Weekend Reads: The Pioneer Woman Cooks & Blogging for Bliss

I was downright gleeful when I saw the package on my porch! Inside was my ticket to my weekend festivities. And boy, did I enjoy it. My books arrived! And all I had intentions of doing was to put my feet up, light some candles and dive right in......

Ree Drummond, the Poineer Woman. Love Ree. Want to be her BFF. Want to sit on the front porch of her farm house and watch the sun go down as the trailing light silouettes the marlboro man in the distance herding the cattle in. I want to sit in her kitchen and eat one of her homemade meals. One that might include her olive and cheese bread. Or her lasagne. Or real smashed potatoes. And pico de gallo....
But because I am still waiting on a personal invite from Ree (Ree, I am being so patient.) I can live vicariously through her newly published cookbook, "The Pioneer Woman Cooks, Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl." Ree began blogging in 2006 and has built the Pioneer Woman website into an award wining websire in which she shares recipes, and photography. She shares in funny detail about her transition from city life to farm wife.

It's not only a cookbook, its a picture book. One that will draw you in and convince you that manure and dirt are the good things in life. It chronicals ranch life, Ree's beautiful family, her adorable pooches and livestock and of course gives you photos of her meals so lifelike that you can smell the dishes she prepares. I LOVE this book. It's found a permanet resting spot on my counter in the cookbook cradle. And hello.....if there was ever a gift idea I would throw, it's this book. It's a must have for any kitchen-whether you can cook or not, like I said, a girl can dream.

Blogging for Bliss, which is penned by a very popular blogger, Tara Frey, of Typing out Loud.  There are so many great blogs out there,  literally for just about any subject. Tara mostly focuses on the type blogs that I frequent: personal, home decor, food and creative ideas. In the book she shares so many great tips. Wheather you are new to blogging or not, this is a good book to read. Inside the book, new bloggers will find a wealth of information rfom where to start to blogging terms and will walk you through blog set up. One of my must read blogs is Kim of Daisy Cottage fame. Kim's blog, Daisy Cottage is featured in the book, along with many other noteworthy blogs. If you haven't visiited Daisy Cottage before, I suggest you do. You are certain to feel at home at Daisy Cottage with Kim and her puppy Maggie as your host. I love the feature of having noteable blogs with their blog addresses. I highly recomended Blogging for Bliss!
After a weekend of good reading as well as some good rest...

Bring on the week! Hope you have a wonderful one ahead!
Sing, Dance, and LIVE out loud!
Hugs!
Leigh
PS- I did get a few other things done too...
Gingras Family
Sister Sledge
RTR!!!