Ann Sullivan

"I have a fetish for bread pudding. Any time we go out to eat at one of the local buffets, and fresh homemade bread pudding is on the menu, I have a very hard time not gorging myself on this devilish delicacy. I honestly can't get enough of it and I am hopeful that you have several varieties for me to try here at home." Who doesn't enjoy a good bread pudding. My family likes the stuff so much I find myself making it at least once a month, if not twice. I grew up on bread pudding myself, as it was a very cheap and easy way to provide a sweet treat for all the family members. I have included a wide variety of bread pudding recipes within these pages and I am sure you will find a handful that your family falls in love with. This is one of those desserts that can be served any time of year, and goes great with any holiday or family get together. As always, I love to hear from my readers and would appreciate it if you would drop me a line from time to time and let me know what you enjoy, and what you would like to see recipes for next. Bon Appetit, Ann Sullivan

"I've tried every brand of soap on the market and I've had nothing but issues with all of them. Some of them leave my skin feeling dry, others leave my skin feeling as if there is a film of residue left behind, and still others have caused allergic reactions from members of my family. I am at my wits end when it comes to finding a soap that works for me. What can I do?" Have you ever experienced any of these issues with the various soaps you use in and around the household? All of the symptoms mentioned above are a direct result of the ingredients used in the manufacturing process of big name brand bar soaps; many of which are deemed harmful to humans. These soaps are chemically laden concoctions that are approved for resale to the general public, despite the potential health hazards they have been linked to. If you've had similar experiences with the bar soaps you're currently using, or if you would simply prefer to remove as many chemicals from your house and lifestyle as possible, then perhaps making natural soaps with essential oils will appeal to you. This book examines the harmful chemicals commonly used in commercial soaps, as well as the health hazards they have been linked to. It also discusses the benefits of using essential oils and offers several DIY recipes for making natural soaps to use in place of the harmful soaps you have been using from the commercial industry. Start taking better care of your skin today To Your Wellness & Happiness, Ann Sullivan

"I know there are several uses for essential oils around the household, on pets, for DIY crafts, and even for cooking. I also understand they can be used for a wide variety of therapeutic remedies. Would you happen to have any recipes specifically designed for women's wellness issues?" As it just so happens, I have recently assembled several essential oils guides that are detailed specifically for men, women, and pets. While these independent guides are designed to provide gender specific therapies for various gender related wellness issues, many of the remedies listed can be used by either sex to address conditions. The women's essential oil guide addresses several issues directly related to women's wellness. There are several recipes for reducing cramps during the monthly visit, as well as ideas on how to relieve bloating and stress induced from the experience. To Your Happiness & Wellness, Ann Sullivan

"Summer is just around the corner and I am a huge fan of preparing cold dishes that keep the heat out of the kitchen. I also enjoy entertaining family and friends every weekend that the weather is warm. What recipe ideas do you have that fall in that category?" I love the warmer weather myself as well, and especially when it comes time to prepare meals. The nicer weather always makes me want to get out of the kitchen and into the garden. When this happens I often find myself whipping together a cold pasta salad for lunch, and there is usually enough left over to use as a side dish for dinner later that week. Cold pasta salads are very easy to make and aside from boiling water to cook the pasta, they seldom require raising the temperature of the kitchen several hundred degrees while a meal is being made. These are energy efficient recipes that will keep your family fed without wasting tons of energy. Several of my favorite recipes are in this book, many of which I consider personal specialties I threw together myself, only to discover how much everyone else liked them. Shrimp & Broccoli Pasta Salad, Pineapple Pasta Salad, Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Olives and Capers, and Asian Bow-Tie Pasta Salad with Shrimp and Vegetables are just a handful of my favorites. Bon Appetit, Ann Sullivan

