Mommy MD Guide to Pregnancy and Birth AND Mommy MD Guide to Your Baby's First Year by Rallie McAllister

You will have a chance to win this set of books and other prizes Nov 5-Dec 6 during the 12 Days of Gifts Galore at Callista's Ramblings.

Stars: *****

Momosa Publishing

Summary: The Mommy MD Guides cover common pregnancy and parenting concerns and then are followed up with quotes from actual doctors who are moms. Each book has more than 900 tips from 60 or 70 doctors. 

The books are separated into pregnancy weeks (Pregnancy) and baby's age in months (for First Year book.) MANY different topics are covered and you can find them via the index as well.

Many people think that doctor parents must know what they are doing all the time but that isn't true. Doctor parents worry just as much as we do and they have trouble making parenting decisions as much as we do too. So reading these books was a nice change as you get to see what doctor parents really think about. I also like that some of the Mommy doctors have young children right now while others have adult children so you are getting more than one generation's advice.

It's a great book for when you don't have lots of time to read long chapters but on the other hand, if there is a specific problem you are having and you've tried some ideas already, the book isn't likely to have another solution. It's mostly like chatting with a bunch of other moms.

The website has other resources as well including a blog and a questions section. Check out the blog for a chance to win a $15 Starbucks Gift Card just for spotting the book in a store! Also check out the recommended products besides the books!

Links of Interest: Mommy MD Guides, Mommy MD Blog, Mommy MD Facebook, Mommy MD Twitter, Daddy MD Guides,

*Disclosure: I received the product(s) mentioned above free of charge by the company or PR representative for evaluation purposes. No other compensation was provided.

GIVEAWAY: $10 Cash via PayPal

I'm looking to gain more followers and comments on this blog so I put together this giveaway for $10 Paypal Cash. This giveaway is posted on both of my blogs but you only enter on one!

To enter, please use the rafflecopter form below. If you don't know how to use it, see this rafflecopter guide. A copy of the giveaway rules are below and on the rafflecopter form. Entering the giveaway means you have read and agree to the rules. If you have any problems, email me callista83@cogeco.ca

GIVEAWAY RULES:
One Person Per Household. Open worldwide to anyone who has a paypal account and is 18+. Giveaway open until December 5, 2011 @ 11:59 PM EST. Odds of winning depend on number of valid entries received. Duplicate (accidental or not) entries will be deleted before a winner is picked and winner's entries will be verified. Winner will be selected using random.org on December 6, 2011 and will be contacted by email. Winner will have 3 days to claim their prize or their prize is forfeit and another winner will be chosen. Contest Void Where Prohibited. This giveaway is not associated, nor sponsored by Facebook. We hereby release Facebook of any liability.

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Easy Entertaining for Beginners by Patricia Mendez

You can enter to win this book and many other prizes (totalling $115) at my Canadian review blog, Callista's Ramblings before 11/25!

Stars: ****

Maple Heights Press (2008)
172 pages
Cooking/Entertaining

Summary: Handy guide to hosting your own parties and get-togethers complete with menus, step by step instructions, practical advice and party etiquette, ideas for music, activities, drinks and full colour photographs of some of the foods.

I don't really host parties at my house very often. However it was decided that I would be hosting Thanksgiving and Easter at my house from now on and we do a monthly games night which rotates from house to house. The few times I have hosted a meal, I'm still running around prepping when people arrive, a part of the meal doesn't go well or I forgot something important. This is because I don't plan or start early enough in advance. This book will help me with the net event I host.

The menus themselves weren't really helpful to me only because our family is picky I guess as we won't eat most of the foods given. However I would be able to pick my own menu and figure out what things could be made ahead and what timeline to use. If you are new to following recipes and cooking on a timeline, you might have trouble with this, but then again, you might be okay with the menu. The foods aren't very strange or anything. Let me show you what I mean:

• Coconut Salmon (we don't eat fish - there are a few seafood meals)
• Baked Potatoes with Blue Cheese Dressing (won't eat Blue Cheese but could easily substitute)
• Broccoli with Lemon and Parmesan (for romantic dinner with two, but hubby won't eat Broccoli and I don't like Lemon flavoring)

However there are some I can't wait to try too:

• Gourmet Burger Bar
• Pinto Beans with Bacon
• Chicken Tortilla Soup
• Cheddar Hash Brown Gratin

I really appreciate the advice and layout of what to do when (2 days ahead, 1 day ahead, 2 hours ahead etc....)

I wish there was an Easter one in the book. The website though has more tips, hints, recipes and menus including an Easter menu.

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