Product Review: The Zombie Tarot

by: Paul Kepple and Stacey Graham

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
You’ve never seen tarot cards quite like these. Imagine the celebrated “Rider Deck” infused with the horrors of Night of the Living Dead, and the result is The Zombie Tarot—a crazy, campy interpretation of a classic divination system.

In this zombified parallel universe, wands become limbs, pentacles are biohazard symbols, and the Major Arcana is full of shambling corpses. Along with the 78-card deck, readers will receive instructions in a 96-page full-color book; its contents explain how to survive the zombie apocalypse and forecast your future using one of three different card layouts.

The secrets of The Zombie Tarot await you!

---

I know Zombie's are all the rage right now, so a Zombie Tarot isn't too surprising. But this is such a unique spin. The art has a 1950s post-atomic-bomb-apocalyptic feel. It was perfect right after the Housewives Tarot. They balance each other.

It comes in a pretty heavy-duty cardboard box similar to the Housewives Tarot. The cards are made from a thick cardstock that seems like it will last forever!

I adore the artwork but the numbered cards didn't always make logical sense. Look at the Seven of Swords above, there are no swords or knives, there are 8 zombies...see, there's no number tie-in. I'm not enough of an expert to know if this is a problem or not, after all the cards are clearly labeled. And from what I've read in the booklet, the pictures can pull you toward their meaning.

It's a little gory without being too off-putting. These are so kitschy, you just gotta love them even if you don't read the tarot. But what better deck to learn from than one that makes you laugh and you enjoy looking through. In one tarot book I've read, the author says you should play with your cards to learn them better. This deck encourages much play, even my children keep digging into it, and they have their very own tarot deck.

Tarot Review: The Housewives Tarot

by: Paul Kepple and Jude Buffum

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
Within This Box Lie The Secrets of Domestic Empowerment

Begin your journey by lifting the lid, dealing out your fate, and understanding the hidden messages of The Housewives Tarot. Through images of dinnerware (Pentacles), martini glasses (Cups), mops and brooms (Wands), and much more, these tarot cards can answer all of life’s most challenging questions. The enclosed instruction book will show you how to interpret all 78 cards and provides useful advice on giving a reading.

Includes:

• 78-card Tarot Deck
  
• Instruction Book

---

I have to say this Tarot comes across as more kitsch than anything else. But I loved seeing the pictures on Mrs. B's Facebook page. So when the opportunity came up to review the deck for Quirk, I jumped at the chance. Ok, I begged. lol I have to say, it's the most accurate Tarot deck I've used. I think part of it is the imaging. Look at the Devil card - Devil's Food Cake. Every image screams 1950s-1960s household...not just housewives. It's loaded with vintage pop culture that many of us will understand more easily than the images that are more...how do I put this..artsy-fartsy? ;-)
I'm saying, in this modern world, this deck is fun and it works. I've done simple readings, just past-present-future, and each one has been accurate and eye opening. I also adore the recipe box the cards come in. There are actual recipes, and separators for the deck between the Major and Minor Arcana and of course the instruction booklet. There are real recipes included, and the layouts included in the booklet are housewife style. Remember the 3 card reading I just mentioned? It calls to place the cards sideways and renamed it "The Neapolitan." There's also "The Dinette" which looks like a place setting at your dinner table. If nothing else, it's the most unique deck and set of instructions that I've ever seen in the world of Tarot. And I'm one to spend ages in that section at my local pagan store.

Book Review: The Last Policeman

by: Ben Winters

**I received a review copy from Quirk Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

Some people like Jersey Shore, and some like Survivor...me, I secretly love Post-Apocalyptic stories (movies or books). This is unique, it's Pre-Apocalyptic. There is a meteor heading for the Earth, and scientists know it's pretty much going to wipe everything out.

So the question becomes, what would you do? People that have gone off to do the things they always wanted to before they die are said to have "gone bucket list." And there are tons of suicides and people quitting their jobs left and right. Personally I enjoyed all the corporations folding.

