Summer Reading

Wow, I'm really taking this "unplugged" thing seriously! We have been busy and it has been good to take a little time away from the computer and spend it with my family. I have also taken the chance to do some summer reading.

These two books were a little present to myself. Flea Market Style by Emily Chalmers has long been on my wish list, but I don't usually splurge on "Eye Candy" type books. I am so glad I did, especially since I found it in a lovely local shop at a good discount. It has made for some day-dreamy afternoons in the garden over an iced tea.

Peter Reinhart's Artisan Breads Every Day, was recommended to me by the owner of the same local shop. I haven't dived in yet to make any thing from it, but the pictures alone have my mouth watering, and reading some of his tips makes me think this might be a good one.

We have taken up travelling downtown every 2 weeks to the Central Library, a grand old brick place with marble stairs and 4 floors of books! I'm a library fanatic from way back, and to this day I experience a happy rush of anticipation upon entering those book filled buildings. The children's room of the Central Library is bigger than the whole of our neighborhood library, so Pony Girl thinks it's pretty great too.

Pictured: Simple Sewing with a French Twist by Celine Dupuy and Savory Baking by Mary Cech

The library is a fantastic way to try out a craft or cookbook before purchasing. I have made some rather good choices this way and not been disappointed. It is also a wonderful place to discover hidden gems!

I am also enjoying an indulgence in magazine gazing lately. Loving Tree Fall's "Princess and the Pea" Doll pattern in issue 16 of Mollie Makes. A local foody mag is good for seasonal dinner ideas. Hmmmm...I think I may be starting to see a pattern in my reading material here.

Last but certainly not least, I ordered Action Pack Family Cooking edition 2012 and we are so excited to get cooking! We are definitely a family that enjoys cooking together and this issue looks fantastic with printable recipe cards!

I love Action Pack! Never heard of it? It is a downloadable magazine for kids (and the rest of the family) No ads, just great stuff! Put together by the multi-talented Kathreen Ricketson of Whip Up, this series of magazines is awesome with a great range of topics! So, if you have kids, grand-kids, nieces, nephews, friends with kids, you should check it out.

So, what are you reading?