October Book Reviews

The Lost Stories by John Flanagan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a book of short stories with the characters from the Ranger's Apprentice books. It reminded me how much I like this world John Flanagan has created. I liked the short stories. It kind of gave an idea of what the rangers might do when they're not off on a big adventure.





Caught by Margaret Peterson Haddix
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Fun, quick read. Perfect for tweens or teens. I think this one was my favorite so far in this series.








 Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement: A Guide for Officers and Their Families by Kevin M. Gilmartin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book is recommended reading to my husband's police force and their spouses.
Very interesting read. It talked a lot about something called hypervigilance. Basically when officers are on duty their senses are extremely alert for any possible danger. As a result, when they are off duty their senses are dulled and that can cause problems in their relationships.
It also talks about officers making their career their identity, which also causes problems.

It was all very interesting and it all made sense. However there was only one chapter on what to do to combat the cycle. It talked about how exercise helps. Then basically said take responsibility for your actions and behaviors and don't make your job your life.{duh!} It felt a little lopsided, lots of info explaining what officers go through, but not much advice on how to deal with it.


Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was one of those quick, feel-good love stories. I love that on the cover of the book there's a little ribbon across the top that says "A proper romance". And it was that, there was nothing inappropriate in it.
This type of book always reminds me of the dating and engagement period of my life - you know, when the other person can do no wrong. And it kind of brings those feelings back.


Hell's Corner by David Baldacci
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really liked this book, but I can't think of much to say about it. It's basically a mystery. I would recommend reading the other books in the series first so you get to know the characters.

View all my reviews


Sharing at Lady Behind the Curtain,  Tidy Mom,  Life as a Lofthouse, Or so she says..., Homemade Ginger  Whipperberry  and at these parties

Terrific Tuesdays #39

Are you all ready for Halloween? Do you make your own costumes? This year we made one, bought one and are reusing two. My kids are being a witch, Mario, a cat, and a care bear. We are planning on carving pumpkins tonight.

Now on to the party!

The most viewed link:

Cloth Napkins by JAQS Studio

Some of my favorites this week: {I was hungry again this week when I was looking through the links}

Cookies 'n Cream Magic Bars by Crazy for Crust
What a great twist on magic bars. And you know I'm gonna love anything with sweetened condensed milk in it. Which brings us to our next feature...

Homemade Caramel Dip by My Biscuits are Burning
I can personally vouch for this recipe. I tried it on Thursday and it is so good that I've been snitching spoonfuls of it out of the fridge. It's also super easy. It's definitely a keeper.


Corn and Potato Chowder by Inspired by Family Magazine

I'm so ready for a cozy warm dinner like this. We've had a few cold snaps, but then the temperature comes back up.

If you were featured grab a button!
Also check out my facebook page, I post additional features there from time to time.

<center> <a href="http://adventuresofadiymom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r587/rchlnielsen/DIY-Mom_buttons-3.png"/></a></center>

Here's what I shared this week:

 5 Minute Caramel Fruit Dip
 30 Cute Girls Hairstyles - free printable booklet
and
3 Things to Can with Apples

Now let's see all the terrific things you've been up to.

Here are my guidelines:

1. Link up any projects, crafts, or recipes you have blogged about recently. You can definitely link up several projects. No shops, or link parties please.

2. Comment, comment, comment.  My vision for this link party is not to link and go. Please comment on two other links.

3. I'd love for you to follow my blog.{This is not required, but I’d love for you to take a minute and check it out.} Also if you're so inclined, you can follow me on facebook and pinterest as well.

4. Display my button somewhere on your blog - in the post, the sidebar, or on a party page.

<center> <a href="http://adventuresofadiymom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r587/rchlnielsen/DIY-Mom_buttons-2small.png"/></a></center>

Three Things to Can with Apples

This is my final canning post for this year. Be sure to check out my canning tips before getting started. 

This year my mother-in-laws tree was overflowing with apples. I grabbed 10 grocery sacks full of apples. We have eaten lots, made apple pies and apple crisp. But mostly I canned them and made dried apples.

Applesauce

Two of my kids love applesauce. I love to use it as a substitute for oil in recipes.

 Applesauce is fairly easy, just a little time consuming. I did a full tutorial last year on how to make pear sauce and applesauce is made the same way. If you're interested in making applesauce check out that tutorial.

Apple Pie Filling 

This was something new I tried this year. We've tasted it and it turned out amazing.  I think I'll add a bit more cinnamon and nutmeg next time though. Remember when I made Cherry Pie Filling? Well, I got the recipe from the same source. You can find it here.

Sliced Apples

Sliced apples are quite simple as well. First core and peel and slice the apples. {I have one of those tools where you turn the handle and it does all three} To prevent browning, place in a large bowl that has been filled with water and 1 T. each of salt and vinegar. Then place apples in jars. Fill with water and process in water bath canner for 25 minutes adjusting for altitude. I use these in apple crisp.