The thing is, you still gotta eat and everything of course gets really expensive. So there are also a lot of people still working. The central character in The Last Policeman is a young man who really isn't long out of the academy. He is promoted to detective because...well...who else is there? He comes upon a suicide that just doesn't sit right with him. But we are kept guessing, is it a murder or is this cop just looking to investigate before the end comes?

It's well written, fast paced and way better than the Jane Austen mash-ups. His book Bedbugs was really good too. This guy does a much better job on his own, that's all I'm saying. So go pick up a copy if you think you can handle this dark and lonely tale.

This is the first book in the Last Policeman Trilogy - see my reviews of 2 & 3 here.

**This post was originally published on January 4, 2013, it was updated to fulfill a new review request**

Book Review: The Last Policeman

by: Ben Winters

**I received a review copy from Quirk Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

Some people like Jersey Shore, and some like Survivor...me, I secretly love Post-Apocalyptic stories (movies or books). This is unique, it's Pre-Apocalyptic. There is a meteor heading for the Earth, and scientists know it's pretty much going to wipe everything out.

So the question becomes, what would you do? People that have gone off to do the things they always wanted to before they die are said to have "gone bucket list." And there are tons of suicides and people quitting their jobs left and right. Personally I enjoyed all the corporations folding.

The thing is, you still gotta eat and everything of course gets really expensive. So there are also a lot of people still working. The central character in The Last Policeman is a young man who really isn't long out of the academy. He is promoted to detective because...well...who else is there? He comes upon a suicide that just doesn't sit right with him. But we are kept guessing, is it a murder or is this cop just looking to investigate before the end comes?

It's well written, fast paced and way better than the Jane Austen mash-ups. His book Bedbugs was really good too. This guy does a much better job on his own, that's all I'm saying. So go pick up a copy if you think you can handle this dark and lonely tale.

This is the first book in the Last Policeman Trilogy - see my reviews of 2 & 3 here.

**This post was originally published on January 4, 2013, it was updated to fulfill a new review request**

Book Review: The Last Policeman

by: Ben Winters

**I received a review copy from Quirk Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

Some people like Jersey Shore, and some like Survivor...me, I secretly love Post-Apocalyptic stories (movies or books). This is unique, it's Pre-Apocalyptic. There is a meteor heading for the Earth, and scientists know it's pretty much going to wipe everything out.

So the question becomes, what would you do? People that have gone off to do the things they always wanted to before they die are said to have "gone bucket list." And there are tons of suicides and people quitting their jobs left and right. Personally I enjoyed all the corporations folding.

The thing is, you still gotta eat and everything of course gets really expensive. So there are also a lot of people still working. The central character in The Last Policeman is a young man who really isn't long out of the academy. He is promoted to detective because...well...who else is there? He comes upon a suicide that just doesn't sit right with him. But we are kept guessing, is it a murder or is this cop just looking to investigate before the end comes?

It's well written, fast paced and way better than the Jane Austen mash-ups. His book Bedbugs was really good too. This guy does a much better job on his own, that's all I'm saying. So go pick up a copy if you think you can handle this dark and lonely tale.

This is the first book in the Last Policeman Trilogy - see my reviews of 2 & 3 here.

**This post was originally published on January 4, 2013, it was updated to fulfill a new review request**

Book Review: Yum-Yum Bento Box

by: Crystal Watanabe and Maki Ogawa

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
Oh, boy—obento! These yummy, healthy lunches are all the rage in Japan, where mothers create them as expressions of love for their children. With Yum-Yum Bento Box, Crystal Watanabe and Maki Ogawa devote an entire cookbook to these delicious and adorable meals for all ages! Learn how to craft your favorite foods into a variety of shapes—from caterpillars, cars, and puppy dogs to pretty flowers, princesses, and kitty cats.

Yum-Yum Bento Box features chapters on Cuties & Critters, Fairy-Tale Friends, and Special Day Treats, plus a handy shopping guide, easy recipes for mini snacks, general tips and tricks, and so much more. Stop wasting money on pre-packaged lunches—and start making beautiful, healthy bentos!

---

I wanted this book for so long, but I have to admit I didn't think it was anything I'd be able to pull off. I still haven't tried anything yet, but the difference is now I think I can.

