tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27470096401456828162024-03-13T10:39:52.317-04:00This, That, and the OtherA feminist who writes, reads, cooks, and mothers, while trying to maintain her sanity and find personal bliss.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07972769756676806896noreply@blogger.comBlogger268125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747009640145682816.post-10436441001805845802014-08-31T00:44:00.001-04:002014-08-31T00:44:52.322-04:00Review: V Is for Vegan: The ABCs of Being Kind<br /> <a style='float: left; padding-right: 20px' href='http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17262495'><img alt='V Is for Vegan: The ABCs of Being Kind' border='0' src='http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1358745815m/17262495.jpg'/></a><br /> <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17262495'>V Is for Vegan: The ABCs of Being Kind</a> by <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2776310'>Ruby Roth</a><br/><br /> My rating: <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1041114256'>5 of 5 stars</a><br /> <br/><br/><br /> This is a fantastic children's book that you can introduce young (our child received this for her second birthday and was able to start asking questions about it right away). Raising a vegan kid is hard, but this book helps her understand <i>why</i> we don't drink milk that comes from cows (and eat meat, test on animals, eat honey, or wear animal skins), and why plants are so awesome for us. I love that it introduces different types of grains, vegetables, and healthy sources of fat, while also letting kids know that our choices matter - not only for ourselves, but for other people, the environment, and our animal friends. <br /> <br/><br/><br /> <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1041114256'>View all my reviews</a><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07972769756676806896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747009640145682816.post-70341562659920155832014-08-31T00:40:00.001-04:002014-08-31T00:40:03.859-04:00Review: A Birthday for Bear: An Early Reader<br /> <a style='float: left; padding-right: 20px' href='http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6531753'><img alt='A Birthday for Bear: An Early Reader' border='0' src='http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320552278m/6531753.jpg'/></a><br /> <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6531753'>A Birthday for Bear: An Early Reader</a> by <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/279598'>Bonny Becker</a><br/><br /> My rating: <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1041112237'>5 of 5 stars</a><br /> <br/><br/><br /> An utterly charming book that is requested <i>often</i> for bedtime from our two-year-old. This book has also introduced the phrase "quick as a whisker" into my toddler's vocabulary, which kills me of cuteness every time it is uttered, and a frequent request for chocolate cake with chocolate icing and chocolate sprinkles. <br /><br />Seriously though, it's pretty adorbs.<br /> <br/><br/><br /> <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1041112237'>View all my reviews</a><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07972769756676806896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747009640145682816.post-38555000654862119422014-08-31T00:34:00.001-04:002014-08-31T00:34:55.227-04:00Review: It's Okay to Be Different<br /> <a style='float: left; padding-right: 20px' href='http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/120661'><img alt='It's Okay to Be Different' border='0' src='http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1344264684m/120661.jpg'/></a><br /> <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/120661'>It's Okay to Be Different</a> by <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/69987'>Todd Parr</a><br/><br /> My rating: <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1041110586'>5 of 5 stars</a><br /> <br/><br/><br /> A children's book on inclusivity and loving yourself just the way you are? Yes, please!<br /> <br/><br/><br /> <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1041110586'>View all my reviews</a><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07972769756676806896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747009640145682816.post-23149557406395448842014-08-31T00:17:00.001-04:002014-08-31T00:17:53.557-04:00Review: What Makes a Baby<br /> <a style='float: left; padding-right: 20px' href='http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15701778'><img alt='What Makes a Baby' border='0' src='http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1340338597m/15701778.jpg'/></a><br /> <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15701778'>What Makes a Baby</a> by <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/489166'>Cory Silverberg</a><br/><br /> My rating: <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1041091850'>5 of 5 stars</a><br /> <br/><br/><br /> Recommended from www.amightygirl.com (check it out!). <br />The illustrations are gorgeous.<br /><br />This is a fantastic little read that had my two-year-old entranced. It gently discusses the basics behind how conception, pregnancy, and birth occur. While it identifies various concepts of conception and birth (sperm, egg, uterus, vagina), the act of sex isn't discussed in itself. <br /><br />Basically, the book shares the following information: you need a sperm and an egg to make a baby; they meet, share their "stories"/DNA, and a baby grows in a uterus. People are excited to have the baby come out, there is a brief explanation of vaginal and cesarean births (nothing graphic/strange), and everyone is tired but so glad the baby has arrived.