Review by Andrea, T.O.P. Contributing writer and owner of the fabulous EcoBaby Canada

I really enjoyed reviewing “The Frantic Woman’s Guide to Feeding Family and Friends” by Mary Jo Rulnick. This book could not have come at a more appropriate time. I have to admit, I am a frantic woman, and this book somehow made that okay.

The book goes over everything, including kitchen organization, a list of all the staples you need in your cupboard, and there are tips and tricks throughout the book to make your life a little easier. Mary Jo Rulnick even tells you how to unload and store your groceries!

The book is laid out in a seasonal sort of format for recipes and such, including a meal plan for fall, winter, spring and summer. To top it off there are also some meal plans for special occasions like PMS and kid’s parties. The preplanned recipe schedule really takes the brainwork out of it, and hence, takes the stress out of it.

I’m one of those women who freaks out at about 5:00pm when I have no idea what I should cook. This was not the case for the past week or so though. I followed the winter meal plan 2. All I had to do was photocopy the grocery list, go grocery shopping, and follow the instructions. So for the past week, I still didn’t know what we were going to have at 5:00pm, but all I had to do was open the book and follow the instructions. Seeing as I already did the essential grocery shopping, I knew I had everything I needed. Plus, I could get everything at my local grocery store!

This book has seriously taken a huge stressor out of my life, and I highly recommend it to anyone who needs to relieve a little dinnertime stress.

Now all I need is a frantic woman’s guide to getting all your kids to bed before 8:00pm, or maybe a frantic woman’s guide to housework!

Buy it at Amazon.

WIN IT! We’ve got a copy to give away to one reader. To enter, email theopinionatedparent@gmail.com with FRANTIC! in the subject line by midnight MST on 3/13/08.

Get an additional entry into this contest by blogging about it!

1. Blog about this contest using one of the top three images found here.

2. Email the direct link to your post (not to your main page, and in a separate comment from your other entry) to theopinionatedparent@gmail.com with FRANTIC! in the subject line to receive your second entry.

Congratulations Cindy!