Wonder-ful

Book club was a success!  I've been meaning to start one up for almost the whole time we've lived here, and I finally got around to sending out an evite a few weeks ago. I decided that "Wonder" -- a children's literature read -- would be a great first book to start things off. (Not to mention it's a pretty fast read and has the added bonus of being a great book to discuss with your kids as well!)

As a side note, I kind of really like hosting things at my house because it forces me to get things cleaned up around here and in tip top shape.  You know me, I love a hard deadline. Especially when it has the added bonus of giving me the opportunity to visit and catch up with friends.  :)  I learned from my "How NOT to Host a Party" back in December with the ornament exchange I did, and this time around I let go of a lot of my uptight, type-A-ness of wanting everything to be practically perfect in every way, and as a result, everyone in the family was much happier. It was a MUCH better way to enjoy a party!

All in all, it was a super enjoyable evening, with the kids mostly staying out of the way and the dog only making an appearance or two before the night was over.  I'll close with a terrible picture of the "dessert" I made for the occasion and a link to the recipe:

No Bake "Healthy" Cheesecake

{Using ground almonds for the crust, Greek yogurt and coconut cream for the filling, and a triple berry mix for the topping.}

It was actually pretty good, though if I were to make it again, I would definitely want to try the coconut creme the website says to use from Trader Joe's and I would probably use a little less crust and try out the actual recipe for her berry topping {I didn't have everything on hand, so I just whipped up the berry topping I always make when we have cheesecake.}  And last but not least, I'd serve it more frozen. It never set up quite as firmly as an actual cheesecake, and by the end of the evening, it was starting to "melt" a bit even though I had stuck it in the freezer earlier in the day.  When I ate the leftovers straight from the freezer this morning, however, it was perfect.  Really, really perfect. :)  I'd be curious to see what other people have to say about it...

And there you have it -- How to Host a Book Club. Choose good books, invite good friends, and have good treats.  You heard it here first. Hahahaha.