<br /><br />The bodies in the book are ungendered/unsexed, and the anatomy isn't even assigned to a particular sex. The people in the books are of every shape, color, and expression. <br /><br />Highly recommended for ages 2+, especially for those who want to encourage a mindset that is open to varying sexual and gender identities, family structures, etc. There is nothing that pushes (or is against) the heteronormative definition of "family" (two heterosexual parents, married, blahblahblah). The book also explains c-section as a method of birth. <br /><br /><br /> <br/><br/><br /> <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1041091850'>View all my reviews</a><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07972769756676806896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747009640145682816.post-72561906307108952192014-01-15T14:01:00.001-05:002014-01-15T14:01:21.084-05:00Review: Songs of Willow Frost<br /> <a style='float: left; padding-right: 20px' href='http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17232261'><img alt='Songs of Willow Frost' border='0' src='http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1367527068m/17232261.jpg'/></a><br /> <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17232261'>Songs of Willow Frost</a> by <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1421619'>Jamie Ford</a><br/><br /> My rating: <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/815614753'>2 of 5 stars</a><br /> <br/><br/><br /> I didn't really like [b:Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet|3367956|Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet|Jamie Ford|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1348332221s/3367956.jpg|3407295], so I'm not sure why I picked this up; maybe I thought that, because it had such great reviews, it might be better? Not so much.<br /><br />I've concluded that I just don't care for Jamie Ford's writing. While I have immense respect for anyone that can write a book and then have the guts to go get it published, I don't think he is able to successfully narrate for a child, or represent how a child would think, act, or talk. Unfortunately, this perspective constitutes the majority of both "Songs of Willow Frost" and "Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet."<br /><br />I also felt the writing was incredibly spotty, and in some sections it seemed like some of the story had been hastily added in, or a chunk removed so that it didn't flow well overall. Much like "Hotel," I wasn't able to engage with the plot until the last 50-75 pages.<br /><br />Things I thought Ford did well in this novel: the way he relayed the vast inequalities of the social service systems in place in the 1920s and 30s, as well as the racial inequality that Chinese-Americans faced, that, while still problematic today, was so much worse then; the portrayal of the blossoming film industry (though some of this seemed forced as well?); and showing what Seattle might have looked like during the Great Depression. <br /><br />If you like "Hotel," you'll probably like this too. <br /> <br/><br/><br /> <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/815614753'>View all my reviews</a><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07972769756676806896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747009640145682816.post-83220893038720262582013-09-11T20:40:00.003-04:002013-09-11T20:40:33.449-04:00Why Feminism?<a href="http://bellejarblog.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">The Belle Jar</a> posted this comic on Facebook today, and I couldn't help but repost it. It's seriously so relevant, and so true. Original comic can be found at '<a href="http://beiibis.tumblr.com/post/60378978934" target="_blank">my little sketchbook</a>' (Katarzyna Babis' tumblr).<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07972769756676806896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747009640145682816.post-29403291074919851572013-08-22T21:34:00.003-04:002013-08-22T21:34:45.875-04:00Find of the Day: Dreams Are RealIn this midst of mad thesis crunching (Thursday night's Tap-a-Tap Hour doesn't have me in tears yet!), this gave me the courage to go on:<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/72856974" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <a href="http://vimeo.com/72856974">Dreams Are Real</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user2437683">Ryan Barger</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
<br />
Yes, my fine little kittens, ur, readers, dreams are real.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07972769756676806896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747009640145682816.post-27892448387898785512013-08-13T18:45:00.000-04:002013-08-13T23:08:14.087-04:00"How are you today?"Felicity is now at the ripe old age of one and half. She has opinions. She has desires. It's almost like she's a little person. (Yes, she is decidedly a tiny human).<br />
<br />
Felicity, with her vocabulary of thirty or so words, hasn't quite grasped the subtleties of polite elevator interactions.<br />
<br />
<b>Last week:</b><br />
<br />
A woman stepped into the elevator after us. Felicity looked up from her stroller and in a small, sweet voice, said, "Hi!"<br />
<br />
The woman smiled at her and greeted her back. Then the woman asked, "How are you today?"<br />
<br />
Our downstairs neighbor probably wasn't expecting a response, or maybe she was expecting to hear a tiny, "Fine, how are you?" as is the custom to respond. Not so.<br />
<br />
Furrowing her eyebrows, Felicity briskly held a rigid index finger to her bandaged, slightly scraped knee. She uttered a severe sentence or two, which we couldn't much make out besides the word "owee" once or twice.<br />
<br />
<b>Today: </b><br />
<br />
Ian and I have been sick with the flu since Friday night. While we are finally starting to recover, Felicity has been feeling pretty miserable today. I took the baby out in the stroller this afternoon to pick up our CSA box, and she bravely sat quietly for most of the ride, only complaining a little when we walked past the playground.<br />
