Totally Together: Shortcuts to an Organized Life

This book is my baby. I began working on an all-inclusive day planner/organizer for moms when my youngest was 6 months old--over 9 years ago! I wanted a planner to exist that not only had ample space for writing in family stuff, but I wanted to be TOLD what to do. I wanted little reminders to set dental appointments, to conduct a self-breast exam monthly, to send out holiday cards, to call my mother. I also wanted permission to take a break and take care of myself once in a while. I wanted a set list of daily, weekly, and monthly chores with a checklist. I wanted motivational quotes and virtual pats on the back.

I am immensely proud of Totally Together: Shortcuts to an Organized Life. My hope is to help moms streamline their day-to-day "have-to"s so there is more time for the "want to"s. But not in a judgmental way—this is real life, not a magazine article. I hope you enjoy it!

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More Make it Fast, Cook it Slow: 200 Brand New Recipes for Slow Cooker Meals on a Budget

I like my slow cookers A LOT, but I also like saving money. While my first cookbook showcases the versatility of the slow cooker (tamales! falafel! jalapeno poppers!) this next book is all about meal planning and sticking to a budget. While it's pretty darn cool that you can make Peking Duck and Lobster Bisque in the slow cooker, that's not very practical for most busy people/families. This book has 3 sections in it: $7 recipes, $10 recipes, and $15 recipes. Within each section there are categories for beverages, appetizers, breakfast, sidedishes, beans, soups/stews, poultry, seafood, red meat, and dessert. I've also included a chapter called Staples which includes tutorials on making broth, stock, babyfood, and yogurt. It IS possible to eat good food that's both easy to make and easy on the wallet.

Like my first Make it Fast cookbook, all recipes are completely gluten free. If you aren't gluten free, simply ignore my notes.

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Make it Fast, Cook it Slow: The Big Book of Everyday Slow Cooking

In January 2008, I made a New Year's Resolution to use my slow cooker every single day for a year. I know, I'm nuts. This simple idea really opened my eyes to the versatility of this amazing kitchen work horse. Before I began this challenge, I thought of the slow cooker as a glorified pot roast machine. But now? Now I look at it as an Easy Bake Oven for grown-ups. You can cook pretty much ANYTHING in this thing! (except hardboil eggs. please don't try to do that.) Throughout my yearlong challenge I recreated our family's favorite Take Out Fake Out meals (Lamb Vindaloo, Korean Ribs, Lemon Chicken, Falafel, Fajitas) and learned that I can make delicate desserts like Creme Brulee or Cheesecake with little-to-no effort on my part. This book has 337 of the very best recipes from my yearlong slow cooker challenge (I made 366 in all--it was leap year!).

Included chapters: beverages, appetizers, breakfast, baking, side dishes, beans, pasta & casseroles, soups & stews, seafood, poultry, meatless mains, meat, take out fake out, snacks & fondue, desserts, fun stuff

Due to a family allergy, all recipes in this book are completely gluten free. If you are not gluten free, simply ignore my notes, or file them away in case you ever need to cook for someone with a gluten intolerance.

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