"I am a huge fan of Spring Rolls. I try them at every restaurant that has them on the menu when I go out to eat. I had no idea how many different ways there were to make Spring Rolls. Would you happen to have any recipes I could try at home?" Spring Rolls are one of my favorite things to make. They may be a little time consuming to make from scratch, but they're a great way to get the family together for meal prep, and it allows everyone to spend a bit of time reconnecting. Spring Rolls also make a great appetizer, so if you're having a family get-together, or hosting friends over the weekend, they may be something you want to put on your menu. A few of my favorite Spring Roll recipes include the Mango Spring Rolls, Lumpia in Spring Roll Wrappers, Japanese Spring Rolls, Cha Gio Chay, Phenom Pehn Spring Rolls, and Greek Spring Rolls, just to name a few. The Peanut Dipping Sauce for Vietnamese Spring Rolls goes well with several of these recipes too. Enjoy, and don't forget to write in and let me know what you thought of these recipes. I'd also like to hear what you would like to see in the near future. Bon Appetit, Ann Sullivan

"Summer is right around the corner, and one of the things I like best about this season is the ability to entertain friends and families out back by the pool. On those occasions I usually toss together a salad of some sort and place it in the center of the table. Do you have any new ideas or suggestions?" 7 layer salads are some of my favorites dishes to prepare during the summer months. They are rather easy to assemble and can be kept fresh by surrounding them with ice. We don't have a pool on the homestead, but we do entertain quite a few family and friends, and these 7 layer salads always go over fairly well. Some of my favorite recipes in this book are the Mexican 7 Layer Salad, Deep Dish Layered Salad, Ellen's 7 Layer Salad, and Layered Vegetable Salad with Shrimp, just to name a few. If you entertain a lot of people during the summer months, or need to feed a large family for a few bucks, then this is the recipe book for you Bon Appetit, Ann Sullivan

"When I was younger, I remember my grandmother used to make this mouthwatering concoction for dinner almost every Sunday night. She used ground meat, usually beef, but sometimes it was chicken or pork, and a brown gravy, then vegetables and mashed potatoes all combined in one large baking dish. I can't remember what it was called, but I've been looking for it for years...can you help?" It sounds to me like you're talking about Shepherd's Pie, and if that's the case, then I have just the recipe book for you. My grandmother made Shepherd's Pie quite often too, and I was fortunate enough to jot down as many as I could from her handwritten recipe rolodex. The rest I gathered over the years from others across the country. If you appreciate being able to feed a large number of people cost effectively, then Shepherd's Pie is the way to go. These recipes are very easy to prepare and are usually a favorite of the entire family. A few of my favorite recipes in this book are the Scottish Shepherd's Pie, Lazy Day Shepherd's Pie, Cottage Pie, Shepherd's Pie Deluxe, and Campout Style Shepherd's Pie, just to name a few. Let me know which are your favorites, I always enjoy hearing from my readers. Bon Appetit, Ann Sullivan

"What would you suggest as an all-around good essential oil for cleaning around the house? I have several small children so I am always concerned about germs and bacteria. Thanks for your help " My first recommendation would be Lemon essential oil. Lemon has several properties that make it one of the most versatile oils on the market. Lemon has a very invigorating aroma that also makes it one of the most preferred oils for cleaning around the house. If lemon isn't your thing, then my second suggestion would be from the citrus section as well; citrus oils are favored for their cleaning benefits. Readers will discover the many properties associated with Lemon essential oil, as well as it's common therapeutic uses. There are also safety precautions and recipes for supportive remedies included in this all-in-one eBook. Take a look at how powerful Lemon essential oil can be for your cleaning needs. To Your Health & Happiness, Ann Sullivan

"Dear Ann, I tend to bruised rather easily. Every time I bump up against something unexpectedly with too much force, I get a nice welt and an ugly bruise. I've tried several OTC remedies and nothing has worked. I read a few of your essential oils books and wondered if you had any advice?" For almost any skin inflammation, irritation, and/or discoloration, my best recommendation would be Helichrysum, followed by Lavender. Helichrysum is a wonderful supplement to any skin conditioning regimen. I use Helichrysum and Lavender in several of the DIY skin care remedies I create here in the Sullivan household, and they are a favorite among my extended family and friends. Helichrysum has a long history of being used to help support wound repair of small scrapes, nicks, and cuts. It has also been historically used to support the treatment of skin inflammation, such as swelling around broken bones/joints. It has been heralded for its potential to relive pain, and is a favorite among herbalists and naturalists. To Your Continued Wellness, Ann Sullivan