BOOK REVIEW: Newlywed Cookbook

The Newlywed Cookbook is filled with over 200 original recipes and includes a common guide to cookware as well as terminology used in the kitchen. (ex. What is a roux? Answer. An equal mixture of flour and fat (butter or oil) used to thicken liquids). Plus, every type of herb and spice is listed with what dishes they're used for. Robin also provides insight into the recipes (what it pairs well with and substitutions). Each recipe provides a 'needed items' list, prep time, cooking time and how many servings.

While the dishes may tend to take a little more time to prepare than most cookbooks, it is well worth it. You will feel like a gourmet chef when your dish is complete. I've made the stuffed pork chops twice so far, once when my parents came over and the dish received raves. So far, every recipe I've made has been delicious.

Another bonus with this cookbook - Robin makes complete meal suggestions for the "special occasion", including a one-year anniversary dinner and when in-laws come to visit. Highly Recommended!

BOOK REVIEW: That's Amore!

Are you ready for a great novella of love stories by today's hot romance authors? Janelle Denison, Tori Carrington and Leslie Kelly bring you a wonderful collection of Love that's not exactly American-style in That's Amore! Cultural family traditions are intertwined into each story - from a Hawaiian arranged marriage custom, to a Greek wedding and then onto a Chicago style Italian family wedding.

STORIES INCLUDE:
Meet the Parents by Janelle Denison: Leila, a hawaiian daughter is expected to marry a Hawaiian groom that her parents select for her. But, Leila has plans of her own.....and the groom is a California bad boy. Can he persuade Leila's parents that he's the one for their daughter?
I Do, Don't I? by Tori Carrington: Efi is ready to marry her childhood sweetheart Nick - in just one week. The only problem is - their families seem determined to keep them apart and turn the wedding into a Greek tragedy. Each chapter is another day leading up to the wedding day, or will there be a wedding?
There Goes the Groom by Leslie Kelly: Luke is engaged to 'a nice Italian Girl' (aka: bridezilla)...but when he ends up having to check on the wedding dress more than once (his fiancé just can't seem to make the appointments), he ends up falling for the dressmaker, Rachel, who is designing his fianceés bridal gown. The problem, he's engaged to be married and Rachel isn't Italian. What's a guy to do?

All 3 stories are linked by the online favor company DoMeAFavor.com. There's even bonus features including a list of wedding customs and their origin, top ten lists and a GREAT bonus read! Order Your Copy Today and Enjoy!

In September, we'll be giving away 3 copies of this book as one of our monthly contest prizes. Don't forget to come back and enter to win.

MUSIC REVIEW: A Day to Remember Vol II

A Day to Remember Vol. II Instrumental Wedding Music by The O'Neill Brothers has a warm and endearing sound. Very pleasing to listen to. Piano, woodwind and string music blend to capture the wedding aura commencing with the prelude, to processional, ceremony, recessional and concluding with the reception. Visit the official O'Neill Brothers Website for more music samples and cd's

WEDDING IDEA: Pucker Up

I was recently talking to a lady who works in PR and she mentioned that at her brother’s wedding, she used the Altoids in a heart shaped tin (aka "The Love Tin") as inexpensive, but cute place setting gifts. Available in both Peppermint and Cinnamon. I thought this was an awesome idea, and different than the usual mints or jordan almonds and they come ready for giving in the heart tin. I think they'd be just perfect at a guest's place setting either alone or displayed inside an organza bag with a tag that contains your names and wedding date. Of course, you could always include the "The Love Tin" in a Welcome Basket for your out of town guests as well.

BOOK REVIEW: Dixieland Sushi by Cara Lockwood

If you enjoyed Cara Lockwood's novel I Do (But I Don't), she is back with another WINNER! Dixieland Sushi is a fun story filled with witty dialogue and a superb cast of characters.

Much of the author's own culture and childhood come thru in Dixieland Sushi, as she, like the main character Jen, grew up in a bi-racial family of English and Japanese decent. Cara's pop-culture hero, Mr. Miyagi, is featured at the start of each chapter with his Karate Kid words of wisdom. Every other chapter is an 80's flashback which helps to introduce you more to Jen and her quirky ways. While some may think the references to 80's iconic culture is overdone - if you were a teenager in the 80's you will love the references, as most likely, you experienced each one - but might be hesitant to admit it :)

Cara writes of Jen Nakamura Taylor, whose cousin has announced she is marrying Kevin Peterson. This is the boy that Jen has secretly had a crush on since childhood. Realizing that she can't get out of not attending the wedding, Jen must find a date. So she persuades her best friend Nigel Riley to escort her back home to the south. As Jen works hard at surviving the meeting of past and present back home, she finally learns to come to terms with her heritage, her love life, and herself.

A definite must-read! Sure hope Lifetime TV has plans to make this novel into a movie as well.

Quick and Easy Dinner

If you're looking for a quick and easy dish to make on a summer night, I have created the perfect recipe. This dish is great served with a green salad or just some simple veggies like corn or peas. Making a healthy and delicious meal doesn't have to be difficult.

Summer Lemon Chicken by Brenda
This dish is even easier when you have leftover chicken in the fridge
(serves 2-4)
2-3 tbsp of butter (I use soy margarine)
1 clove of garlic - minced
handful of fresh parsley - chopped
half a handful of fresh sage - chopped
3-4 cooked chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces
1/4 cup dry white wine
(I use Rachel Ray's method: always cook with a wine you would drink)
1/4 tsp black pepper
half a lemon
8 oz. angel hair pasta

Melt butter in skillet, then add garlic and fresh herbs - sauté until aromatic, then add the chicken. Stir to coat the chicken with herbs. Add the dry white wine and black pepper, let simmer while you cook the pasta al denté. Squeeze the juice from half a lemon into the chicken mixture and then toss with cooked pasta. It's ready to serve.

Wedding Websites are Fun!

We're happy to announce that we have partnered with a great company to offer you wedding websites - you can now share your special day with family and friends. Features of the wedding website include:
- online wedding details
- maps
- guest RSVP
- slide show
- guest book
- your story and bios
- place your bridal registries into our integrated online registry service
- engagement and wedding photos can be shared with friends and family without the need for photo reprints
- out-of-town guests can book hotels, flights and get fun destination information all on your website
- update ceremony, bridal shower, and bachelor party plans 24/7
- and much more

The cost is only $45 for 18 months. Order yours today and have your wedding website online in less than 3 minutes.