The Power of the First Days: Setting the Stage for Success

By admin

The magic of the first days is a concept that captures the unique and enchanting experience of the beginning of something new. It could refer to the first few days of a relationship, a job, a project, or any other significant endeavor. These initial moments hold a special kind of energy, excitement, and wonder that often cannot be replicated. When starting something new, such as a new relationship or job, there is a sense of possibility and potential. Anything seems possible, and the future is filled with endless opportunities. It is during these first days that we feel a surge of motivation and enthusiasm that propels us forward.


“Wintry weather seems to demand slow-simmered soups and stews, and the bestselling Fix-it and Forget-it series has long been a source for these and other Crock-Pot meals . Good, who edited those homey collections, returns with a useful new diabetic edition . Each of the hundreds of recipes for appetizers, main courses, soups, vegetables, breakfast dishes and snacks comes with a nutritional analysis, and timely health tips are scattered among the recipes.”
– Publishers Weekly

As I look back on my cooking skills now 10 years removed from being a newlywed , the book has helped me learn how to make a big hunk of meat taste good. Let s face it, most slow cookers come with instructions and a few recipes, but the recipes can t possibly be as good as the ones the Phyllis Pellman Good has included in 10 cookbooks she has penned.

The magical recipes for busy moms using a slow cooker

It is during these first days that we feel a surge of motivation and enthusiasm that propels us forward. We are driven by the thrill of the unknown and the anticipation of what is to come. During the magic of the first days, everything seems perfect.

Fix-It and Forget-It Favorite Slow Cooker Recipes for Dad: 150 Recipes Dad Will Love to Make, Eat, and Share! (Paperback)

New York Times Bestselling Series. Millions of books sold. Tested recipes for every slow cooker. Here are the very best time-saving, slow cooker recipes for dad to cook and dad to eat!!

Not sure what to get Dad this year? With these easy slow cooker recipes, you can make his favorite ribs, wings, chili, fudge brownies, and more with minimal preparation time and easy-to-find ingredients. Whether Dad likes to cook or likes to be cooked for, these tried and true recipes are sure to be a hit. Put that slow cooker, instant pot, or any other multi-use express cooker to use!

  • Collected from some of America’s best home cooks
  • Tested in real-life settings
  • Carefully selected from thousands of recipes
  • Spicy Beef Roast
  • Slow-Cooked Short Ribs
  • BBQ Pork Ribs
  • Chipotle Chili
  • Garlic Lime Chicken
  • Barbecued Chicken Pizza
  • Hot Cheese and Bacon Dip
  • Hot Fudge Cake
  • And much more!

About the Author

Hope Comerford is the blogger behind A Busy Mom’s Slow Cooker Adventures and is the author of The Gluten-Free Slow Cooker and editor or author of several Fix-It and Forget-It books including Fix-It and Forget-It Lazy and Slow Cookbook , Fix-It and Forget-It Cooking for Two , and Welcome Home Cookbook . She is passionate about slow-cooking and writing easy, delicious recipes. She lives in Clinton Township, Michigan.

Praise For…

PRAISE FOR THE FIX-IT AND FORGET-IT SERIES

“[Phyllis Good] is basically one of the queens of slow cooker recipes.”
–Booking Mama

“Compared with recent ethnic and gourmet slow cooker titles, Good’s latest is a workhorse. Filled with unintimidating, pantry-friendly dishes, this volume will please busy cooks, new slow cooker owners, and party givers. Highly recommended.
Library Journal

“Fans of Good’s best-selling slow-cooker recipe books won’t be disappointed with her latest installment. Good provides plenty of practical tips about what she calls a near miracle appliance. For example, take time to get acquainted with a new slow cooker, fill it two-thirds full for best results, and try out recipes for the first time when at home for the day. And she dispels two big myths: that her beloved machine is a winter-time appliance and that it’s mainly just for beef stew. Fuggedaboutit. True, many of the 250 recipes are for main dishes made with chicken, turkey, pork, or beef. But she gives even more space to pasta, soups, quiches, appetizers, breakfasts, breads, and desserts. Why not wake up to steel-cut oatmeal that’s been slow cooking overnight? The slow cooker can even bake peach cobbler or a fudgy chocolate cake. Each recipe comes with a photo, some (such as mashed potatoes) get a quick and easy label, and several get a bonus tip from Good (such as cooking wine is wine with salt added). With good recipes and good vibes, the latest Fix-It and Forget-It cookbook is bound to be a best-seller.
Booklist *starred review*

