Mason Jar Salads and More

Title: "Mason Jar Salads and More" 
Author: Julia Mirabella 
Genre: Cookbook 
Summary: (From Amazon:) "Discover the coolest way to pack a tasty, healthy lunch! Mason Jar Salads and More shows how to prepare on-the-go meals that are packed with fresh produce and whole foods." 
Rating: Good  
Why I Like It: What is special about jar salads is that you can make them ahead of time (up to 3 to 5 days ahead of time). This book teaches you how to layer the ingredients so that they don't get soggy. When you are ready to eat them, you pour it out onto a bowl or plate. I make salads for Luke's lunch and send them to work with him. I also use a larger jar and make a salad for the girls and myself to share. One night during the week I will make a bunch of salads for the week. I even took some in a cooler when we went on a trip this last fall. While living out of a hotel room, it was nice to have a good, fresh salad ready to eat. Once you learn the concept of layering, you can modify the recipes to what your tastes are, and what you have on hand. It is a fun way to use the Bucher canning jars. My favorite recipes are: Southwestern Salad, Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad, Cobb Salad, and Apple Frisee Salad (I use spinach or green leaf lettuce for that one). 
Reviewer: Brigette

Forever Liesl: A Memoir of The Sound of Music

Title: Forever Liesl: A Memoir of The Sound of Music 

Author:Charmian Carr 

Genre: Memoir
Summary: Review from Barnes & Noble: The magic of The Sound of Music lives on in the minds and hearts of everyone it has touched. Now, Charmian Carr, who in 1965 captivated moviegoers as Liesl "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" von Trapp, tells what it was like to be a part of the film that has become a cultural phenomenon. It's all here: from how she got the role (and why she almost didn't) to romances on the set and wild nights in Salzburg; from the near-disaster during the gazebo dance to her relationships—then and now—with her six celluloid siblings. Charmian offers stories from fans and friends and a treasury of photographs. And she reveals why she left acting, what she learned when she met the real von Trapp children; and how The Sound of Music has helped her get through stormy times in her own life.
Rating: Very good
Why I Like It: I don't remember why I got this book to read but I thoroughly enjoyed it! Maybe I read an article because I know this is the 50^th year since The Sound of Music was released. I do recall that when the movie first came out, it was a very big deal! Grandma Dunipace really liked it & maybe even went to see it more than once! I have not watched The Sound of Music for many years but look forward to seeing it again soon!
Other: It might be interesting to eventually check out other books that were written about The Sound of Music.
Reviewer: Patsy