Tis the season of consumerism and I figure if we're going to participate anyway, we may as well promote a philosophy of equity...with a touch of flair. And promote books. It should always be about books. So here are a few choice reads plus some other goodies because yeah, I'm a product of the culture and I couldn't help myself.
P.S. I am not paid to mention any of these products and there are no affiliate links.
P.P.S. Scroll to the end for an unlikely holiday recipe literally everyone will love.
BOOKS
For a curated list of books EVERY household should have, CLICK HERE
Today's Picks
(Whenever possible I link to bookshop.org which supports independent bookstores)
Board Book:
Dream Big, Little One By Vashti Harrison
Picture Book:
Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio (Author), LeUyen Pham (Illustrator)
Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty (Author), David Roberts (Illustrator)
Illustrated Story Collection:
Forgotten Fairy Tales of Brave and Brilliant Girls (Various Authors)
Teen Read:
Feminist AF: A Guide to Crushing Girlhood (see below)
Memoir:
Recollections of My Nonexistence: A Memoir by Rebecca Solnit (author of Men Explain Things To Me)
Parenting Book:
Beyond Birds and Bees: Bringing Home a New Message to Our Kids About Sex, Love, and Equality by Bonnie J. Rough
Oldie But Goodie:
Cinderella Ate My Daughter By Peggy Orenstein
This is a book about feminism & girlhood but it’s really a book about inclusivity. It’s for ALL girls — big, disabled, immigrant, trans, cis, queer, bois & non binary folks —but it’s especially for young womxn of color who encounter unique challenges related to beauty, sex, identity, and family dynamics that are often not addressed in white feminist texts.
Read more what I say about it in this Instagram post.
STOCKING STUFFERS
Shop Mug Shop Wine Tumbler
JEWELS
These vulva earrings were designed to make a strong feminist statement while also passing as an everyday hoop.
If you know, you know.
Perfect for tweens and teens, these earrings and necklace and other cool Venus items are made by AWorthyBrand's.
TEES
Destroy the Patriarchy Not the Planet Retro-style Feminist Tee
Never Underestimate the Power of a Girl with a Book
GAMES
Gorgeous We Are One 500-piece Puzzle
You know that game where someone draws a card and then everyone tries to match it with the funniest, dirtiest, and most disturbing thing? This game is kinda like that, but if it were created by a bunch of hilarious women. Because it was. Developed by the team at the feminist satire website Reduct
FAVORITE FEMINIST STORE
Thefeministshop.com is my favorite store for all things feminist. It's not just a shop; it's a feminist hub.
They have a GINORMOUS selection of books and their gear is high quality (as in soft organic cotton) and ethically sourced.
They collaborate with artists worldwide to create their awesome 'F' collection and they donate 10% of their profits to worthy causes. Shop it now
RECIPE TIME
Brown Sugar Carrot Soufflé
I am NOT a fan of cooked carrots but OMG this dish is everything. I was asked once several years ago to bring a casserole to a Thanksgiving dinner being thrown by my foodie-est of friends. Desperate for a recipe, I turned to my gourmet chef mom and, as usual, she had the perfect dish. It's a hit every.single.time. I'm asked to make it again and again for every potluck and holiday party I go to. Did I mention it's EASY as pie (or in this case much easier!)?
Recipe
1 cup butter (a little less)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 eggs separated (save whites to add later)
1-1/4 cups flour
28-30 oz of carrot baby food (yes, the jars)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
cinnamon/nutmeg (Optional)
Mix all together (except egg whites).
Beat egg whites until peaks are soft, not too stiff
Add whites to carrot mixture, folding in just until incorporated
Pour into greased soufflé dish
Cook at 350 for 1 hour and 15 mins
Cover after one hour if necessary
(Freezes well raw!)
