The Naturalist's Notebook

 

About the book

Become a more attentive observer and deepen your appreciation for the natural world. The unique five-year calendar format of The Naturalist’s Notebook helps you create a long-term record and point of comparison for memorable events, such as the first songbird you hear in spring, your first monarch butterfly sighting of summer, or the appearance of the northern lights. Biologist Nathaniel T. Wheelwright and best-selling author Bernd Heinrich teach nature lovers of all ages what to look for outdoors no matter where you live, using Heinrich’s classic illustrations as inspiration. As you jot down one observation a day, year after year, your collected field notes will serve as a valuable record of your piece of the planet. This deluxe book, with a three-piece case, gilt edges, a burgundy ribbon bookmark, and a belly band with gold foil stamping, is a perfect gift for all nature lovers.

My Thoughts

This notebook is divided into two sections - one to teach you on how to become more observant and see what the nature can show us and the 5-year calendar journal.

The first portion of the book is composed of six chapters which will help you become more attentive to your surroundings and become an observant naturalist.   It will provide you with tips and tricks on how to observe the nature wherever you are and will give you some useful tools to have on hands.  One specific chapter provides some ways of learning through the seasons.   The first 95 pages will be instructive on how to become an observant naturalist.

Here are some examples of the pages found in the first section of the book.

The second portion of the book contains the 5-year calendar of observations.  The pages are presented like the example below.  You can use this notebook for a period of five years if you are dedicated in doing so every year or you could span it to every second year if you prefer to make it last longer.   One thing is for sure, you need to spend time outdoors to be able to fully use this book. This notebook will allow you to track the changes happening in the natural world around you.

In conclusion, if you enjoy the outdoors and take the time to stop and observe, you will enjoy having this notebook in your backpack to jolt down your observations.

This book can be found at your favorite bookstore.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Thomas Allen for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Zen Doodling

 About the book

Today's hectic lifestyle can leave us burned out. It's no wonder that more and more people are engaging in healing activities such as yoga, meditation, and massage. Artistic expression is also a great way to de-stress. Barron's Zen Doodling, combines the calming benefits of meditation with the soothing effects of drawing for a unique new take on relaxation.

Zen doodling doesn't require any artistic training, and there's no need for special tools or equipment. With just a pen and a scrap of paper, many find that the simple repetitive nature of drawing patterns is spiritually rewarding and can boost creative confidence.

Here, professional illustrator and artist, Carolyn Scrace offers simple instructions and tons of beautiful examples that will inspire artists of all levels to get started in this unique art form. You'll find:

• A range of exercises from simple patterns using lines and shapes, to more complex mandalas, portraits, and even unique personal alphabets that incorporate depth and color
• Great ideas for adding a Zen touch to fabric, journals, china, glass, and more
• Basic lessons on color theory, light and shade, and a helpful glossary of relevant terms
  
  With down-to-earth language and engaging design, Zen Doodling offers a distinctive approach to artistic creativity, and a method for achieving personal serenity.

My Thoughts

I personally find it relaxing and calming to draw whenever I can.  It takes time and patience to get something you have in your mind on a piece of paper.   I remember doodling when I was in school on the side of my paper.  Today doodling has become more sophisticated and can become a piece of art in itself.  We can find numerous books on doodling on the market.  Today I am writing about Zen Doodling.

The book is divided into five sections covering the basics, mandalas, how to be inspired, techniques to experiment, as well as how to use doodles daily.

The book is colorful and offers a ton of ideas to develop your doodling on the go. You will find interesting doodle exercises that will inspire you to be better at it and create your own at some point. If you love to doodle this book can definitively inspire you to expand on your doodling skills.

This book is available at your favorite bookstore.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Thomas Allen for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

How Food Works

 

About the book

Is red wine good for your heart? Will caffeine raise your blood pressure? How Food Works gives you answers to these and several more questions by investigating claims surrounding a variety of foods and examining them from a biological standpoint. Discover nutritional facts about the food you eat, learn the benefits of superfoods and antioxidants, and go behind-the-scenes of modern food production.

Packed with infographics and colorful images, the book delves into the science behind ways of eating including gluten-free and veganism, as well as the benefits of different diets from around the world. Turn the pages to understand why food intolerances occur, what actually makes food organic, how important sell-by dates really are, and how much salt you should really be eating. 

Readers will also learn about the social and economic implications of food choices, such as eating disorders and fair-trade businesses. 

Indispensable and accessible to young and old, How Food Works is the perfect health and dietary companion.

My Thoughts

This book is packed with interesting information related to food.  Let's admit it sometimes it is hard to follow nutrition and dietary recommendation.   Written by 

The book is divided into 6 sections:  Food Fundamentals, Storing and Cooking, Types of Food, Drinks, Diets, as well as Food and Environment.

Food Fundamentals: In this section, you will learn about the basics of nutrition, how hunger works, flavor, smell and taste, nutrients and much more.

Storing and Cooking: This section presents all you need to know about preservation from storing and freezing, fermentation, how food is processed, additives and how to cook food.

Types of Food: This section presents all the types of food that can be eaten and prepared.

Drinks: This section concentrates on all the different type of drinks that can accompany our meals.

Diets: Diets, what are they?  How many are there? What are the differences between them? You questions are answered in this section.

Food and Environment: How does food affect our environment is explained in this portion of the book.

The text is easy to understand.  The book contains numerous illustrations and graphs to help the visualization of what you read as well as understand the differences between different techniques of cooking and how food affect your body.

If you are interested in learning more about food, this book is one to explore.

The book is available at your favorite bookstore.

Disclaimer: Thanks to DK Canada for allowing me to promote their books. I was not monetarily compensated for this post . Please note that the post was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.