Megan's Reviews

This mouth-watering journey through the magical world of Mexican frozen treats has recipes that will transform your summer. Start with a classic like Tres Leches Ice Cream, then try something interesting like Goat Cheese and Hoja Santa Ice Cream or Spicy Watermelon Sorbet (it has serrano chiles in it!). This inspiring collection of recipes will transport you to that familiar hot and lazy summer day and have you screaming for some ice cream. - Megan

I could spend hours looking at these uniquely imagined workshops, studios, guest homes, and hangouts. The in-depth profiles of each tiny place are an endless source of inspiration for emptying your own shed and transforming it into an art studio or an eco-oasis house. A coffee table treasure, Anatomy of Sheds is an excellent tome on tiny spaces. - Megan

"PERFECT" and "AWESOME" are two words that come to mind when describing this book. I've already made half a dozen soups, including Hamhock & Potato Chowder (January 4th) and Cream of Mushroom (April 29th) and they were both delicious and easy recipes to follow. Because each day of the year has its own recipe, I've had the best time soupifying everyone's birthdays <3 - Megan

Herbarium is a book about plants. Or is it a book about food? History? Health? Art? No matter how you categorize it, Herbarium is terrific. With a beautiful block-print style and an overview of 100 different herbs—including tips on growing, uses for cooking, and ideas for beauty and health—Herbarium would make a winning gift for any herb lover or a great addition to your own library. —Megan

In this book that is right in line with The Life–Changing Magic of Tidying Up and capsule wardrobe trends, Anuschka Rees uses her background in psychology and her love of fashion and self-expression to help everyone build and understand their personal style and their dream wardrobe. You don’t have to be a minimalist to get the maximum out of this awesome guide! —Megan

There is no book I am more excited about this season than You Can Knit That. Amy Herzog is my IKBFF (Internet-knitter best friend forever) and she never ceases to amaze me with her ability to use new details to bring interest to the simplest designs. This book is perfect for an ambitious beginner, a first-time sweater knitter, or an advanced knitter who just wants a book full of perfect patterns.  —Megan

This compendium is amazing because if you don’t know what you want to make but you know you want to make something, you can always find inspiration somewhere within its pages. Flipping through The Handmade Life, you will be animated by unstoppable polymath power and become the Craft-Hulk you were born to be! Weave, knot, sew, dye, glue, string, and collage yourself into infinity! You are the master of your craft and Ramona Barry and Rebecca Jobson are your guides! With more than 150 artists sharing projects with you in the 408 pages of this book, you can’t possibly go wrong.                                                          —Megan

Amy isn’t the only one in the Butler family with quilting chops! You’ll love these projects, made from large swathes of fabric big enough for a little instant gratification (as much as a quilt can lend itself to instant gratification) but interesting enough to keep you thinking. Just playing with color and fabric choices will multiply your quilting possibilities. Try Project 14 (Bullseye Quilt) in neutrals or monochrome for a modern feel, or go with rainbow for a fun color wheel! This is sure to be a new favorite on your bookshelf.  —Megan

From a 35-mile ride around Crater Lake to 935 miles through South West China, you can open any page of this beautiful book and find an off-the-beaten-path ride somewhere in the world. Half travel guide (including culinary stops and overnight options), half bike-ride prep list, Epic Bike Rides of the World is the perfect combination of information and inspiration. These rides will inspire the adventurer in all of us!   —Megan

Feeling stressed? Overwhelmed? Generally grumpy? Let Australian photographer Alexandra Cearns help with Zen Dogs, in which she captures the sweet and lovable nature of our beloved canine companions. Tell your troubles to these precious pups and follow their lead! Close your eyes, relax, and breathe (stick your tongue out if it makes you feel better). Read an inspirational zen quote and pretend you’re petting one of these guys’ soft furry heads. So soft, puppy soft.                                —Megan