Make Up and Life Lessons

I received a copy of Make-Up for review from Blogging for Books.  I expected the normal, ordinary photo-filled book of make-up tips. Anyone purchasing this book just for that will be disappointed. Far more than a make-up tutorial, this beautifully illustrated book covers topics such as wardrobe, finding jobs, and MANNERS!!  It's sad to realize just how much this last lesson is needed.

She does a great job laying skin care, etc. routines out in easy to follow steps.  It is a little intimidating to have tons of bottles in front of you and not know where to start. If I have any complaints about this book, it is that she packs a lot of information in such a little book - makeup, fashion, job interview tips, online behavior.  It also seems that she hasn't really chosen an audience: is it for young teens or young adults?  However, there is useful information for everyone.

I think Michelle Phan is a wonderful role model for young people. She has worked hard to be where she is now; her family sacrificed for her education.  I completely respect her. I hope that the young people who get hold of this book really read her life story. Ms. Phan has become successful because of her hard-work and talent She has wonderful life lessons to teach.

Order on Amazon

Shake: A New Perspective on Cocktails

I was settling in with my copy of Shake: A New Perspective on Cocktails (Thanks to Blogging for Books for my free copy for review) waiting for my farrier to come.  The horses are where the property name Funny Farm comes from - we were mad I tell you! I expected to get some fabulous new cocktail recipes...expand my horizons a little.  By page 15, I knew I was in for a far more educational experience!

By this point the authors, former college roommates at University of Virginia,  have discussed the importance of glass shape and how ice cubes are necessary for not only chilling the drink but for diluting the alcohol as well. You learn how to muddle ingredients and get some great tips for garnishes.

This book is full of really great-looking, easy-to-make recipes divided into seasonal categories. My list of recipes I can't wait to try include the Mexi-Cafe (I still have never tried cinnamon with coffee), The Frenchie (wine and berries), and the Watermelon Daiquiri.  Not all of them are alcoholic, like the Lilac Bloom.  As that name implies, there are some surprising ingredients in some of their recipes (lavender ?!?!?).  The photos are gorgeous...this is really a BEAUTIFUL book!  But there is one thing that I found completely annoying:  their style of sticking a bottle (or other object) smack dab in the center of a caption. Even after I figured out their style, I kept trying to read the entire left side before moving to the right...nope - read straight across.  Another quirky thing that was a little annoying was that even though the recipe steps are numbered and easy to find, sometimes they shuffled them around on the page.  All in all, I enjoyed this book: beautiful photos and really interesting and easy recipes that I believe will come in handy one day soon!