Becoming
Nicholette’s Review: An intimate look at the life of Michelle Obama, beginning with her upbringing in Chicago through the early months of life after the White House. I found it to be very honest, and gave me a new perspective on the life of our former FLOTUS. Michelle Obama’s story is one of challenges, hard work, common sense and decency. It really shows how a few key people in a life can support a young girl and elevate her, so that she in turn can elevate others. Some of the trivia about life in the White House was fascinating! Who knew the First Family has to buy their own groceries? I don’t know how much was written by Mrs. Obama herself, or how much a ghost writer assisted in bringing this to life, but the writing was very lyrical and evocative. One of my favorite books of 2019. For anyone who is skittish about political writing, fear not!! This is not political in nature. I related strongly to her descriptions of the challenges of balancing family life, work, and your passions in life. Highly, highly recommended.
Rating: 5/5
Corey’s Review: I also throughly enjoyed this book. “Becoming” was one of of our Christmas Eve book swaps that my mom received and she loved it so much she sent me my own copy. It was refreshing to see that even the First Lady struggles with many of the same things that everyday working women struggle with. I’m usually not a big fan of biographies, but this was such an enjoyable read!
Rating: 5/5
Menu: Chicago Hot Dogs
This was an obvious choice. When we think of Chicago we think of deep dish pizza and Chicago hot dogs. Below is a simple recipe to turn any hot dog into a Windy City dog. Make it your own and add as many or as little toppings as you would like. If you don’t have poppy seed buns you can make your own like we did! Simply brush a regular hot dog bun with butter, sprinkle with poppy seeds and bake for 5-10 min in a 350 degree oven.
Nicholette: I’ve never had a Chicago dog, so was a little skeptical about the tomato. In fact, it was delicious and not weird at all! I can see why they’re so popular. I’d never heard of sport peppers before, and had to make a substitution there because that is not available in my little grocery store. Chicago dog lovers, don’t hate me for that, we had to improvise!
Rating: 4/5
Corey: I don’t like pickles or condiments, so I had a plain hot dog and it was great! Hard to mess up a hot dog
Rating: 4/5
Ingredients:
Vienna beef hot dogs (boiled)
Poppy seed hot dog buns
Sliced dill pickles
Pickled relish
Chopped onions
Sport peppers
Sliced tomato
Yellow mustard
Celery salt