<br />
After getting back into the building with the stroller and bags of groceries, I saw one of the MBA students, resplendent in suit and tie, coming into the building after us. Kind soul that I am, I held the elevator for him.<br />
<br />
After the doors closed and we'd pushed our respective buttons, Felicity looked up at him and greeted him with a small and serious, "Hi."<br />
<br />
He smiled, and said hello back. He then asked how she was. He was decidedly <i>not</i> ready for what she had to tell him.<br />
<br />
Bear in mind that... <i>some</i> of what Felicity says is comprehensible to Ian or myself. Like I said, Flick has a small (but effective) vocabulary. It was apparently not large enough (at least in English) to express how bad she was feeling and what a terrible day she'd had.<br />
<br />
In her tirade, from the lobby to the fifth flour, she told the young man in great detail about how it was to be a toddler and feel bad, how her (mean) parents wouldn't take her to the playground, expressly against her frequent requests, and who knows what else. Pretty much, a whole lot of baby-talk in an exaggerated, complaining voice.<b> </b>She sounded like a grandmother talking about her sciatica in an alien language.<br />
<br />
Exiting the elevator, the MBA student said, "That's how I feel too. That's how I feel too." <br />
<br />
<b>I love having a toddler.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07972769756676806896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747009640145682816.post-62337879584053562352013-07-30T11:44:00.001-04:002013-08-22T21:36:07.371-04:00Review: Flaubert's Parrot<br /> <a style='float: left; padding-right: 20px' href='http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/886615'><img alt='Flaubert's Parrot' border='0' src='http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1356444536m/886615.jpg'/></a><br /> <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/886615'>Flaubert's Parrot</a> by <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1462'>Julian Barnes</a><br/><br /> My rating: <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/26438294'>2 of 5 stars</a><br /> <br/><br/><br /> <i>Flaubert's Parrot</i> has been on my "To Read" list for YEARS. To my delight, it was available on audiobook from the NYPL, and I downloaded it to my phone to listen to whilst walking about the city, riding the subway, and doing laundry in the evening. <br /><br />I hesitate to even write that I hated it because I know it's supposed to be a great book. I'm sure it IS a great book. I tried. I really, really tried. I listened to just about half of the book before giving up completely in boredom. <br /><br />Okay, okay, I know this book is about Flaubert, but I didn't expect it to really ONLY be about Flaubert. I usually find Julian Barnes to be an exceptionally interesting and engaging author that could make a housefly interesting, so I was disappointed to be increasingly annoyed at Flaubert, instead of, say, interested or engaged in his life and story. I feel that either this book should've had more framing (I did enjoy the little framing there was about the doctor who was interested in Flaubert and his story), or Barnes should've just written a biography on Flaubert. Random lists of quotes and dates just didn't do it for me. <br /><br />If you're interested in Flaubert (I really am not) and don't mind more of a history lesson than a novel, you'll enjoy this, I promise. Please disregard my low-brow analysis and find a copy for yourself. <br /> <br/><br/><br /> <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/26438294'>View all my reviews</a><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07972769756676806896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747009640145682816.post-29607716712328787152013-07-15T12:30:00.001-04:002013-08-22T21:36:07.363-04:00Review: The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Vol. 1<br /> <a style='float: left; padding-right: 20px' href='http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13533745'><img alt='The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Vol. 1' border='0' src='http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1368559246m/13533745.jpg'/></a><br /> <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13533745'>The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Vol. 1</a> by <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/54069'>Denise Mina</a><br/><br /> My rating: <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/660702287'>4 of 5 stars</a><br /> <br/><br/><br /> You've read the books. You've watched the movies (and are waiting with anticipation for the second and third American installments). A graphic novel series too? Yes, please. <br /><br />The artwork is fantastic, the main plot is represented well, and Stieg Larsson's original magic is present. I highly recommend this to any fans (or if you're just too lazy to read the books - you know who you are...), just be aware that this is Part I of <i>The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo</i> and so does not represent the full book. <br /> <br/><br/><br /> <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/660702287'>View all my reviews</a><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07972769756676806896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747009640145682816.post-65685214582758372012013-07-01T22:04:00.001-04:002013-08-22T21:36:07.378-04:00Review: You Make Me Feel Like an Unnatural Woman: The Diary of a New Mother<br /> <a style='float: left; padding-right: 20px' href='http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/541470'><img alt='You Make Me Feel Like an Unnatural Woman: The Diary of a New Mother' border='0' src='http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1349048562m/541470.jpg'/></a><br /> <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/541470'>You Make