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School of Essential Ingredients
Very rarely does a book come along that renews my faith in the written word. I am a fast reader, one who skims hungrily to find out what happens instead of reading each and every word. This is unusual since I teach literature. I teach students to read every single word, sentence, and paragraph. But I find that so much of contemporary literature isn't worth reading so closely. And then, I was asked to read The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister.
Here is what I discovered…I had to slow down to read this book. Not because it was structured grammatically difficult, not because the message was far too intricately woven into the plot, and not because the language required a dictionary and an advanced degree in linguistics. No. This book commanded that I slow down. At times, I felt compelled to make myself a cup of tea, a ritual I use to calm my spirits and help me savor experiences. I wanted to explore each word and sentence. My heart rate calmed and I felt light. All this from a book? Yep!
The book explores a group of students who have all committed to taking a weekly cooking class. Their teacher, Lillian, restaurant owner, developed an appreciation for cooking and a respect for food at an early age, discovering the power of a well-made meal. She imparts this love of food with each class and each class is a small lesson in life and love. As these students navigate the kitchen, they are uncover truths about themselves and face difficult memories.
Each class, Lillian presents ways of making food, not recipes. I have learned a multitude of cooking lessons myself as I read this. And I will read it again and again. It is most definitely a book to which I will turn when I am stressed and overwhelmed to remember the importance of slowing down and savoring what is in front of you.
Thank you, MotherTalk, for introducing me to this book. Hands down, TKDDaughter gives this book a
Bella Jules Boutique
If you're tired of the stores at the mall, join the crowd. My mall, in particular, is especially yucky these days. If you're not between the ages of 14-19 or 65-100, then there's pretty much nothing there for you. I honestly don't know why I didn't make it into the Bella Jules Boutique before yesterday, but it is a trip well worthwhile if you're local in Eastern PA. And, even if you're not, you can purchase clothing and accessories directly through the web.
If you're sick of looking like everyone else, and if you like being a bit different, Bella Jules is the way to go. I started out finding a fabulous KMQ Collection handbag for only $39. Super stylish and priced right, I couldn't resist. Plus it was purchased for me as a birthday present. Bonus.
I was also able to find some great new clothes for 50% off. This top for only $39.50 is a steal when you go and realize how nicely it fits and how well it works with jeans or some nice black pants. From unique sweaters (this one is now happily residing in my closet), to jeans, to beautiful gowns, Bella Jules has it all for a girl who wants to be a bit different.
One of the nicest things about the boutique is that there are only a few of each style, so you know you're not going to have clones walking around.
My Mom and I also spent a good 20 minutes drooling in the gowns room. For a girl looking for a prom gown, Bella Jules is every girls dream! There are gowns with beautiful prints, unexpected designs and colors that will wow every time. Gowns have come a long way since I was shopping for prom!
Bella Jules also has a handful of unique accessories, like these "Blings" which are appropriately named. I got the pale yellow ones and they are extraordinary when the light hits them. I'm looking forward to blinding people with their beauty when I go out next weekend.
While the new merchandise may be a bit pricey for some, Bella Jules can't be beat for when you're looking for something unique and fun. The two rooms full of 50% off merchandise don't hurt either.
The Bella Jules Boutique is a gem of a store and I give it a. . .
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