Crafting Bookshelf Wealth - Your Cookbook Wellthy Kitchen Guide

December’s Cookbook Club looks at the real reason to add cookbooks

I’ve always been fascinated with the concept of wealth. It’s probably why I ended up with a master’s degree in finance. And pursued many different career paths, including starting up my own businesses.

Of course, it’s also evident in my current business name - Gorgeous Wellth. Yep, several years ago, I chose to play with the concept of “wealth” and turn it into something meaningful to me. Wellth was born.

When you say “wealth”, your mind will most likely jump to money and finances. But I’ve always looked at it as full circle - you can’t have wealth if you’re sick, or void in quality relationships.

I guess that’s why “wellth” became a go-to word for me.

So, of course, I also became intrigued by a trending concept of “bookshelf wealth.”

Bookshelf wealth is all about creating a beautiful home. Not one that’s Instagram-worthy, but instead is personalized and livable. It’s not about the display. It’s about what’s there, how it’s been curated, and how it’s been used.

Your house isn’t a museum. It’s designed to be lived in, enjoyed, and thoroughly used. When you can go through each room, look into a corner, and instantly relive a story or memory, that’s true “wealth.” Or in my case, “wellth.”

I think that’s what’s appealed to me so much with plant-based living. It’s organic. It’s about slow living. It’s about finding exactly what means the most to you, what is GOOD for you, and incorporating that into your daily life.

And in many cases, that starts in the kitchen with “cookbook wellth”. I love having a shelf with my favorite cookbooks. I love keeping my entire collection throughout my home, depending on what I’m using and loving at the moment. I love keeping my favorites close to my counter, so that I can use them daily. I love writing in the margins, making notes about what I love and use. This truly is my bookshelf wealth.

“It is the heart that makes a man rich. He is rich according to what he is, not according to what he has.” ~Henry Ward Beecher

The Artful Way To Plant-Based Cooking
By Chloe Crane-Leroux & Trudy Crane

When a mother/daughter writes a cookbook together, I’m all in. And I knew it was a keeper a few page turns in.

I think every plant-based family has their “plant-based” journey. I’m always intrigued by hearing from others. It’s one of the first questions we’re asked as a family, once people find out we’re plant-based.

I appreciate this mother/daughter’s journey and advice. They transitioned into a plant-based lifestyle after Chloe left for college; Trudy quickly followed suit.

When my daughter declared herself vegetarian at 3, it took me a while to believe her. She was steadfast in her decision, even at such an early age. Once I accepted it, I was the one in charge of figuring it all out. I had to ensure my daughter grew up healthy.

The more I researched, the more I learned, the more I changed myself. What started as a way to ensure her wellness quickly morphed into a lifestyle I knew would benefit everyone in my family.

Of course, what starts with eating quickly turns into a lifestyle. One question leads to so many others. Before you know it, you’ve changed every aspect of your life. It’s one thing I smiled at when reading the introduction:

“In addition to making the recipes in this book, hopefully you will view it as a source of inspiration. We show you how plant-based meals can be delicious and satisfying, even if enjoyed occasionally. We encourage you to create beautiful table settings, even when dining alone. We hope to inspire you to travel, pursue your passions, and forge deeper connections with your loved ones. Moreover, we encourage you to be mindful of your surroundings and seek out the moments that touch your heart. These may include lighting a candle and savoring a meal prepared with love, or creating your own rituals that mark special occasions and forge lasting memories. Ultimately, we hope this book inspires you to find joy in the art of living beautifully, one meal at a time.”

Beautifully said. And honestly, it’s the way my daughter and I approach life too.

Maybe that’s the reason this cookbook resonated highly with me.

The cookbook is split into sections I love, such as Date Night, Friends For Dinner, Weekday Favorites, and Solo Suppers. You can check out sections based on life at the moment. Because we all live differently every day. Sometimes you will be cooking for yourself. Sometimes you have friends over. And I love that each of these sections offers unique meals perfect for every occasion.

The greatest compliment my family can give me is a clean plate and the words: You can make that again. I’ve received that with each recipe I cook from this gorgeous cookbook.

So, of course, it’s sitting proudly on my cookbook shelf. And hopefully you’ll enjoy it too.

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