“Not only was it a help to me to get some meals started, but it also educated me. As I look back on my cooking skills now (10 years removed from being a newlywed), the book has helped me learn how to make a big hunk of meat taste good. And for that, I’m eternally grateful… Get the book and use it… Definitely worth the money, and I don’t usually say that about cookbooks!”
–Mostly Sensible

“The bottom line is that for a list price of $15.95 THE BOOK IS A BARGAIN! Let's face it, most slow cookers come with instructions and a few recipes, but the recipes can't possibly be as good as the ones the Phyllis Pellman Good has included in 10 cookbooks she has penned. She is doing something right; after all over 9.8 million copies have been sold! So, goodcooking.com likes this book and feels that just about anyone who is into slow cookers will have many happy results. The book may certainly spur interest in buying a slow cooker if you haven't cooked with this method before!”
–Good Cooking

“This cook book is so much fun. I love how the recipes are organized by specific dish. For instance, if you're looking for a beef stew recipe, the book gives you five or six recipe options, all in a row. You can decide what sounds tastiest to you (or what you have on hand). When you open the book, you feel like you've opened your mother's recipe box and it is obvious that these are tried and true household favorites. Bring on the comfort food!
–Blog Mistress Mandy

“An assortment of fond kitchen memories from across the country, Good's [Mom and Me in the Kitchen] reads like an extended Mother's Day card.”
Publishers Weekly

The mother of all slow cooker cookbooks! The Fix-It and Forget-It Cookbook has been my go to resource since I first bought my slow cooker as a newlywed back in 2002… This book really gave me a feel for how recipes come together… If you’re a novice with the slow cooker this is a book that I highly recommend.”
–Frankly Entertaining

“This book is designed for home cooks who have to cook most everyday. It’s packed with relatively simple recipes that can help you get a light and healthy dinner on the table day in and day out. And it’s Weight Watchers friendly since the recipes include the nutritional information required to calculate PointsPlus values.”
–Simple Nourished Living

“Wintry weather seems to demand slow-simmered soups and stews, and the bestselling Fix-it and Forget-it series has long been a source for these and other Crock-Pot meals. Good, who edited those homey collections, returns with a useful new diabetic edition. Each of the hundreds of recipes for appetizers, main courses, soups, vegetables, breakfast dishes and snacks comes with a nutritional analysis, and timely health tips are scattered among the recipes.”
Publishers Weekly

“At the end of the day this is one of the few books I review that I am actually keeping and cooking from on a regular basis! It is a book I would buy and give as a gift. It is a book worth using time and time again!”
–Mirlandra’s Kitchen

“Paging through this book makes you feel as if you are in a wonderful community of seasoned cooks who take pride in serving up sumptuous meals to friends and family while relaxing and enjoying their company… I found something on every page that I wanted to make… Can I hear a ‘Hallelujah?’”
–Pattie Tierney

“Recipes here are perfect for every season and occasion, and feature more than just the usual soup, stews, and casseroles… After looking through the recipe book, which consists of hundreds of recipes contributed by cooks throughout North America, I realized I really underestimated the practicality of a slow cooker. The Fix-It and Forget-It Slow Cooker Magic recipe book [is] very practical, and I can't wait to try out more recipes!”
–Hawaii Mom Blog

“The Fix-It and Forget-It Kids’ Cookbook is a visual experience: it pops with all the vivid colors of the crayon box; it is printed with youthful, sketchy fonts and inspiration-board style post-it note and paperclip graphics; best yet, it has a beautiful, full-page photo for EVERY SINGLE RECIPE included. Now THAT is not something you see in cookbooks very often. Even just skimming through the Fix-It and Forget-It Kids’ Cookbook assured me that my salivation glands were very much intact… This cookbook is very well thought out. The recipes give easy, step-by-step instructions, as well as a complete list of ingredients–including a list of necessary cooking equipment–conveniently printed in the sidebar of each recipe page.”
–The Pioneer Woman

