If you’ll be staying home for St. Patrick’s Day this year, why not cook yourself some corned beef and cabbage and settle in for an Irish film fest? Here are eight Irish films – covering various genres – that you might enjoy!

• Sing Street: SING STREET takes us back to 1980s Dublin seen through the eyes of a 14-year-old boy named Conor (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) who is looking for a break from a home strained by his parents’ relationship and money troubles, while trying to adjust to his new inner-city public school where the kids are rough and the teachers are rougher. He finds a glimmer of hope in the mysterious, über-cool and beautiful Raphina (Lucy Boynton), and with the aim of winning her heart he invites her to star in his band’s music videos. There’s only one problem: he’s not part of a band…yet. She agrees, and now Conor must deliver what he’s promised – calling himself “Cosmo” and immersing himself in the vibrant rock music trends of the decade, he forms a band with a few lads, and the group pours their heart into writing lyrics and shooting videos. Inspired by writer/director John Carney’s (ONCE, BEGIN AGAIN) life and love for music, SING STREET shows us a world where music has the power to take us away from the turmoil of everyday life and transform us into something greater.
• A Date for Mad Mary: A DATE FOR MAD MARY tells the story of ‘Mad’ Mary McArdle returning to Drogheda after a short spell in prison – for something she’d rather forget. Back home, everything and everyone has changed. Her best friend, Charlene, is about to get married and Mary is maid of honor. When Charlene refuses Mary a ‘plus one’ on the grounds that she probably couldn’t find a date, Mary becomes determined to prove her wrong. But her attempts at dating are a disaster and she winds up feeling more alone… until she meets Jess and everything changes.
• Calvary: Brendan Gleeson delivers “a truly sensational performance” (Total Film) in this “wickedly funny black comedy” (Time Out) from acclaimed writer-director John Michael McDonagh (The Guard). When a good priest (Gleeson) is threatened by a mysterious member of his parish, he feels sinister forces closing in and begins to wonder if he will have the courage to face his own personal Calvary.
• Ondine: Ondine is the story of Syracuse, a fisherman who catches a beautiful and mysterious woman in his trawler’s nets. The woman seems to be dead, but then she comes alive before Syracuse’s eyes. With the help of his ailing, yet irrepressible daughter, Annie, he comes to believe that the fantastical might be possible and that the woman (Ondine) might be a myth come true. Ondine and Syracuse fall passionately in love, but just as we think the fairytale might go on forever, the real world intercedes.
• Once: Once is the inspirational tale of two kindred spirits who find each other on the bustling streets of Dublin. One is a street musician who lacks the confidence to perform his own songs. The other is a young mother trying to find her way in a strange new town. As their lives intertwine, they discover each other’s talents and push one another to realize what each had only dreamt about before. Once is their inspiring story.
• Waking Ned Devine: In a small town in Ireland named Tulaigh More, one of the 52 inhabitants wins the lotto jackpot of nearly seven million pounds.  When nobody claims the loot, the town goes on a search to find the winner. However, all they find is old Ned Devine dead, a smile on his face, clutching the winning ticket. In Ireland, the lottery winnings must be claimed by the purchaser, which puts the town in a spot — if the lottery officials discover Devine dead, he, and the town of Tulaigh More, forfeit the money. Hilarity ensues when the community embarks on an outrageous scheme to claim the winning lotto ticket! But in the process, the townsfolk learn the importance of friendship and the true value of money.
• Michael Collins: Starring Irish-born Liam Neeson, Julia Roberts, Aidan Quinn, and Alan Rickman, this extraordinary historical epic was directed by Neil Jordan and received two Academy Award nominations. Michael Collins, one of Ireland’s most controversial patriots and revolutionary heroes, leads his countrymen in their fight for independence. Having come of age in the early 20th century, when a monumental history of oppression and bloodshed had divided Ireland and its people, Collins was arrested during the 1916 Easter Uprising, when Irish revolutionaries surrendered to the overwhelming military power of the British forces after a six-day standoff at Dublin’s General Post Office. Upon his release, he took leadership of the Irish independence movement and strove to create a free and peaceful country. Irish pop singer/activist Sinead O’Connor provides haunting vocals in the Oscar-nominated score.
• The Commitments: In the northside of Dublin, Jimmy Rabbitte aspires to manage the world’s greatest band, with only one music in mind: soul. By advertising for applicants in a newspaper and asking around to promising acquaintances, Jimmy holds auditions at his parents’ home and assembles a band together. Unlike his idols, Jimmy’s band is white. With the help of Joey “The Lips” Fagan, a veteran musician who answers the ad and joins the band and who has unlikely stories about meeting and working with famous musicians, Jimmy begins to whip the members into shape – gradually coming together beautifully onstage, only to have the group fall apart in a clash of egos.

