Mama Bear Reviews

The weather here was so warm today that it had me dreaming of spring. This means it was perfect timing to receive Martha's Flowers: A Practical Guide to Growing, Gathering, and Enjoying by Martha Stewart and Kevin Sharkey . This gorgeous book just came out today and it is perfect for planning flower gardens in the coming year. Not only is the book filled with beautiful pictures but it also offers advice on planting, growing, cutting and arranging. The book is split between spring, summer, early fall and arrangements. The section that I really loved is spring. After a long drab winter, I look forward to the pop of color provided by tulips and the wonderful smell that is delivered from lilacs. I am inspired by this book to plant some new varieties of plants this year and try my own cutting garden. I have been adding more flowers every year and I love the idea of being able to have fresh flowers in the house throughout spring and summer. I received this book from Blogging fo

I will admit that I am addicted to my phone. I pick it up anytime I am bored or even as a way to put off the stuff I really should be doing. I have been wanting to cut back on my phone use so I was happy to receive a copy of How to Break Up with Your Phone by Catherine Price.  This book discusses why we become addicted to our phones and why some apps are especially addicting. The author also discusses why this addiction is bad and why we should want to change our behavior. The part that I really like about this book is the four week plan for breaking up with your phone. I have not tried this plan yet, but feel that the steps are gradual enough that they would be helpful. The point of the plan is to make you take notice of how much time is being wasted and to make steps towards using the phone less and less. This is a great book for anyone that wants some help with spending a little less time with technology.  I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review

Photography is one of my hobbies so I always jump at the chance to check out new books on the topic. Zen Camera: Creative Awakening With a Daily Practice in Photograph y by David Ulrich uses Zen principles to teach people how to take better photographs. It also teaches an important lesson in today's busy world which is to slow down and take in our surroundings.  Zen Camera is split into six different lessons. My favorite part of these lessons is that at the end of each one is a tip that can be applied or something that the reader should go out and try. I have been interested in photography for quite a while and have read many books on the topic but I felt that this book had a fresh approach to photography.  Zen Camera is good for anyone starting out and using the camera on their phone or for more advanced photographers that are looking for inspiration. The book is full of gorgeous images and practical advice.  I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.