They break down lots of recipes to make these cute little bento lunches. They go into the history a bit, and all the tools of the trade. Then they give cost cutting ideas to get the same effect without having to buy a whole new kitchen. Crystal and Maki also encourage creativity and use of leftovers as well as balancing out the meal.

I also thought I'd need to get a special bento box, but this is another myth they slash. There are traditional and contemporary boxes, but you can simply buy a small storage container as well. Thanks goodness, I have boxes on hand for that.

I'm really looking forward to making these during time off from school, while we go on our adventures instead of just getting fast food. The small storage would easily pack up into coolers for us to enjoy later on.

Book Review: The Baby Owner's Manual

Written by: Louis Borgenicht, M.D. and Joe Borgenicht, D.A.D.

Illustrated by: Paul Kepple and Jude Buffum

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
At Last! A Beginner’s Guide to Newborn Baby Technology

You’ve programmed your VCR, you’ve reinstalled Microsoft Windows, you can even check your e-mail on your Palm Pilot. But none of this experience will prepare you for the world’s biggest technological marvel: a newborn baby.

Through step-by-step instructions and helpful schematic diagrams, The Baby Owner’s Manual explores hundreds of frequently asked questions: What’s the best way to swaddle a baby? How can I make my newborn sleep through the night? When should I bring the baby to a doctor for servicing? Whatever your concerns, you’ll find the answers here—courtesy of celebrated pediatrician Dr. Louis Borgenicht and his son, Joe Borgenicht. Together, they provide plenty of useful advice for anyone who wants to learn the basics of childcare.

---

This is so funny! It really does have useful information, but I'm a mom twice over, so nothing in it was news to me. If I were to gift this to someone, it would be the dad-to-be.

As funny as it is, the graphics catch your eye and the information is laid out in a logical manner. It literally is an instruction book about babies. I think it would take out some of the mystery that usually scares guy silly.

One of the first things covered is "The Baby: Diagram and Parts List" and it goes on to talk about the head, hair, fontanels, eyes, etc. Just a quick description, but enough to let someone know what's coming. The only thing missing is the fact that they may lactate. Both my boys lactated a few days after birth. Totally weirded me out, thank GOD for Google! lol

But there are pictures, information, and lots of to-dos to prepare for the baby, how to hold the baby, how to feed the baby. You get the idea. I love that they call the pediatricians "service providers" and parents "users."

Best advice "Trust your own instincts and intuition." Yes, I really do think this is a good baby book...I mean Owner's Manual.

Book Review: Craft-a-Day: 365 Simple Handmade Projects

by: Sarah Goldschadt

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
Make something new every day of the year! Craft-a-Day is your guide to simple fun handmade projects. It offers daily inspiration, along with fun weekly themes to kick-start your imagination. January brings Snowflake Week, February features Groundhog Week, and March offers Hexagon Week – there's truly something for everyone.

Author Sarah Goldschadt provides whimsical ideas for basic crafts that require no advanced skills or crazy crafting tools; these projects are as fun and easy to make as they are to admire. Complete with handy patterns and more than 400 photographs, Craft-a-Day challenges you to make something special, each and every day.

---

I do love this book. It's full of cute and simple crafts that my boys and I adore and can't wait to get started on. I want to make all the felt ornaments for the Christmas tree, they want me to make all the felt stuffed animals for them. And CW wants me to do the paper sailboat cake for his birthday. Ivan chose diamonds.

Do you get what happened when that book arrived. They have both been through the whole thing at least twice. And they get mad when I sit down to look through it. She does a wonderful job breaking down each craft into steps, and they really are adorable. The first day, CW made the robot right out of the book, he traced her pattern on paper and finished it up with no help.

But I will say, the word unique is a stretch. Well they are set up in themes by week. So let's take the robot, there is a robot doll, a robot ornament, a robot magnet, a robot bookmark...you see my point. They are unique but it's not 365 different things. There are dolls, ornaments and some paper craft for every theme and each theme runs a week. Personally, I still love it but I also think it's misleading to make it sound like there are 365 totally unique projects.

So, should you get a copy? If you love crafts that are quick and cute, YES! And if you have kids, it's even better!