Me Feel Like an Unnatural Woman: The Diary of a New Mother</a> by <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/95909'>Judith Newman</a><br/><br /> My rating: <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/634566765'>3 of 5 stars</a><br /> <br/><br/><br /> I have very mixed feelings about this book. It made me laugh and laugh - Judith Newman is an incredibly funny writer and has a wonderful way with words. While <i>You Make Me Feel Like an Unnatural Woman</i> is a humorous read, and it was evident that Newman was struggling with her new role as mother, with her finances, and her marriage, she never really went too deep below the surface. She allows you glimpses of her actual thoughts, but doesn't write with any depth. There is nothing wrong with this, necessarily, just don't pick it up if you're looking for a mothering memoir that deals with the meat of being a mom and how it changes your identity.<br /><br />I originally read this for my thesis (I'm reviewing a number of mothering memoirs) specifically because she is an older mom, and there aren't many mothering memoirs out there dealing with age. I'm not sure I can use it though as Newman never really went to any deep emotional place. I'm not sure how I didn't know it wouldn't be more serious, certainly the title should've tipped me off!<br /><br />This is a thoroughly enjoyable read, and you'll certainly have fun if you're a parent yourself, especially a new(ish) parent living in NYC. <br /> <br/><br/><br /> <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/634566765'>View all my reviews</a><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07972769756676806896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747009640145682816.post-46808740436903368872013-06-05T11:02:00.001-04:002013-08-22T21:36:07.368-04:00Review: Why We Write: 20 Acclaimed Authors on How and Why They Do What They Do<br /> <a style='float: left; padding-right: 20px' href='http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15812848'><img alt='Why We Write: 20 Acclaimed Authors on How and Why They Do What They Do' border='0' src='http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1358647492m/15812848.jpg'/></a><br /> <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15812848'>Why We Write: 20 Acclaimed Authors on How and Why They Do What They Do</a> by <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/238890'>Meredith Maran</a><br/><br /> My rating: <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/633488379'>0 of 5 stars</a><br /> <br/><br/><br /> I couldn't get through <i>Why We Write</i> quickly enough. Suddenly I find myself bemoaning the fact I'm working on a master's thesis and not working on a novel instead! Really though, this book is filled with such interesting essays and information. The editing is superb; the writers chosen are varied in genre, age, and experience, and I had such fun reading how they got started in their writing careers, their individual writing processes, and tips for writing well. <br /><br />This is a fantastic book for a would-be writer (maybe something to help give the final push?), the discouraged writer, or the enthusiastic reader who would like to know more about the writing process. <br /> <br/><br/><br /> <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/633488379'>View all my reviews</a><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07972769756676806896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747009640145682816.post-22618894303843553502013-05-28T12:39:00.001-04:002013-08-22T21:36:07.359-04:00Review: Why Have Kids?: A New Mom Explores the Truth About Parenting and Happiness<br /> <a style='float: left; padding-right: 20px' href='http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13594583'><img alt='Why Have Kids?: A New Mom Explores the Truth About Parenting and Happiness' border='0' src='http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1349156703m/13594583.jpg'/></a><br /> <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13594583'>Why Have Kids?: A New Mom Explores the Truth About Parenting and Happiness</a> by <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/222118'>Jessica Valenti</a><br/><br /> My rating: <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/412169260'>4 of 5 stars</a><br /> <br/><br/><br /> I've been looking forward to reading Valenti's book for several weeks. This is a great little book (and a pretty fast read, I got through it in about three hours) for anyone that is just beginning to explore the concept of finding happiness in mothering (though Valenti prefers the term parenting, which I completely get, this book is primarily about mothering). Valenti is an engaging and interesting writer and is sure to make you think about why we have children, the idea of what it is to be a good mother, and how we're all struggling to make sense of ourselves as parents.<br /><br />However, after reading many, many, many books and articles on feminist mothering, empowered mothering, and the state of mothering today, this book was much the same. See how I still gave it four stars though? If you haven't done the extensive (and ridiculous) amount of reading on mothering that I have (for my graduate work), give this book a go! Really, really!<br /><br />My two actual complaints about the book: Valenti could be more thorough in her reporting/research. The example off hand is her breastfeeding chapter. While I've certainly mellowed in my fanaticism for breast-feeding, I still think she might've give more research going both ways. This is one example of where she is very one-sided with her research and doesn't give a true, full picture. I generally agreed with all of her overall analysis, I felt I was only getting one side of an argument in a few places in the book.