Well another record week of heat! Too hot to even be outside in the pool. Fighting for a spot at the lake or the beach just seems like too much work especially that the United States is treating this summer like a three month long Spring Break. So what is the alternative? Not watching more TV, but how about cracking open a good book in the comfort of our air conditioned home. Let’s face it, we have watched everything on Netflix, HULU, Disney+ probably even PBS because of the Pandemic. The written word can take our brains to a different world. Where we actually use our imagination and relax without being over stimulated the way video games and mindlessly searching through social media can do. So below I have put together some recommendations to hopefully give you some inspiration and an alternative to beat the heat this week. Enjoy!
Fantasy
O Yes, you probably watched the Witcher on Netflix but that series was just the tip of the iceberg of Andrzej Sapkowaki’a series. Sword of Destiny then The Last Wish both precede the main Witcher Saga and are a must read this summer!
A Deadly Education is a series of two books by Naomi Novik. If you are looking for a Harry Potte r meets The Hunger Games this is it!
If you love mysteries, intrigue and Gothic story telling, then this is the book for you. Set in 18th-century London this one takes you through many twists and turns.
Anyone interested in the beginnings of the West in the Gold Rush era will enjoy this book. This story of two Chinese orphaned siblings that face the tough trials of living in the Wild West.
Truman Capote is most known for Breakfast at Tiffany’s in popular culture but In Cold Blood is his tour de force! You love crime and murder mysteries this one will keep you riveted from cover to cover. In Cold Blood still holds the place of the second highest selling Non-Fiction true Crime book ever sold.
This book will take you into the deep depths of the Arctic Ocean with a South Pole expedition gone wrong. The book is based off of true events that is reconstructed by the books author Julian Sancton. Again, another book that will captivate you and hold your attention from cover to cover.
I know a lot of you are faithful listeners of this wild popular podcast My Favorite Murder . The Dual Memoir of the shows creators does not disappoint for anyone that is fans of the show.
I think I have read Gabrielle Hamiltons book at least five times. Blood, Bones and Butter is a beautifully written Memoir of this talented and successful Chefs life. Written by the Chef herself with no Ghost Writer you would have thought she was an English Literature Professor from Sarah Lawrence.
I never was educated on the Women’s rights movement or Women in History period until I went to Arizona State and purposely took Women in History 410. I had a brilliant professor that had such passion for the subject and this book will give you that experience I had in my lectures and much more. Wonderful read and wonderfully written.
Another subject not talked about in History classes, the history of the Islamic world. Most likley why we have such a hard time relating and understanding all the issues in the Middle East is because of our lack of education on it. In this well researched and Historical account you will come out of it having a greater grasp and understanding to gain a greater world view.
Emily Bronte’s crown jewel is a classic. Written a year before her death at the young age of 30. It takes you into the Victorian Era and all its downfalls. The description of the Yorkshire Moors that Emily describes is haunting and swallows you into this world of human psychology. You will be wanting to make this a yearly read.
The Time Machine is a classic piece of science fiction literature published in 1895 by H.G. Wells. Set in Victorian England around the idea of Time Travel. The story takes you from Victorian England to 802,701 into the future. H.G. Wells imagination takes you on a ride that you won’t want to put down.
Have a wonderful week everyone! Next week I am taking a week off for a much long over due vacation. I will most likely be on my couch with the cats reading a few of these books as this heat wave continues.
Happy Wellness Wednesday!
Shara
Half the country is experiencing the hottest days on record and turning on a oven, using a stove or even outdoor grilling just seems too hot and is probably the last thing anyone wants to do. So during the summer I rely on a collection of devices to use to create meals that keep me from using my Oven and Burners which in turn keeps the air conditioning bill waayyyyy down! The little electricity that these small appliances require pales in comparison to what turning on my oven and using my burners does to my living space. Trust me my cats thank me and so does my wallet! I also included some kitchen tools and gadgets that I use a lot in the summer months to make food more fun and easy to prepare.
The first is a Spirlizer. Why boil pasta when you can just Spiralizer some Zucchini. You can also Spiralizer: Carrots, Parsnips, Sweet Potatoes, Cabbage, Beets, Apples. You can pick one up for under $30 click here to get more info.
Nothing I hate more is watery lettuce leaves. I like to give my Romain and Buttery Lettuce leaves a good washing but your home made salad dressing can become watered down without a proper spin. Also under $30 click here for more details.
Ceramic knives are a must for chopping lettuces, vegetables and fruits. Steel knives can brown and oxidize many types of delicate veggies. I have been using mine for over 20 years now. This set will run you about $60 click here for more details.
Glass mason jars are cost effective, practical and have many uses. Making overnight oats, salads to go and storing foods without using toxic plastic containers, these jars are a must. A dozen will run you about $12 and you can get different sizes and colors. Click here for more details.
Crock Pots, Slow Cookers and Instant Pots are your friend in the summer not just for winter. Another tool to cook a whole meal that you can start in the morning and come home to, ready to go. Prices range from about $50 to $300 for some Instant Pot models. The one pictured is highly rated and comes in at $54. Click here for more details.
Air fryers don’t only make the healthiest, least cancer causing fried starches around, but they cook meat, fish and veggies to perfection and without heating up the kitchen. This one works as a food dehydrator as well. Comes in handy making healthy snacks. Food Network gave this model a thumbs up for price and versatility. Coming in under $120 click here for details.
I use my rice cooker to make Quinoa and Sprouted Brown Rice. Another device so you don’t have boiling water heating up your kitchen. It works great for a quick batch of steamed veggies as we. Food&Wine gave this guy a thumbs up for being budget friendly and reliable. Just under $20 you can’t go wrong. Click here for more details.
This device may seem excessive but boiling a pot of water to hard boil eggs heats up the kitchen in no time fast. Instead of cooking eggs on the stove I pop eggs in this baby and throw them in an ice bath once they are ready. I have perfectly cooked eggs for breakfast and late night snacks. Under $20 another great kitchen gadget! Click here for more details.
I know it’s obvious but a blender is your best friend to make smoothies. This one in particular is special though. It is well priced and does a great job and includes single serve attachment pieces. Rated highly on all the Foodie sights for its price point and that it can crush ice in no time flat makes this a fan favorite. Under $150 including the single serve smoothie cups its great quality for a great price. Click here for more details.
You have no idea how great it is to make a batch of Popsicles. I really like this brand because they make perfect pops every time. With my handy blender it is so easy to whip up fruit Popsicles easily. Much better than what you can buy at the stores. These are also a cult favorite across all Foodie sites. Under $15 these are a must have for hot summer days. Click here for more info.
I spent over half my life living in hot climates and found ways to beat the heat and eat well without sacrificing flavor and variety on a small budget. With a little help from these tools and gadgets you can to. Have a great Week everybody!
Big hugs,
Shara