Book Review: The Cookie Dough Lover's Cookbook

by: Lindsay Landis

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
Food blogger Lindsay Landis has invented the perfect cookie dough. It tastes great. It’s egg free (and thus safe to eat raw). You can whip it up in minutes. And, best of all, you can use it to make dozens of delicious cookie dough creations, from cakes, custards, and pies to candies, brownies, and even granola bars. Included are recipes for indulgent breakfasts (cookie dough doughnuts!), frozen treats (cookie dough popsicles!), outrageous snacks (cookie dough wontons! cookie dough fudge! cookie dough pizza!), and more.

The Cookie Dough Lover’s Cookbook features clear instructions and dozens of decadent full-color photographs. If you’ve ever been caught with a finger in the mixing bowl, then this is the book for you!

---

This is me. I probably eat about 2 cookies worth of dough before it's all said and done. And then I don't want the cookies. lol So when Quirk sent me this cookbook, I was over the moon!

So you know I got busy...well once I remembered to pick up the stuff. I didn't want just chocolate chips, I wanted something that was just for me. I bought toffee bits and mini chocolate chips (these are what Lindsay recommends for the chocolate chip cookie dough). At the beginning of the book she has the recipe for the chocolate chip cookie dough and after that she has all the cool things you can do with it.

I thought it was going to be a huge batch, but really it probably would have made about a dozen of these little balls. I used my trusty ice cream scoop that I use when I bake cookies. The boys enjoyed it as much as I did, although we all thought it was too sweet. So next time I will use less sugar.

I also want to try the edible peanut butter cookie dough. And yes, with the peanut butter dough she has a recipe for Peanut Butter cups. YUM! Now the minute I find chocolate worth melting, I will be trying these! And there are candies that I would describe as a kind of truffle...just balling up the dough and pouring chocolate over it.

On the cover there are conversion charts. She offers suggestions on equipment and ingredients. Her introduction is well written, so you get to know the author before you jump into her recipes. And her recipes are pleasing to the eye and easy to follow. On the page with the chocolate chip cookie dough she has some variations including how to go vegan and gluten-free. Oh wow - Oatmeal Raisin...wonder if CW would eat it.

Do I recommend this cookbook? Yes, it's fun for grownups like me who enjoy cookie dough. It would also easily be something you can do with your kids, the recipes are simple and relatively little cooking is involved.

Stuff Every Dad Should Know

by: Brett Cohen

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
You’ve Got Children. We’ve Got Answers.

From changing diapers and burping babies to building sand castles and hosting a sleepover party, this book is loaded with Stuff Every Dad Should Know. Readers will discover:

• How to Rid a Room of Monsters
• How to Squelch a Temper Tantrum
• How to Assign Chores
• How to Discuss the Birds and the Bees
• How to Save for College

Plus family road-trip survival skills, advice for healthy nutrition, a guide to bonding with moody teenagers, and much, much more!

---

I was actually put off this book after having read Stuff Every Mom Should Know and it starts out with talking about saving for college. My first thought was "what's up with the double standard here?" Moms need to know about feedings and diapers and Dads just need to know about setting up a college fund?

But I read on and that was actually a short section that I missed the point of. It was saying, "yeah you have to do this, but that's not your only role." The book, like other Stuff books, is full of little bits of useful information. It's not a complete manual, but it's a great first book. It breaks everything down so becoming a father doesn't seem quite so terrifying. I think that is its goal.

Brett goes from the new baby all the way to marrying them off. There's "How to Hold your Baby," "Five Tips for Caring for Your Wife or Partner," "How to Make a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich", "How to Encourage Outside Play", "How to Assign Chores", "Five Great Activities that Allow you to Bond with Your Teen." There are many, many more to choose from.

This book I would buy with Stuff Every Mom should know as a gift for expecting parents. Now Quirk just needs to write one for the single parent. Both books assume the other parent will be there helping out with the work.

Let me leave you with this joke from "Five Great Jokes to Make Your Child Giggle."

Q: Why is Cinderella bad at sports?

A: Because she has a pumpkin for a coach and she runs away from the ball.