<br /><br />My second complaint is never really addressing two of the three themes on the cover - why people choose to have kids and finding happiness in parenting. She covers both of these topics (most women feel obligated to have kids as society pushes women to have children; and people without children are happier than those with children, and working moms are happier than stay-at-home moms), but she doesn't really fully engage with either topic. I would've liked to see more discussion on WHY people choose to have children (or is the only reason because we believe we must, or 'oops!'), and more about what it is to be happy and be a parent (or, in particular, a mother). <br /><br />It was fun reading this after working on the 50th edition <i>The Feminine Mystique</i> for my book club; there are so many parallels and women are still facing such crisis, even a half a decade later.<br /><br /> <br/><br/><br /> <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/412169260'>View all my reviews</a><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07972769756676806896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747009640145682816.post-90642675407465761832013-05-14T10:30:00.001-04:002013-08-22T21:36:07.382-04:00Review: Veganomicon: The Ultimate Vegan Cookbook<br /> <a style='float: left; padding-right: 20px' href='http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1059680'><img alt='Veganomicon: The Ultimate Vegan Cookbook' border='0' src='http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328751476m/1059680.jpg'/></a><br /> <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1059680'>Veganomicon: The Ultimate Vegan Cookbook</a> by <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/27045'>Isa Chandra Moskowitz</a><br/><br /> My rating: <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/615158998'>5 of 5 stars</a><br /> <br/><br/><br /> I obtained a copy of <i>Veganomicon</i> months before making the switch over (hell, I wasn't even a vegetarian at that point), and really enjoyed the recipes even then. After becoming a vegan, <i>Veganomicon</i> was that much more valuable. The recipes in this cookbook are great - well thought through, easy to make (most of the time), and typically quite healthy. Isa and Terry write with humor and provide excellent information. And, of course, most importantly, these recipes produce GREAT food. Om-to-the-Nom-Nom good.<br /><br />While I don't want to make it sound like this is a "Betty Crocker" cookbook of sorts (shows you how to make the basics), <i>Veganomicon</i> is quite comprehensive and has recipes and menus for all occasions (or un-occasions). The recipes are also sorted as well to fit specific needs: soy-free, gluten-free, low fat, fast (under 45 minutes), and "supermarket friendly." <br /><br />Some of our favorites (and frequently-made): Banana-Nut Waffles (our personal favorite brunch), Cashew Ricotta, Wheat-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies, Cheezy Sauce, Simple Seitan, Chile-Chocolate Mole (out of this world!), Mushroom Gravy (referred to the "Thanksgiving Hero"), and Snobby Joes, to list just a few. <br /><br />If you're a vegan or enjoy eating plant-based foods, this is a must-have for your cookbook collection.<br /> <br/><br/><br /> <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/615158998'>View all my reviews</a><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07972769756676806896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747009640145682816.post-33584526580201000192013-05-14T10:17:00.001-04:002013-08-22T21:36:07.365-04:00Review: The Complete Guide to Vegan Food Substitutions: 200 Foolproof Food Substitutions for Everything from Milk and Meat to Sugar and Soy-Includes Recipes<br /> <a style='float: left; padding-right: 20px' href='http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8070024'><img alt='The Complete Guide to Vegan Food Substitutions: 200 Foolproof Food Substitutions for Everything from Milk and Meat to Sugar and Soy-Includes Recipes' border='0' src='http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1289868663m/8070024.jpg'/></a><br /> <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8070024'>The Complete Guide to Vegan Food Substitutions: 200 Foolproof Food Substitutions for Everything from Milk and Meat to Sugar and Soy-Includes Recipes</a> by <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2874468'>Celine Steen</a><br/><br /> My rating: <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/375985034'>4 of 5 stars</a><br /> <br/><br/><br /> This was the very first vegan cookbook I looked at after making the switch from vegetarian to vegan. While I haven't made many of the recipes, the substitution lists and suggestions are useful and accurate, and the recipes I did try were great. I won't lie, this isn't your healthy vegan cookbook, and I'm not sure how into veggies either of these authors are. But the recipes are full of soul and are good comfort recipes.<br /> <br/><br/><br /> <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/375985034'>View all my reviews</a><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07972769756676806896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747009640145682816.post-69087063309994262672013-05-12T00:17:00.003-04:002013-05-12T00:17:35.408-04:00It's May Already?I realize it's been an entire month since you've heard from me. Apparently I can only focus on one or two things at a time. (Does anyone else have this problem?)<br />
<br />
First there was this problem with my knee, then we all got sick. Sickness lead to an ear infection, and that was followed by insane focus on my research, which was followed by a week of stunning weather in which I completely avoided research, which has melted into a week of rethinking the way we're doing food and revamping our eating (yes, yes, we're still vegans, just trying to clean up our eating a little).<br />
<br />
So yes, alive, working, thinking, and not blogging regularly like a good blogger should.<br />
<br />
