Do you see that look in Maddie’s eyes?
It says ‘Mama, why must you torture me by placing your lunch on the floor to photograph it and not let me have a bite? It’s just plain rude!’
I know Maddie. Bad Mama.
It’s not my fault it’s the best light in the house. Mama has to make the food look as good on the blog as it is in person!
See? Delicious.
(What you don’t see is the corn wrap cracking on the side. Corn wraps are delicious, but are no bueno when it comes to actually wrapping.)
Inside the crackin’ wrap was a slice of swiss cheese, spinach, and hummus. Yum.
On the side?
Apples, Carrots, and a Pickle.
Maddie, I promise you wouldn’t have liked any of it anyway.
You’re right. That was a lie.
Maybe next time. ๐
Carrots ‘n’ Cake
A few weeks ago I was sent my dear friend Tina’s new book – Carrots ‘n’ Cake – to review for the blog.
I’ve been following Tina’s blog for over three years now and have had the honor of calling her my friend for two of those three years. Tina is about as sweet and easy going as they come, so when she told me she was contacted by a publisher last year and would be writing a book, I couldn’t help, but jump for joy with her.
While Tina worked her little booty off writing the book and prepping it for it’s debut (hey, writing a book is tough!), I patiently awaited my turn to read what she had been working so hard on.
During a road trip to Nashville last month, I finally got my chance!
The book itself is divided into several sections (ranging anywhere from ‘Cookie Friday’ to ‘Happy Hour’) where Tina writes towards that aspect of life/ fitness/ food/ what-ever. The divided sections and Tina’s casual voice made the book a quick and easy read. It was the perfect book to zone out to during a road trip and, even though I haven’t tried any of the recipes yet, I like how easy and non-complicated they look – only a couple of ‘weird’ ingredients needed. (And by ‘weird’ I mean, I have them on hand, but the normal, every day person may not.)
I’m a pretty devote follower of Tina’s blog and speak with her pretty regularly in real life, so a lot of the information presented wasn’t new to me. However, the thoughts Tina associates with the information is. She dug deep and you could really tell she put her heart and soul in this book. There are some really touching and personal moments in here that I’ve never heard her discuss on the blog before. I even enjoyed the section where she explain the thought process that went behind her ‘lose the dough before the big 3-0’ challenge. Tina is real and this book proves it.
My only complaint was how the publisher is marketing this as a ‘diet book.’ This isn’t a diet book (just like her blog isn’t a diet blog) it’s a life book. Tina’s life book. ๐
If you like Tina and you like her blog, I suggest you pick it up for a good read.
Have you read Carrots ‘n’ Cake yet? What were your thoughts?
I love how real Tina is as well. She comes out just like that on her blog, so it looks like a great read<–am going to have to pick it up soon. Thanks for the honest review!
P.s. I adore your lunch-simple yet nutritious!
Yes, I loved it! I just finished last night, so I’ve got to work on writing up my review as well. But I have a lot of the same opinions on the book as you. Tina did a great job!
I haven’t read Tina’s book yet, but I’d like to! There are too many books on my “to read” list so it might be a while!
Holly @ The Runny Egg recently posted..Pizza Bread
awww little Maddie! I just love her sweet little face ๐
I haven’t read Tina’s book but I can’t wait to get a copy! Thanks for the review, just as good as I expected ๐
My mission is to buy this book this weekend. It looks awesome!
Alexa @ Simple Eats recently posted..Chocolate and Peanut Butter
I haven’t read it yet, but plan to especially now after what you had to say about it. I’m not really interested in “diet” books, so although it’s unfortunate that’s the direction the marketing is taking, I’m glad to know Tina’s book is more of a “life book.” Sounds great!
Ann recently posted..Epic Salad
I haven’t read her book yet but I’d like to! What… no giveaway? ๐
Try gently warming your corn tortillas in a non-stick skillet. Unless they are stale, that always keeps them from cracking for me.
haha, I didn’t even check to see if I could give one away. Bad blogger. And thanks for the corn tortilla tip. THe thought crossed my mind, but laziness settled in.
I’m hoping to get my copy July 7th – the day it comes out in England! I can’t wait to read it, cos I looove Tina’s blog ๐
Freya recently posted..New Name!
I’m reading the book right now! It’s awesome so far! It’s exactly like her blog which is one of my must-reads every day!
Amanda @ Cucina Amanda recently posted..Finalizing the Guest List
I haven’t read it yet but just ordered it on Amazon a few days ago and can’t wait for it to arrive!
Lindsey recently posted..Welcome to
it is listed at BN as a health book
True, but the e-mail I received from the publishing people had the subject line ‘ New Diet Book – Carrots N Cake’
Haha. I could NEVER put my food on the floor in my house. One our 3 heathens would GOBBLE it up. Good, Maddie!
I haven’t read the book yet, but I am looking forward to it! I’m bummed that I’ll be working the night of her book signing. ๐
I totally want to read her book. I absolutely love reading her blog! I just haven’t a had a chance to pick it up yet. I’m trying to save some moolah!
Ash @ Good Taste Healthy Me recently posted..Favors
I just have to say “ditto” to all of that. I am a Carrots n’ Cake devotee too and although I’ve only exchanged a few emails with Tina (and don’t really know her in person), this book just made me like her even more.
Kelly recently posted..Work uniform
i can’t wait to read it!
Elena @ GagaForGrapefruit recently posted..in an instant
Val received her copy last week and I’ll be borrowing it when she’s finished! I like the category “life book”, diet makes it sound tacky and temporary!
Kristin @ FoodFash recently posted..Shmoozing- In Pictures
You can borrow mine if you want too!
I wonder if they stock it in Australia yet?
Lisa (bakebikeblog) recently posted..Winter warmer
No, haven’t read it yet. I really want to though! I’m hoping to pick it up for my plane trip on Friday!
Hilary recently posted..Kashing in on Asparagus
I can’t wait to read it ๐
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) recently posted..OC Half Marathon
I can’t wait to read it! I looked for it on my Kindle, but I think I may have to buy the paperback!
Amy recently posted..Wednesday Weigh in- The Mirror
I haven’t read it yet, but it’s on my list! I’ve been following Tina for about a year now and I love her blog. I’m not much of a book buyer, but I may have to make an exception for this one, because I don’t know when it’ll make it to the library.
Mac recently posted..Living Like a Kid
Definitely a book on my list of things to read. I love Tina’s blog..and can’t wait to pick it up and read it. Sure to be a quick read!
Cait @ Beyond Bananas recently posted..A Not So Wordless Wednesday
I really want to read her book and may order it soon. Glad to hear from so many others that they have enjoyed it so far. I love Tina’s blog and she was the first healthy living blog I ever came across, which started my obsession with reading them!
Lisa @ Fit in the Midwest recently posted..Bottomless pit
I have read Carrot n’ Cake and I absolutely love it! Even though I’ve read her blog for a while, I agree the book is even deeper. I would totally recommend to any of my friends looking to get a jump start with healthy living.
Jamie Sometimes Healthy Girl recently posted..Word Up Wednesday- Runpowerment and Call to NYC Bloggers
Great review – can’t wait to read it!
Hats @ See How She Runs recently posted..Review of BodyPump 77
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