations  .  Our ravioli were from the dollar store and they were great. We got two packages.

 Lasagna Cupcakes
  24 round ravioli
   tomato sauce
   chopped spinach - ( we used Kale)
  Parmesan cheese

Step 1- Cook the ravioli in salted water for  just a couple minutes less than the specified time on the package.Drain well

Step 2- Spray  a 12 cup muffin tin with spray

 Step 3 - layer the lasagna- first a ravioli then some sauce and cheese, some kale, then another ravioli, sauce and grated cheeses.

Step 4- place in a preheated 350 oven for about 20 minutes until everything looks melted and yummy.

Cool a few minutes before serving with some extra sauce and a green salad.

 Since there are only two of us - we froze  4 of these to have at a later date.   ( I  took the extras for a lunch on day)

Book Review- Living Well, Spending Less

    According to Ruth Soukup , an unorganized life and budget leads to a stressful life . I would agree with her on both points. Through very easy reading, Living Well, Spending Less, Ruth  helps  us to work on becoming  more organized in your day to day  living.

  Ruth began as a blogger( Living Well Spending .com) I started reading her blog a while back  and found she has some great ideas  and types on organizing . I also love her site because it is so easy to find what you are looking for!

   Back to the book- for each secret  there is a chapter in which Ruth shares her story and then  offers a challenge to complete,  I also like the inspirations quotes she has shared.  She gives many references to other useful books and resources to help you in your quest to have a more organized and frugal life.  I would recommend this to all who are looking for some tips  on a less stressful life.