I posted a recipe on <a href="http://plantmatters.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Plant Matters</a> for a <a href="http://plantmatters.blogspot.com/2013/05/creamy-cashew-curry.html" target="_blank">Cauliflower, Sweet Potato, and Cashew Curry</a> this evening. It's a small offering in lieu of any sort of interesting post. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07972769756676806896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747009640145682816.post-64980210236876449932013-04-08T17:00:00.001-04:002013-08-22T21:36:07.375-04:00Review: Are You My Mother?<br /> <a style='float: left; padding-right: 20px' href='http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11566956'><img alt='Are You My Mother?' border='0' src='http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1344671126m/11566956.jpg'/></a><br /> <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11566956'>Are You My Mother?</a> by <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21982'>Alison Bechdel</a><br/><br /> My rating: <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/526081968'>2 of 5 stars</a><br /> <br/><br/><br /> I love Alison Bechdel and worked through almost all of her graphic novels last summer. I was excited when I finally got my hands on a copy of <i>Are You My Mother</i> and eagerly set aside the time to dive in. <br /><br />And... I just couldn't. I want to say I gave this book a good effort. I tried and tried to read it. I got about halfway and gave up. I guess I'm not into books about trying to write (the meta-self-autobiography) and really hate psychoanalysis. It didn't seem like there was any structure, just a lot of confusion and self-loathing.<br /><br />I'm sorry Alison Bechdel. <br /> <br/><br/><br /> <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/526081968'>View all my reviews</a><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07972769756676806896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747009640145682816.post-41635758072692120672013-04-07T13:04:00.000-04:002013-04-07T13:04:58.497-04:00Ode to Sleep Deprived ParentsThe Sydney Philharmonica Choir performs "Ode to Sleep Deprived Parents" set to Carmina Burana. Enjoy.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Gz0dvPZhaTU" width="560"></iframe><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07972769756676806896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747009640145682816.post-39990855488413659692013-03-31T14:17:00.001-04:002013-03-31T14:17:32.013-04:00Review: Sharp Objects<br /> <a style='float: left; padding-right: 20px' href='http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/66559'><img alt='Sharp Objects' border='0' src='http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1298431315m/66559.jpg'/></a><br /> <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/66559'>Sharp Objects</a> by <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2383'>Gillian Flynn</a><br/><br /> My rating: <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/550698216'>4 of 5 stars</a><br /> <br/><br/><br /> Immediately after finishing <i>Gone Girl</i>, I added my name to the library hold list for both of Gillian Flynn's other novels, <i>Sharp Objects</i> and <i>Dark Places</i>. They both came in this Friday, and I sprinted through <i>Sharp Objects</i> in two days. <br /><br />I'm an anti-spoiler kind of girl, so I'll keep my review brief. Camille is a 30-something journalist writing in a mid-tier paper in Chicago. Her editor sends her home to Wind Gap, the small city in Missouri she grew up in and has avoided for many years, to write on a developing story about two young girls, one who was found strangled with most of her teeth pulled out, and another who just went missing. Despite recently coming out of major personal conflict herself, Camille takes the story and finds herself back at her mother's home in Wind Gap.<br /><br />I'll say this: Flynn has a way of writing despicable characters. Similarly to <i>Gone Girl</i>, it's hard to find a likeable primary or secondary character in <i>Sharp Objects</i>. That said, Flynn is such an engaging writer. I found it very difficult to put this book down, despite the troubled antagonist and her series of cringe-worthy past and her seeming inability to make good decisions. The darkness is addictive. <br /><br />If you enjoyed <i>Gone Girl</i>, definitely give <i>Sharp Objects</i> a read. It's not quite the stunner that <i>Gone Girl</i> is (it's a little more on the pedestrian side of the thriller genre), but the book is an engaging and a great addition to the mystery/thriller genre. <br /><br /> <br/><br/><br /> <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/550698216'>View all my reviews</a><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07972769756676806896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747009640145682816.post-47318475745795581502013-03-29T18:05:00.000-04:002013-03-29T18:05:38.633-04:00ConnectionsTwo weeks ago as Ian and I were in the bathroom getting ready for bed, he told me how proud he was of me in the last month. I asked him why. After all, if I'm getting a compliment, I like to know (and milk it for all it's worth!). He very sweetly told me how great it was to see me so happy, determined, and focused, that it felt like I had a direction and was working towards my goals. And it was all true!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hqiUBuGi3pc/UVYPQlm7s5I/AAAAAAAAAnI/CaCjzFkDvdQ/s1600/526429_421532787933793_1371701952_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hqiUBuGi3pc/UVYPQlm7s5I/AAAAAAAAAnI/CaCjzFkDvdQ/s400/526429_421532787933793_1371701952_n.png" width="278" /></a>The next day, as I was out walking with a good friend, and she was
complimenting me on my organization (!)* and drive, I mentioned how
great I'd been feeling. Hardly a bad mood, feeling over-all more
energized, and just... happy. I mentioned how I finally felt like I was
'me', again, how I hadn't felt this good since before I got pregnant,
two years ago. As I was saying goodbye to her, it hit me - at I'd been