This St. Patrick’s Day, why not enjoy a movie and some popcorn? These Irish films – ranging from comedy to drama and everything in between – will have you celebrating the holiday and enjoying some great cinema! 

***All movie descriptions courtesy of iTunes

Who doesn’t want to be more productive? Whether it just be creating more time for yourself or getting your to-do list done quicker, being productive has a lot of benefits. 

That doesn’t mean it doesn’t have challenges, too. It’s easy to find yourself procrastinating or putting off those things you don’t want to do – which really defeats your goal of being more productive. Luckily, people have spent a lot of time studying productivity and how to achieve it – and here are a few books that can help you!

• Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen
  • Since it was first published almost fifteen years ago, David Allen’s Getting Things Done has become one of the most influential business books of its era, and the ultimate book on personal organization. “GTD” is now shorthand for an entire way of approaching professional and personal tasks, and has spawned an entire culture of websites, organizational tools, seminars, and offshoots.
  • Allen has rewritten the book from start to finish, tweaking his classic text with important perspectives on the new workplace, and adding material that will make the book fresh and relevant for years to come. This new edition of Getting Things Done will be welcomed not only by its hundreds of thousands of existing fans but also by a whole new generation eager to adopt its proven principles.
• Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time by Brian Tracy
  • There’s an old saying that if the first thing you do each morning is eat a live frog, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you’re done with the worst thing you’ll have to do all day. For Tracy, eating a frog is a metaphor for tackling your most challenging task—but also the one that can have the greatest positive impact on your life.
  • Eat That Frog! shows you how to organize each day so you can zero in on these critical tasks and accomplish them efficiently and effectively. The core of what is vital to effective time management is: decision, discipline, and determination. And in this fully revised and updated edition, Tracy adds two new chapters. The first explains how you can use technology to remind yourself of what is most important and protect yourself from what is least important. The second offers advice for maintaining focus in our era of constant distractions, electronic and otherwise.
  • This life-changing book will ensure that you get more of your important tasks done today.
• The Productivity Project: Proven Ways to Become More Awesome by Chris Bailey
  • Nearly all of us want to be more productive, but finding the method that works for you among the hundreds and hundreds of different tips, tricks and hacks can be a daunting prospect. After graduating college, Chris Bailey decided to dedicate a whole year to doing just that – experimenting with as many of the techniques as he could, and finding the things that work. Among the experiments that he undertook are: going several weeks on little to no sleep; cutting out caffeine and sugar; taking a daily siesta; living in total isolation for 10 days; stretching his workweek to 90 hours; and getting up at 5:30 every morning, all the while monitoring the impact of his experiments on the quality and quantity of his work. The results were often surprising!
  • This book is the result of Chris’s year-long journey, distilling the lessons he learned into a few core truths about how we get things done (or, indeed, don’t). Among the many counterintuitive insights Chris discovered that had the biggest impact on his productivity were striving for imperfection; scheduling less time for important tasks; the 20 second rule to distract yourself from distractions; and the concept of productive procrastination.
  • In this accessible and fun guide, Chris Bailey offers over 30 tried-and-tested best practices that will help everyone to accomplish more – and become more awesome.

If you’re ready to stop procrastinating and tackle those things on your to-do list in a way that’s going to save you time and energy – then one of these books may help! Filled with proven ways to help you be more productive, you could soon find yourself with more time to do what you love!

