Book Review from Devourer of Books - The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka

The Buddha in the Attic

The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka
Published by Knopf, an imprint of Random House

In the early 20th century, many immigrant men living and working in the United States desired wives from their native lands. Matchmakers, armed with pictures of the men who were unable to travel home to find a bride and recommendations from family members, paired couples and sent the girls, frequently referred to as “picture brides” to America to meet their mates.

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Apricot Almond Upside-down Cake by State of Cake

STATE OF CAKE

Apricot Almond Upside-Down Cake for @PeacockPavilion in Marakesh

Originally, when my home was in California, this cake was one of many handy methods employed to use up the boatload of apricots that my backyard tree would produce. Now that I live in a climate that is unfriendly toward apricots, I make it for special occasions. Last week, during one of many cake conversations I had via twitter, I offered the recipe to @PeacockPavilion and I decided that since I was typing the recipe, I should share it with all of you too.

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The Iowa Wino sips with Napa Valley Wine & Cigar!

What a cool opportunity to taste some wonderful Pinot Noir small production (only 100 cases produced) along with my friend Carrie from Napa Valley Wine and Cigar in beautiful Napa California. By the way you can purchase this wine from her store at 161 Silverado Trail or online at the link above. Great wine knowledge, excellent selection of boutique wine and darn friendly just what I like when shopping for my favorite juice.

Nudie Foodies: Food Bloggers Peal for Japan - Cooks & Books & Recipes.com

As noted on their website, the Nudie Foodies “exist for the sole purpose of bringing cheeky goodness to the world.” The project was borne out of a desire to help the people of Japan recover from the devastation caused by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. 100% of the net profits from the sale of the book (which can be ordered here) is being donated to AmeriCares relief efforts in Japan.

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Saffron Poached Apple Salad with Brie - My Spice Sage.com

A new spin on the classic apple walnut salad!  In this creation, saffron infused apples are nestled in a bed of baby spinach with walnut pieces candied in golden vanilla cane sugar and chunks of brie.  Bon apetit.

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The Best Slowcooked Pot Roast from Eat Live Blog.com

Slowcooker Pot Roast Recipe

Last month some of you may have heard me whining on Twitter about my crockpot taking its last breaths of air. Well, luck must have been on my side that day because a couple of weeks later, this baby was on my front porch! …

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Red Chile Martini with Creative-Culinary.com !

Creative-Culinary

Red Chlie Martini from the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa near Santa Fe, New Mexico

by Creative Culinary

I was contacted by the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa, located near Santa Fe, N.M. wanting to know if I would be interested in featuring their Tamaya Red Chile Martini for Happy Hour Friday. Though I will typically feature libations I either try locally or concoct myself, I was intrigued.

How To Be A Foodie on a Budget with Foodies Unite.com

Foodies Unite.com

A love for food is a passion and it can be an expensive passion but there are ways to be a Foodie on a Budget.  Yes, you can enjoy great food, keep the costs down and expand your food repertoire!

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You Know You are a Book Nerd when… with The Book Lady’s Blog!

The Book Lady’s Blog

Rebecca Schinsky

You see a dress on a fashion reality show and the first things that come to mind aren’t “Wow, that’s cute, ” or “I think I’d make it a little bit shorter,” but “Hey, that looks just like the cover of this book I read!”

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Quintessence Blog- Rooms With A View Inspiration

Quintessence Blog’s, Stacey Bewkes talks about the show house this week that is Albert Hadley inspired!

In anticipation of the Rooms with a View Gala Preview next week, I thought it might be fun to meet each designer, see their original sketches and learn the answer to the question: “In your design, what is it about Mr Albert Hadley that inspires you?”

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