Monday, December 19, 2016

Life Changes

2016 has not gone quite as planned. Pregnancy definitely put a brakes on my vegan food game, I don't know the last time I actually picked up a cookbook to plan or execute a meal. Bed rest put a stop to shopping and cooking, then early delivery and a C-Section erased all desire to spend time in the kitchen.

Surprisingly, reading was not a priority. Bed rest just tends to be exhausting, despite its name, and I had no interest in books.

But baby is healthy and at home, my desire to cook and read is slowly returning. My cookbook collection got a boost from two new books.

Image result for isa chandra super fun times               Image result for but my family could never go vegan

I love Isa Chandra, so this cookbook was a must have. Kristy Turner's first book is one of my absolute favorites, so I decided to splurge on her newest book. I have yet to try any of the recipes from these books, but am looking forward to preparing a meal for my family to celebrate the holidays and all the life changes 2016 has brought us.

I don't have the time to read mediocre books anymore, so I am really picky about what I am reading these days. The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen was a good use of my time. For some reason, I love books about small towns and inns. This book tells the story of Jane Fairmont Bell who feels inadequate for many reasons including her overbearing mother in law. I love that Jane comes into her own and that this is not a predictable love story. There are moments of intrigue and mystery in the book and the author does an excellent job of creating characters that I found endearing and interesting.
Image result for the innkeeper of ivy hill

A free copy of this book was provided by Bethany House Publishers.

I look forward to all 2017 will bring and wish you and yours a year filled with good vegan food and great books.