***All book descriptions courtesy of Amazon

What is your favorite style of interior design? Are you the type who prefers modern, minimalist spaces with lots of natural light, or do you like lavish, Victorian-style homes? Do you prefer bright colors and bold patterns or soft textures and muted tones? Whatever your preference may be, there are plenty of popular styles to choose from. Here are a few popular design styles you might consider if you’re thinking of making a change.

1. Modern Design Style: Modern interior design incorporates a lot of bright colors and clean lines. These spaces typically use lots of natural light, which helps to open up the space by making it feel bigger than it actually is. A modern home will also often include sleek furniture pieces with simple designs that don’t take away from the overall look and theme of the room’s décor. 
2. Industrial Interior Design Style: When you think about the word “industrial,” what comes to mind? Many would say that they envision dark spaces with exposed brick or concrete floors paired with rustic wooden beams for support. While these are some aspects of this type of decorating that have carried over into today’s styles, industrial interiors have gotten much more glamorous since their origins back in the day. Nowadays, many designers use metallic accents throughout their designs, giving an otherwise cold space a warmer feel. 
3. Mid-Century Modern Style: Mid-century modern design has a very specific look and feel that was popular in the 1950s. It is characterized by clean lines, lots of natural light, and open floor plans. This style often uses lighter colors such as whites or creams paired with wood paneling to help provide warmth within the space while also being neutral enough to not interfere with any other elements included in an interior design project. The furniture pieces tend to be simple but elegant, which creates a very contemporary vibe throughout.
4. Victorian Design Style: Some might say Victorian home décor would have been old hat at one time; however, it seems like it never goes out of fashion when it comes to decorating ideas for both commercial spaces and residential homes. Known for their extravagance and over-the-top designs, Victorian homes were built with a lot of decoration in mind. From the lavish wallpaper to the ornate crown molding that is often used as an accent throughout these types of interiors, you can expect lots of glamour when it comes to this style.
5. Shabby Chic: Shabby chic has become a trendy style when it comes to decorating homes in recent years. This is an old design concept that was made popular by French designers who used reclaimed or discarded materials and furniture pieces with lots of wear and tear, which gave the items their signature look. Nowadays, this trend has evolved into interiors where rustic elements are mixed in with more luxurious finishes for a high contrast effect.
6. Boho Design Style: This design style is known for its use of natural elements throughout the interior. Whether it’s rattan, macramé, or clay tiles on the floor that have been hand-painted in vivid colors to create a bohemian effect, this type of decorating focuses heavily on texture and color schemes that are very earthy and organic!. Many homeowners will even choose older pieces (such as antique furniture) over more modern ones, which helps add to the overall look and feel.
7. Eclectic Design Style: A little bit country with a pinch of city sophistication, eclectic décor has become one of today’s most popular styles when it comes to designing homes from top to bottom. It is characterized by a mix of different design elements that are all put together in an intentional way. Whether it’s vintage items mixed with modern decor or industrial fixtures paired up with treasures found on nature walks, this is the type of interior where anything goes so you can truly make your space feel like yours.

So, are you attracted to more modern pieces, or do you prefer something classic? Do you like neutral colors or pops of reds and yellows? No matter what you like when it comes to decor, you can find just the right style to bring to your home.

Are you a lover of books? Do you spend all of your free time cozied up with a good book? Are you constantly looking for the next great novel to read? You’re not alone. Reading is one of the most popular pastimes around – and now podcasters are getting in on the action by creating podcasts for bibliophiles. Here are a few you can check out – when you take a break from reading.

