Creating Sanctuary by Jessica Bloom

Available November 27th

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Creating Sanctuary is a first a truly beautiful book but is it also a wonderful reference for many levels of gardeners
 If you are interested in learning about creating a sacred space or even just a tranquil space in your backyard, this book has wonderful ideas for that. If your interests lie in creating a kitchen garden or an apothecary garden this book is for you. The way it is laid out and the writing encourages you to take what information you need to create your own place in your own time, and allows you to have a space that works for you. It's not a cut and dry blueprint, everyone has their own needs and this speaks to that part of a person that needs healing.
Bloom encourages the reader to use all of their senses, not just sight or smell but also touch and hearing and to use those senses to bring times to your garden that a uplifting and comforting to all five senses. She points out that we should be aware of how colors or scents affect us, is it a positive thought, do certain plants evoke memories?  I know I will always associate some plants with my grandmother and I find that I add those to my garden every year, just to feel close to her.
Other parts of the book discuss what kind of garden you are trying to create, all garden can be beautiful but why not create an area with a deeper meaning., Such gardens could be for memorials, spaces for healing, energizing you mind or just relaxation, a space to escape from the stress of the everyday world.
If you decide to delve into the world of plants for apothecary purposes or even kitchen purposes, the author shows how to harvest, preserve and collect seeds for the next growing season. Then there are recipes for teas, tinctures, essentials oils and lotions.
Over all a garden means so many different things to different people, and this book is a wonderful resource for creating your own Sanctuary. Becoming more attuned to the natural elements around us will help us to leave the stresses of daily life behind and enjoy our time just a bit more.  It is not just for the advanced gardener since it has information how to have an intentional design in mind, what to plant and where to harvesting your seeds. Creating Sanctuary is a great resource that I plan on adding to my library.

Thanks to Timber Press and Net Galley for an Electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Near and Far: a vegetarian cookbook by Heidi Swanson

It's been a while but I'm jumping back in and adding book reviews to the format of the blog. I do a lot of reading and I enjoy reading the reviews of others and of course your mileage may vary but If I help you find something new, good deal. If you have something you think I should see let me know too!

So back to the review and thanks for sticking around during my wandering..

Amazon

Near and Far; Recipes inspired by home and travel was more than an interesting cookbook, it was a feast for the eyes also.

It starts off with recipes from home, most of the ingredients can be found in your local farmers market or even in your own garden, and the second half are recipes from her travels.  Some ingredients I had on hand others not so much. But it was nice to experiment with new flavors. We are always on the lookout for new ideas with vegetarian options. I would recommend this to others who are looking to branch out their cooking styles without leaving home. 

The pickled greens were the item we tried first and it was it a hit. I'll be diving back in for more great ideas now that the holidays are on the horizon.

The author's photography make this book pretty enough to earn a spot on your coffee table as well as in the kitchen!


I received a free copy for an honest review but you can find your copy over at amazon and it's even on kindle, too.