done breastfeeding for a month.<br />
<br />
This is in contrast to where I was March 2012 - which I can say with complete confidence (now) was the land of postpartum depression. I was a Gloomy Gus. I was sad and angry, generally felt too tired to do much, and was constantly overwhelmed.<br />
<br />
I'm glad that I breastfed Felicity for fifteen months, don't get me wrong. But that isn't to say that we didn't have many difficulties along the way, or that I loved it all (or most) of the time. We were both ready to be done.<br />
<br />
* While we have a good calendar system and Ian and I are able to keep to our rigorous budget and keep up most of the time with our to-do list, I don't know if I have been used in the same sentence with 'organized' ever, unless it was to say, "Gee, I wish Rachel was <i>more</i> organized," or, "Rachel is so <i>dis</i>organized." This was, like, a major compliment. I'm pretty sure I blushed. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07972769756676806896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747009640145682816.post-14926529255930483822013-03-29T17:41:00.001-04:002013-03-29T17:41:08.513-04:00Friday? Friday.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GubRaehfuGo/UVYKCSsIq1I/AAAAAAAAAnA/ey1mO0M4n1Q/s1600/WP_20130323_003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GubRaehfuGo/UVYKCSsIq1I/AAAAAAAAAnA/ey1mO0M4n1Q/s320/WP_20130323_003.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
Sometimes there are too many projects, ideas, and things to do. So instead of making progress on any of them, I get overwhelmed, duck, and make progress on none of them. Why yes, I need to write for an hour, make headway on my memoirs, update the baby book, put two recipes up on <a href="http://www.plantmatters.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Plant Matters</a>, get dinner ready, get my pinterest and facebook links working on both of my blogs, work through two weeks of email, call the pediatrician, read the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0156372088/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0156372088&linkCode=as2&tag=ththanthot0c-20">novel for April's Book Club</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=ththanthot0c-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0156372088" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, and do the laundry. Seems like a perfect time to waste an hour online, no? <br />
<br />
My time management was crazy great before my family came last week and I essentially took a week off. Now I can't seem to get out of vacation (lazy) mode.<br />
<br />
Consolation? At least we got to the park today, and I saw this smiling, happy face. <br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07972769756676806896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747009640145682816.post-41277919782224728232013-03-27T12:01:00.002-04:002013-03-29T17:41:49.711-04:00Updated Recommended Cookbooks Page on Plant Matters<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I8X-set1DKk/UVMXqG_hFvI/AAAAAAAAAmE/WcoWvstpYW8/s1600/WP_20130327_004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I8X-set1DKk/UVMXqG_hFvI/AAAAAAAAAmE/WcoWvstpYW8/s320/WP_20130327_004.jpg" width="228" /></a><br />
I've taken the time to update our recommended cookbooks page on <a href="http://plantmatters.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Plant Matters</a>. Looking for a little kitchen inspiration? Check out the <a href="http://plantmatters.blogspot.com/p/check-out-these-cookbooks.html" target="_blank">cookbooks we love</a>, or browse through our <a href="http://plantmatters.blogspot.com/p/recipes.html" target="_blank">kitchen-tested, lip-smacking recipes</a>. <br />
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love,<br />
RachelAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07972769756676806896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747009640145682816.post-4065586359478724732013-03-17T12:04:00.002-04:002013-03-17T12:04:59.556-04:00Top 75 Read Along Books for Mighty Girls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BzpHo9MIt9U/UUXoruNyKMI/AAAAAAAAAkU/2VCLB85rzdI/s1600/215434_501253483244303_804629191_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BzpHo9MIt9U/UUXoruNyKMI/AAAAAAAAAkU/2VCLB85rzdI/s320/215434_501253483244303_804629191_n.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
I really cannot say enough wonderful things about <a href="http://www.amightygirl.com/" target="_blank">A Mighty Girl</a>. This website isn't about girl power (which is problematic in and of itself). A Mighty Girl is about giving girls good role models that fit outside of the typical feminine stereotype. <br />
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I was so pleased when I saw this in my Facebook feed today: <a href="http://www.amightygirl.com/mighty-girl-picks/top-read-alouds" target="_blank">Top 75 Read Along Books for Mighty Girls</a>.<br />
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Of course my own daughter is too young for these books, but yours may not be!<br />
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You can support the site (owned and operated by Carolyn Danckaert and Aaron Smith) by clicking by purchasing books through the website. Keep up the good work, A Mighty Girl! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07972769756676806896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747009640145682816.post-47273455587448041062013-03-13T00:10:00.000-04:002013-03-13T00:12:38.064-04:00How Did You Find the Blog?Some things just crack me up. Seriously.<br />
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Unless you have an account with blogger, you probably don't know that it (GOOGLE) shares certain information with me, like how many people click on a post a day, where traffic is routed from, blah blah blah. And no, it doesn't give me specifics about WHO is reading, and how often they come back, although I'm sure I could pay for this if I was very rich. And cared.<br />