• The Penguin Podcast: Conversations with some of our leading authors and creative thinkers, as we seek to understand how they write and where their ideas come from. Guests bring to the interview a handful of objects that have inspired their work.
• The Maris Review: Hosted by Maris Kreizman, cultural critic and author of the bestselling Slaughterhouse 90210, talks to authors you should know about their own books and the books they love, the shows and films they’ve watched, the music they’ve listened to, and the links they’ve clicked.
• Sentimental Garbage: Sentimental Garbage is a podcast hosted by Caroline O’Donoghue about the culture we love that society can sometimes make us feel ashamed of. Formerly a chick-lit podcast, sometimes a Sex and the City podcast. We don’t know the most, we feel the most.
• The Great Books Podcast: Hillsdale College’s John J. Miller discusses classic works within the Western literary canon.
• The History of Literature: Literature enthusiast Jacke Wilson journeys through the history of literature, from ancient epics to contemporary classics. 
• Mostly Lit (no longer in production): Join Alex Reads and Raifa Rafiq in their journey to keep up with the millennial experience, while exploring the intersection between literature, wellness and pop-culture. Tune in weekly as they discuss everything that is ‘lit’ in a fun and insightful way! 
• The Guardian Books Podcast: The Guardian Books podcast is our weekly look at the world of books, presented by Claire Armitstead, Richard Lea and Sian Cain. In-depth interviews with authors from all over the world, discussions and investigations make this the perfect companion for readers and writers alike.
• You’re Booked: Welcome to You’re Booked, the podcast for literary nosy parkers who would like the chance to snoop around their favorite authors’ bookshelves. I’m Daisy Buchanan, your Book Inspector, and I’ll be asking our guests all about the first forbidden books they read under the covers, the beloved books they have borrowed, and never given back, and those impressive heavyweight hardbacks that make them look like intellectual giants – even though they couldn’t get beyond the first twenty pages. We’ll also be talking about what makes readers into writers, how our guests became book lovers and their favorite reading memories, all with a dash of intelligence and a dollop of irreverence. Our guests include Dolly Alderton, Nina Stibbe, Nikesh Shukla, and many more favorites from our own bookshelves.
• The Stories That Changed My Life (no longer in production): The Stories That Changed My Life is a podcast about stories. Each episode, we invite guests to share the life stories and literary stories that have inspired and touched them. A books podcast for the non-bookish – no literary knowledge is needed here. Forget book reviews and complex discussions of books you’ve never read, The Stories That Changed My Life is one part good old-fashioned storytelling, one part Desert Island Discs.
• Books and Authors Podcasts: This podcast features Open Book and A Good Read. Open Book talks to authors about their work. In A Good Read Harriett Gilbert discusses favorite books.

When it comes to finding a great book or learning the story behind a popular novel, these podcasts can certainly help. Check them out and watch your need-to-read list grow!

***All podcast descriptions courtesy of Apple Podcasts

So you have a difficult decision to make. You’re not sure what to do, and you may feel anxious or fearful about the consequences. This is something that many people experience in their lives, so it’s important to know how to deal with it when these kinds of tough decisions come up. Here are some tips for making difficult decisions so you can be confident in your choice.

• Know exactly what you want from the decision: What benefit is there from making a certain choice? What will it lead to if you make that decision? Have an idea of what your end goal with this difficult decision is. For example, do you want more money or less work in your life? Once you know exactly what your ideal outcome would be, then it’s easier to decide if this decision will help you get there or not.
• Be present in the moment with your decision: You may have spent hours, days, or even weeks thinking about a certain tough choice, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to make the decision just yet. Take some time off from obsessing over your options so that you can be calm and present in the moment with your decision. And yes, it can be hard to stop thinking about a particular choice when there are so many pros and cons on both sides – but sometimes a break can help bring clarity.
• List out all possible choices: Make sure you have every single one of your options written down before making any decisions about anything. This will help you get a clear picture of what your choices are, and it can also be useful if someone else is helping you make the choice. For example, let’s say that in order to decide between two jobs, one requires more education while the other pays better but doesn’t require any training or schooling after high school. You would have a difficult decision to make between these two options, but if you had them both written down on paper, then it can be easier to compare the pros and cons – which is crucial in decision making.
• Seek out others for help: Get some extra guidance from an expert! Don’t worry if things don’t look clear right now when it comes to making a difficult decision. It can be challenging to remain objective when the decision directly impacts you. Instead, get in touch with a career coach or therapist who can help you make this choice confidently by giving their expert opinion on what might be best for your situation.
• Be patient with yourself: Big decisions often have big consequences, and that’s why they weigh so heavily on you. Be patient with yourself through the decision-making process. This will allow you to make the best decision for you.
• Don’t give up: This is one of the most essential tips for making difficult decisions. Everyone has moments when it feels like nothing will ever be clear, and you just can’t see how anything could help you in your current situation. If this happens, then don’t get discouraged or quit on yourself. You may need to restart at the beginning of the process or reach out to additional people for help – but you can make a decision. 

