New on the Shelf: Discovering Wine

I just acquired this amazing book (via PaperBackSwap) and am simply enchanted by this gorgeous, easy-to-understand guide.  Its chock full of photographs, facts, maps, and charts - all designed to immerse you in the fascinating world of wine. 

No aspirations to be a wine aficionado here, but likely will be after reading this terrific ditty.  Cool grapes!

Shanti Generation: Yoga Skills for Youth Peacemakers

The Shanti Generation's Yoga DVD for kids and teens holds true to the integrity of yoga while presenting the practice in ways that are appealing to youth.



The Shanti Generation: Yoga Skills for Youth Peacemakers is a terrific workout for young adults, offering much more than fitness of body, but of mind, too. 

For more information, visit http://www.shantigeneration.com/

Author Interview: The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt

Country Bookshelf caught up with Caroline Preston, author of  the simply delightful novel in pictures: The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt. 

Preston gives us the inside scoop on how and why she created a scrapbook novel:

What gave you the idea for doing a novel as a scrapbook?

PRESTON: I like to say the idea of making a scrapbook novel was 40 years in the making. As a little girl, I used to pore over my grandmother’s flapper scrapbook filled with dance cards, letters from old boyfriends, ocean liner tickets, and even long curls snipped when she got her hair bobbed.

My first three novels were what I guess you’d call “conventional” format—i.e. just words. My third novel Gatsby’s Girl was inspired by the meticulous scrapbook F. Scott Fitzgerald kept about his first love, Ginevra King—her first note to him, her handkerchief, and a newspaper clipping about her marriage to another man. Later he would turn the story of his unrequited crush into The Great Gatsby.

When I was casting around for the idea for my fourth novel, I wanted to create something that was as visual and powerful as a scrapbook. And then I had a crazy idea—why not make a novel that WAS a scrapbook. Not a digital scrapbook, but an actual one made of real stuff that I cut up with scissors and pasted together with glue.

Great Gifts for DIY and Craft Aficionados

Looking for a last minute gift for a fellow DIY fan or handy crafter?  Head to Amazon or your local bookstore to pick up one of these fabulous titles.  And better yet, grab a copy for yourself, because, if you're like me and love a great craft book, you'll certainly be charmed by these gems... I am!

The Fleece & Fiber Sourcebook

Perfect for knitting, spinning, and weaving fans, this incredible resource is filled with gorgeous photos, history, recommendations, and every ounce of information you might need.  A visual guide to more than 200 fibers, including examples of finished products, this is an essential guide that every fiber-lover should own.


Embroider Everything Workshop: The Beginner's Guide to Embroidery, Cross-Stitch, Needlepoint, Beadwork, Applique, and More

This is perhaps, should be retitled "The Ultimate Guide" because it includes everything you need to know about embroidery, cross-stitch, needlepoint, beadwork, smocking, openwork, applique, and thensome.  There are photo examples of every single type of stitch, instructions, history, projects, and event patterns.  Projects include baby essentials, fashion, home decor, and gift ideas.  Just picking up this book makes me want to cross-stitch!


Make The Bread, Buy The Butter: What You Should and Shouldn't Cook From Scratch - Over 120 Recipes for the Best Homemade Foods

Maybe you are already a proficient DIYer in the kitchen or maybe you'd just like to make more food items for frugal or health reasons, either way, this insightful guide offers the answers and the recipes to keep your pantry, fridge, and freezer full of handmade goodness.  There's also a good dash of humor tossed in to make this a truly delightful read.