<br />
In wandering through my "Traffic Sources" I found the following this evening:<br />
<ul>
<li>Most of the people brought in by search keywords are trying to find recipes for spinach rice casserole or blackberry ginger ale. Interesting. Maybe I should do more food blogging? Oh wait... I have <a href="http://plantmatters.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">another blog</a> for that...</li>
<li>SEVEN hits were from people googleing "ladies breast." BWAHAHAH. Disappointment, much? Especially for those would-be readers only looking for ONE breast? </li>
<li>Five people found the blog by googleing my name. Good search skills. And I'm not being sarcastic, I literally had to do the same a few years ago when I'd gotten myself locked out and forgot the name of the blog. But <a href="http://www.facebook.com/listsofthisthatandtheother" target="_blank">'like' the facebook page</a> and make your life a little easier, I have a really long name. </li>
<li>As of right now, I have 6659 page views (not including my own). Neat! </li>
</ul>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BwPR1YEb3Fk/UT_7F9BYLbI/AAAAAAAAAkE/bpoMKIB7kfY/s1600/9e03a8a110ca6aa61488e5010a63184e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BwPR1YEb3Fk/UT_7F9BYLbI/AAAAAAAAAkE/bpoMKIB7kfY/s400/9e03a8a110ca6aa61488e5010a63184e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image rom <a href="http://jezebel.com/5882886/the-very-best-hat-for-a-breast+feeding-baby" target="_blank"><i>Jezebel</i></a> - The closest thing to 'ladies breast" you'll find on this blog</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So, dedicated reader(s)? How did you find the blog? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07972769756676806896noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747009640145682816.post-90591892851049669852013-03-12T00:57:00.002-04:002013-03-12T00:58:38.502-04:00Finally Someone Asks Why Women Usually Change Their Names in Marriage<br />
Jill Filipovic takes on name changes with marriage in <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/mar/07/women-stop-changing-your-name-when-married" target="_blank">a recent Guardian article</a> - and it's about freaking time.<br />
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This is one of those issues I find extremely irritating, and I'm frequently reminded of it while reading Facebook updates like Filipovic writes. I've even had the thought, "But I thought you were a feminist!" when I see a name change following a marriage. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BqaAA_m0-Oc/UT6urjZi5eI/AAAAAAAAAjs/bofZZqJoiw0/s1600/-85.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BqaAA_m0-Oc/UT6urjZi5eI/AAAAAAAAAjs/bofZZqJoiw0/s320/-85.jpg" width="212" /></a>I know, I know. I bought into the whole White Dress (although, *cough," mine was ivory, take that as you will). We did the Wedding with the Flowers and the Music and the First Dance (for which we took dancing lessons, yes dancing lessons) and the Cake. <br />
<br />
But we also did things our own way. <a href="http://wegotblung.blogspot.com/2010/10/vows.html" target="_blank">We wrote our own vows</a> (and there was no "promise to obey"). Ian's Buddhist sister got licensed at our behest and married us. We chose to both hyphenate our names, deciding that the order of McCready-Flora sounded better than Flora-McCready. So we became Rachel and Ian McCready-Flora, and just in time for Ian to finish his dissertation and receive his PhD under his new name.<br />
<br />
Changing our names together meant that we both went the DMV to get new licenses. We both went through the hassle of dealing with our bank and credit card companies to change out names. We both had fill out mounds of paperwork and wait in long lines to get updated social security cards.<br />
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We chose to both hyphenate because neither of us thought it was fair to give up our own last name, and we wanted to have one family name, especially if we decided to have children (<a href="http://listsofthisthatandtheother.blogspot.com/2011/12/baby-is-here-birth-story.html" target="_blank">we did</a>). We wanted to symbolize our partnership to each other and the equality of our union. <br />
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I know I'm going to offend almost everyone on my reading list with this post, but ladies, stand up for your names! Why should a woman be the one to change her identity when she gets married? <i>Actually change her identity</i> if her spouse is not willing to do the same thing? Why, because a man taking his partner's name isn't "manly?"<br />
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And if you want to have one family name, find a compromise. Hyphenate. Flip for what name sounds best. Create a new one. <br />
<br />
Filipovic draws the connection between a wife taking her husbands name in marriage and the long tradition of women becoming the property of their husbands in marriage:<br />
<blockquote>
"Marriage has long meant a woman giving up her identity, and along with
it, her basic rights. Under coverture laws, a woman's legal existence
was merged with her husband's: "<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/05/opinion/05coontz.html">husband and wife are one</a>,"
and the one was the husband. Married women had no right to own property
or enter into legal contracts. It's only very recently that married
women could get their own credit cards. Marital rape remained legal in
many states through the 1980s. The idea that a woman retains her own
separate identity from her husband, and that a husband doesn't have
virtually unlimited power over a woman he marries, is a very new one.</blockquote>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07972769756676806896noreply@blogger.com2