Making difficult decisions can definitely be stressful, but when you use these steps to help, hopefully, you will make the right one. 

Yes, the photos you take on your phone are good, but maybe you’re ready to take it to the next level – which means buying a camera.

But buying a camera can be a daunting task. There are so many choices and features to consider that it’s easy for first-time buyers to feel overwhelmed. If that’s how you’re feeling then, let this beginner’s guide on the basics of buying a camera help! With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to buy the perfect camera for your needs in no time at all!

• Type of Camera: There are two main types of digital cameras: Compact and DSLR. Digital compact cameras, or point-and-shoot models as they’re also known, can be had for less than $100 and produce high-quality images with a lot of flexibility. However, the lenses on these cameras tend to have limited zoom capabilities which makes them unsuitable if you plan on taking lots of close-up shots (or want more telephoto options). These do make great starter cameras, though.
  • DSLRs contain larger sensors that offer better image quality along with manual controls such as aperture priority mode and shutter speed control. This type is suited for intermediate to advanced users who are looking for the highest quality possible.
• Price: The cost of the camera is not always indicative of its quality, but it’s still something to consider. Entry-level DSLRs can be found for under $500 with high-end models that exceed $5000. Cheaper cameras may lack certain features or have lower image resolution, which could reduce their overall value in the long term. If you have friends who have cameras, you might consider asking them for a recommendation.
• High-ISO Capabilities: Another feature you’ll want to consider is the camera’s high-ISO capabilities. High ISO settings allow more light into your photos because they increase the sensitivity of the sensor (allowing less light needed for a photo). However, this comes at an image quality cost since increasing sensors can cause noise or graininess in images which would be especially apparent if printed large. There are two main types: low and high. Low ISO starts around 100 while higher ISOs may go up to 25000+. A general rule with all cameras is that lower numbers equate to better image quality, but sometimes it isn’t always possible/practical to use them (such as indoors where lighting isn’t very consistent).
• Lens Quality: The lens is one of the most important pieces in a camera’s design but often gets overlooked by buyers. Cheaper cameras may feature less expensive lenses with smaller maximum aperture sizes, which can make them harder to use when taking photos indoors or at night (or even limit your ability to blur background elements). The only way around this is through third-party lenses designed specifically for certain brands and models that have large maximum apertures right out of the box.
• Functionality & ease-of-use: Manual settings While most modern cameras offer fully automatic modes, don’t underestimate them. Many entry-level DSLR users also use full manual mode – in fact, many professional photographers still shoot in full manual. If you’re looking for a camera that allows total control, look for the latest models with DSLR capability.
• Size & shape: Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of size when choosing your new camera. Larger cameras are great if you need lots of zoom or want to make large prints – but if portability is important, then consider something smaller and more compact instead.
• BONUS: Sensor Size & Video Capability: Sensor size refers to what sensor the camera uses in its design – larger sensors means better low light performance with less noise due to more pixels on the same area of space. These typically come in sizes like APS-C or full-frame, which will be found only on higher-end models. Video capability has become a must-have feature nowadays, so it’s worth considering if that matters to you.

If a new camera is something you’re considering, you definitely want to do your research. Start with these basics, and then reach out to some photography experts for advice.

Cleaning your kitchen is one of the most tedious and time-consuming tasks around the house, but it’s also something that needs to be done regularly. If you want to make this process easier for yourself, here are a few different tips and tricks to help you out!