I also tried apple juice - lets just say that after a full day of steam juicing, I only got 6 quarts. We tried one jar last week and had to add some sugar and it still wasn't all that great. I like to do a lot of things myself, but I won't be trying to make apple juice ever again;)

Linking up at Lady Behind the Curtain,  Tidy Mom,  Life as a Lofthouse, Or so she says..., Homemade Ginger  Whipperberry and at these parties.

  

30 cute girls hairstyles - free printable booklet

When it's time to fix the girls hair, I generally ask them how they want it. 90% of the time I get "Just do it in a ponytail" While that is fast and easy, there are lots of other styles that are just as quick. I just can never think of them right at the moment I'm fixing hair.  Does this happen to any of you?

Caramel Fruit Dip

This recipe is super quick and easy. You can have it made in under five minutes. Sometimes when things don't go as planned, you need a five minute recipe to fall back on.

Terrific Tuesdays #38

Last week I got the yard all ready for winter. I pulled out the dying flowers and garden and weeded it all one last time. I also planted some tulip bulbs. Now is the time to do it. I've been wanting to plant some more for several years, and I just kept forgetting or it was too cold and I didn't want to. I'm excited to see them come up in the spring.

Now on to the party!

The most viewed link:

Embroidery Hoop Pin Cushion by Yellow Spool

Some of my favorites this week:

Pumpkin Pie Muddy Buddies by What's Cooking, Love?
Can I tell you how much I love muddy buddies? I've tried the cake batter version too and love them. So I know I'm gonna love these pumpkin pie flavored ones. She added something special to the powdered sugar too. Go check it out.

Salted Caramel Sauce by The Farm Girl Recipes
 I can't wait to try this recipe. It looks delicious.

"Cream of Anything" Soup by A Heart-ful Home
We go through way too much cream soups. I immediately printed off this recipe. It looks so easy and I have everything on hand. Great money saver!

If you were featured grab a button!
Also check out my facebook page, I post additional features there from time to time.

<center> <a href="http://adventuresofadiymom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r587/rchlnielsen/DIY-Mom_buttons-3.png"/></a></center>

Here's what I shared this week:
Baptism {Scrap} Booklet
Disneyland Autograph Books
Home Canned Picante Sauce
and
Home Canned Spaghetti Sauce

Now let's see all the terrific things you've been up to.

Here are my guidelines:

1. Link up any projects, crafts, or recipes you have blogged about recently. You can definitely link up several projects. No shops, or link parties please.

2. Comment, comment, comment.  My vision for this link party is not to link and go. Please comment on two other links.

3. I'd love for you to follow my blog.{This is not required, but I’d love for you to take a minute and check it out.} Also if you're so inclined, you can follow me on facebook and pinterest as well.

4. Display my button somewhere on your blog - in the post, the sidebar, or on a party page.

<center> <a href="http://adventuresofadiymom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r587/rchlnielsen/DIY-Mom_buttons-2small.png"/></a></center>

Home Canned Spahetti Sauce

Spaghetti Sauce is a staple at our house, especially in the winter months. And this is so much tastier than store bought. It is packed with flavor.

 I found the recipe at Taste of Home. You can find the recipe here. The only thing I changed, was to omit the oil. I am a little leery of canning oils, unless I pressure cook them. Besides, why add all the extra fat and calories.

Click here for my canning tips.

Linking up to these parties.

Home Canned Picante Sauce

It seems that the entire month of September was spent canning.  I think I am done for this year, except to make another few batches of raspberry jam.  Now, I'm trying to get caught up with sharing all of that canning with you.

So here's another tomato canning recipe for you all.  This is called Connie's Picante Sauce and you can find the recipe here. Before you get started, be sure to check out my canning tips.

Picante Sauce is very similar to salsa.

 My husband LOVES this sauce. I think it has a bit too much chili powder, but I can adjust that next time I make it.

Linking up to these parties.

Disneyland Autograph Books

Some of my long time followers might remember that almost a year ago, we went to Disneyland. Well, I made my kids some little autograph books. And last month I finally printed out our pictures from that trip and finished the books. My kids love them.

I know that you can buy autograph books there, but these were so much more economical and personal too.  These were the perfect size to take. I think they're about 4x4.

 I started out with these little books that I had gotten for insanely cheap. I think it was a quarter a piece.

Baptism {Scrap} Booklet

Last month my son was baptized. I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We believe that children become accountable and are ready for baptism when they are 8 years old. They also receive a special blessing called a Confirmation, where they receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

I wanted him to remember this special day, so I made him a little booklet. I think this is a great idea for any special occasion. The kids love to look at them and it's easy to do.