December 2019 Book Reviews and Recommendations

pin image "Book Reviews December 2019"
   

We’re finishing up another year of book reviews and recommendations on a high note. This month I read four good books (I even gave one four stars!). Any of these books I would recommend. With the holidays coming up I hope you have some time to relax and pick up a good new book. Consider these for your next great read.

Easy Weekly Meals Your Family Will Love – Week #3

red bowl of gnocchi, green beans, and grape tomatoes
   

With all the cold weather I have been enjoying a lot of pasta and soups lately. In this month’s weekly meal plan you’ll find a number of our favorite family recipes (gnocchi and shrimp lo mein – yum!). Don’t forget if you would like the complete shopping list to sign up directly below for access to the resource library.

How to Keep Kids Entertained During a Holiday Party

children dressed up for Christmas standing next to presents

You have a dilemma. Either you are a parent going to a holiday party and you want to make sure your children have a good time but are still well-behaved. Or you are the host of a celebration and have the dual task of providing fun for all ages while also keeping everyone safe (and your house intact!). Don’t worry, keeping kids entertained during a holiday party is easier than you think!

The Easiest Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe

bowl of shrimp lo mein
   

I love shrimp lo mein. These days we are getting take-out less and less but I still want this delicious meal more than ever. My solution – make it myself in the simplest (and fastest) way possible. The recipe below is clearly not authentic and doesn’t use fresh ingredients (nap time only lasts so long!) but it satisfies my craving and my family quite enjoys it. I hope you like this recipe for shrimp lo mein too!

Something to Read: 25 Great Books for Toddlers

toddler sitting on child's couch with a book

I am loving the popular “four gift rule” for Christmas. Every child receives one item in each of the following categories; something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read. If you know me, then you know that my favorite category is “something to read”. Thankfully, my girls (ages 1 and 2.5) love to read too. Here are my recommendations for excellent books to give toddlers as gifts.