• Put away any clutter: Your kitchen countertops and floors should be free of anything that doesn’t belong there. If you leave clutter out, it can make your job a lot harder.
• Wipe off all cabinet fronts/shelves with cleaning spray and a rag to remove grease, dust, etc: Be sure to also clean under those shelves! Use an old toothbrush for small areas where dirt likes to accumulate, such as around outlets and light switches.
• Clean your countertops: Spray some glass cleaner onto counters, then use paper towels or old rags to wipe clean of all dirt/grease. You might also want to wipe them down with disinfecting wipes to remove any germs.
• Clean your floors: Sweep or vacuum flooring materials first before mopping to ensure any large particles are gone that could potentially scratch your floors underneath during cleaning. Then mop your floor to wipe up dirt and grime.
• Clean your walls: To spruce things up, you can also clean walls and doors with cleaning spray or a Magic Eraser. This is a good time to remove anything that may have splashed or scuffed your walls.
• Vacuum vents: If applicable, remove vent covers first, then vacuum them out to remove any dirt and debris that might be stuck inside.
• Clean the inside of your refrigerator: Take everything out of your refrigerator and give the interior a good cleaning. Make sure you check expiration dates before returning items to the frig and throw away any leftovers you don’t want.
• Clean your microwave: First, wipe down any built-up grease/grime on the outside surface using your favorite cleaner. For microwaves with turntables – don’t forget to clean them as well. Next, put hot water along with lemon juice or vinegar into a dish, then place it on top of the turntable while the microwave is running. This will create steam which will help loosen anything sticking on the interior. Lastly, wipe down the interior to remove any remaining residue.
• Clean the inside of your oven: Your oven could probably use some attention. If you have a self-cleaning oven, follow the instructions to get your oven back looking its best. If it’s not self-cleaning, check your oven manual to see what the manufacturer recommends for cleaning.
• Clean under the stove: You will be surprised by how many crumbs you will find under your stove. Luckily, most stoves can slide out, and you can sweep and mop to get rid of the dirt and debris. 
• Clean inside your cabinets: Remove items from your cabinets, and then use a damp microfiber cloth to remove dirt and dust. You might think that because your cabinet doors are closed most of the time that this area would not be so dirty – but it’s not true. (And who wants to eat or drink from dusty plates or glasses?) 
• Clean your garbage disposal: An easy way to clean your disposal is to take an ice cube tray and fill it up with vinegar, then freeze it. Once frozen – take each cube and run them around the disposal a few times until they melt down to nothing; this will help clean out any grime or residue that has accumulated.
• Take out the trash: Lots of foul smells come from trash that’s just been sitting inside your home for too long.

If you’re ready to tackle cleaning your kitchen, use this guide as a reference! Soon you’ll have a sparkling space that’s ready for you to prepare your next meal!

Life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns. We all know this to be true. Yet, it’s hard to know how to cope with life transitions. Whether you’re just starting a new job, going through a divorce, or changing your living situation, there are so many changes that it can be challenging to figure out what you need for support and how best to get on track again.

But what can you do when your life takes a drastic turn? How are you supposed to cope with these transitions in your life? Here are six things that might help make it easier for you to get through difficult times.

1. Prepare yourself if possible: While this won’t always be possible, try to prepare yourself before things get tough. If you can, take an honest look at the situation and look to see how you can improve it or make it better – before things get too bad.
2. You’re going to have to get out of your comfort zone: It’s important not to stay stuck in a position where you are constantly unhappy or unfulfilled, but it may be too scary for you right now to venture into new territory and try something different. But facing the fear is necessary if you want things to change. 
   • It won’t happen overnight – so don’t give up just because you don’t see an immediate improvement. Instead, know that what seems insurmountable today will seem more manageable tomorrow; all it takes is patience and persistence on your part.
3. Use positive self-talk: As cliché as it sounds, positive thinking can really make a difference in how you cope with life transitions. If nothing else, try to say just one nice and encouraging thing about yourself every time negative self-talk starts creeping up on you; for example, “I’m doing the best I can,” or “I’ve been through this before.”
4. Be open to new opportunities: When your life takes a turn that requires changes, such as moving or finding a new job, be willing to consider all of the possibilities out there! Sure, some things might seem scary at first – but don’t close off from anything without giving it a chance first. You may be surprised at how many opportunities open up to you when you’re more flexible and willing to try something new!
5. Take care of yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually: Taking care of your health is essential in coping with life transitions. Make sure not only that you are getting enough sleep (a minimum of eight hours a night) but also try to avoid processed junk food. Additionally, make time for some form of exercise every day so that you can keep stress levels manageable during this difficult period in your life. Try spending some quiet moments meditating – whether it’s five minutes before bedtime or during your lunch break at work – as this can really help you regain some of that inner strength and peace in coping with changes. And don’t forget about taking care of yourself emotionally too! Talk to a friend or family member if necessary, but try not to bottle up all these feelings inside.
6. Connect with others: Another great way to cope with life transitions is by connecting with others who are going through the same thing as well! Whether it’s joining an online community or one in person, being around people experiencing similar things can help make coping easier. Others can offer their support and give you that extra push, all while knowing how you’re feeling.

The most important thing is to take care of yourself during these difficult times. When transition hits your world like a whirlwind, know that everything will get better eventually, and this is a time to tap into your inner strength.

The holidays are right around the corner! And whether you’re hosting a party or just want to try out some new recipes, it’s always helpful to have a few good cookbooks that can assist you in the kitchen. We’ve got your back with this list of holiday cookbooks that will help you find the perfect recipe for all occasions.

• Pioneer Woman Cooks – A Year of Holidays: 140 Step-by-Step Recipes for Simple, Scrumptious Celebrations
  • Ree Drummond—accidental country girl, award-winning blogger, Food Network personality, and #1 New York Times bestselling author—presents The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays, a fantastic collection of recipes, photos, and homespun humor to help you celebrate all through the year.
  • Ree shows you how to ring in your favorite holidays with inspired menus for breakfasts, brunches, lunches, dinners, parties, deliveries, and feasts, accompanied by fun instructions and hundreds of her signature step-by-step photos. Filled with creative and flavorful ideas for intimate dinners, group gatherings, and family meals, The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays includes dozens of mouthwatering dishes (with nineteen recipes for Thanksgiving alone!), helping home cooks create a variety of delights.
  • Whip up a Resolution Smoothie on New Year’s Day; Whiskey BBQ Sliders and Dr Pepper Cupcakes for The Big Game; Glazed Ham for Easter; Watermelon Sangria for a sizzling Fourth of July cookout; and perfect Popcorn Balls on Halloween. For Christmas, Ree includes special homemade treats, including Caramel Apple Rolls, Christmas Rum Cake, and a selection of smile-inducing cookies, perfect for Christmas deliveries to family and friends.
  • Enjoy holidays all year ’round…Pioneer Woman style!
• Danielle Walker’s Against All Grain Celebrations: A Year of Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and Paleo Recipes for Every Occasion
  • When people adopt a new diet for health or personal reasons, they worry most about the parties, holidays, and events with strong food traditions, fearing their fond memories will be lost along with the newly eliminated food groups. After suffering for years with a debilitating autoimmune disease and missing many of these special occasions herself, Danielle Walker has revived the joy that cooking for holidays can bring in Danielle Walker’s Against All Grain Celebrations, a collection of recipes and menus for twelve special occasions throughout the year.
  • Featuring a variety of birthday cakes, finger foods to serve at a baby or bridal shower, and re-creations of backyard barbecue standards like peach cobbler and corn bread, Danielle includes all of the classics. There’s a full Thanksgiving spread—complete with turkey and stuffing, creamy green bean casserole, and pies—and menus for Christmas dinner; a New Year’s Eve cocktail party and Easter brunch are covered, along with suggestions for beverages and cocktails and the all-important desserts. Recipes can be mixed and matched among the various occasions, and many of the dishes are simple enough for everyday cooking. Stunning full-color photographs of every dish make browsing the pages as delightful as cooking the recipes, and beautiful party images provide approachable and creative entertaining ideas.
  • Making recipes using unfamiliar ingredients can cause anxiety, and while trying a new menu on a regular weeknight leaves some room for error, the meal simply cannot fail when you have a table full of guests celebrating a special occasion. Danielle has transformed her most cherished family traditions into trustworthy recipes you can feel confident serving, whether you’re hosting a special guest with food allergies, or cooking for a crowd of regular grain-eaters.
• The Good Housekeeping Christmas Cookbook: Recipes * Decorating * Joy
  • Hang the stockings, deck the hall—and cook up a happy holiday! When it comes to Christmas, no one does it like Good Housekeeping. Brimming with more than 300 celebration-worthy recipes, sparkling decorating ideas, and suggestions for homemade (and home-baked) gifts, this sumptuous, mouthwatering collection will make the season extra merry. Triple-tested, fail-proof recipes come from both the magazine’s archive of favorites and from celebrities like Ina Garten, Martha Stewart, and Bobby Flay, along with favorite Christmas memories from Sting, Reese Witherspoon, Mariah Carey, and many other famous contributors. Delight family and guests with irresistible Cranberry Mojitos, Glazed Ham with Apricots, Roast Turkey with Wild Mushroom Gravy, and Herbed Rice Pilaf with Cranberries and Thyme—and then top if off with a to-die-for delicious Dulce de Leche Christmas Wreath or Gingerbread Whoopie Pies.
  • This truly is the greatest Christmas cookbook ever—and sure to become a cherished part of your holiday tradition. 

As the holidays approach and you get ready to start cooking, what are your favorite cookbooks? Do you have a few favorites that you turn to for every holiday, or do you try new ones each time? If these cookbooks aren’t in your kitchen, maybe it’s time to pick them up!

**All book descriptions courtesy of Amazon

Apples are one of the most popular fruits in the world, and they’re not just delicious – they have a ton of health benefits too! And, of course, fall is the perfect time to pick some up! 

Let’s learn why you should include apples in your diet – and share a few tasty recipes to try!

Apples are readily available, inexpensive, and have a long shelf life – and they come in so many different varieties that you’ll never get bored eating them.

Apples provide needed fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants while adding flavor at the same time. 

Additionally, apples contain many health-promoting compounds such as quercetin which may help reduce inflammation in your body as well as prevent colon cancer and heart disease, according to some studies.

Apples also contain a variety of phytonutrients that may help prevent cancer, heart disease, and arthritis, among other health problems. They also improve the body’s immune system as well with their high content of vitamin C, which is important for maintaining healthy gums, too!

One large apple contains about 80 calories – which is a pretty small investment considering how many nutrients you’re getting out of it in return for those few calories! They are a low-calorie, nutrient-dense food that will leave you feeling satisfied after eating them – making them a great snack.

And, of course, they’re great for cooking! Here are some apple recipes that you just might have to try!

• Old-Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp: If you want a yummy dessert that showcases the apple and is going to make your home smell out of this world, you’ve got to make apple crisp. This recipe has brown sugar and oats topping that is perfect when served warm with a scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream.
• French Apple Cake: You’ll love the buttery rum flavor and the chunks of apple found throughout this cake. Plus, it only takes about an hour to make from start to finish.
• Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars: Who doesn’t love a good bar recipe? Bars are so easy to make, and this recipe is no exception! These bars have three layers that go together to create the perfect bite!
• Our Favorite Apple Pie Recipe: Everyone should have a great from-scratch apple pie recipe – and this one is it! It has all the spices you love and apples that are cooked beautifully! YUM!
• Baked Apples: This dessert is super simple and makes apples the star of the show! Get the kids in the kitchen to help you with this one!
• Homemade Applesauce: Yes, you can buy it at the grocery store, but you’re going to love the homemade version so much that you might never buy it again. Plus, it’s not that difficult to make – and you can adjust the sweetness and spices to fit your tastes.
• Dried Apples: Want a healthy snack made from apples? Then make some dried apples in your oven. Parents and kids alike will love these apple chips!
• Apple Butter: If you want a substitute for jam or jelly on your biscuit or toast, then apple butter is the answer. You’ll need a little patience as it takes about two hours to cook, but it’s worth the wait. (And it makes for an excellent gift for friends or neighbors.)
• Easy Caramel Apples: This is a classic way to use apples – and kids will love it! Plus, they can help make them!

This fall, make it all about apples! You can eat them as is – or try one of these yummy recipes that is sure to hit the spot.