PRAISE FOR THE FIX-IT AND FORGET-IT SERIES

“[Phyllis Good] is basically one of the queens of slow cooker recipes .”
–Booking Mama

“Compared with recent ethnic and gourmet slow cooker titles, Good’s latest is a workhorse. Filled with unintimidating, pantry-friendly dishes, this volume will please busy cooks, new slow cooker owners, and party givers. Highly recommended. ”
– Library Journal

“Fans of Good’s best-selling slow-cooker recipe books won’t be disappointed with her latest installment. Good provides plenty of practical tips about what she calls a near miracle appliance. For example, take time to get acquainted with a new slow cooker, fill it two-thirds full for best results, and try out recipes for the first time when at home for the day. And she dispels two big myths: that her beloved machine is a winter-time appliance and that it’s mainly just for beef stew. Fuggedaboutit. True, many of the 250 recipes are for main dishes made with chicken, turkey, pork, or beef. But she gives even more space to pasta, soups, quiches, appetizers, breakfasts, breads, and desserts. Why not wake up to steel-cut oatmeal that’s been slow cooking overnight? The slow cooker can even bake peach cobbler or a fudgy chocolate cake. Each recipe comes with a photo, some (such as mashed potatoes) get a quick and easy label, and several get a bonus tip from Good (such as cooking wine is wine with salt added). With good recipes and good vibes , the latest Fix-It and Forget-It cookbook is bound to be a best-seller .
– Booklist *starred review*

“Not only was it a help to me to get some meals started, but it also educated me. As I look back on my cooking skills now (10 years removed from being a newlywed), the book has helped me learn how to make a big hunk of meat taste good. And for that, I’m eternally grateful … Get the book and use it… Definitely worth the money, and I don’t usually say that about cookbooks!”
–Mostly Sensible

“The bottom line is that for a list price of $15.95 THE BOOK IS A BARGAIN ! Let's face it, most slow cookers come with instructions and a few recipes, but the recipes can't possibly be as good as the ones the Phyllis Pellman Good has included in 10 cookbooks she has penned. She is doing something right; after all over 9.8 million copies have been sold! So, goodcooking.com likes this book and feels that just about anyone who is into slow cookers will have many happy results. The book may certainly spur interest in buying a slow cooker if you haven't cooked with this method before!”
–Good Cooking

“This cook book is so much fun . I love how the recipes are organized by specific dish. For instance, if you're looking for a beef stew recipe, the book gives you five or six recipe options, all in a row. You can decide what sounds tastiest to you (or what you have on hand). When you open the book, you feel like you've opened your mother's recipe box and it is obvious that these are tried and true household favorites. Bring on the comfort food! ”
–Blog Mistress Mandy

“An assortment of fond kitchen memories from across the country, Good's [ Mom and Me in the Kitchen ] reads like an extended Mother's Day card .”
– Publishers Weekly

“ The mother of all slow cooker cookbooks! The Fix-It and Forget-It Cookbook has been my go to resource since I first bought my slow cooker as a newlywed back in 2002… This book really gave me a feel for how recipes come together… If you’re a novice with the slow cooker this is a book that I highly recommend .”
–Frankly Entertaining

“This book is designed for home cooks who have to cook most everyday . It’s packed with relatively simple recipes that can help you get a light and healthy dinner on the table day in and day out. And it’s Weight Watchers friendly since the recipes include the nutritional information required to calculate PointsPlus values.”
–Simple Nourished Living

“Wintry weather seems to demand slow-simmered soups and stews, and the bestselling Fix-it and Forget-it series has long been a source for these and other Crock-Pot meals . Good, who edited those homey collections, returns with a useful new diabetic edition . Each of the hundreds of recipes for appetizers, main courses, soups, vegetables, breakfast dishes and snacks comes with a nutritional analysis, and timely health tips are scattered among the recipes.”
– Publishers Weekly

“At the end of the day this is one of the few books I review that I am actually keeping and cooking from on a regular basis! It is a book I would buy and give as a gift. It is a book worth using time and time again !”
–Mirlandra’s Kitchen

“Paging through this book makes you feel as if you are in a wonderful community of seasoned cooks who take pride in serving up sumptuous meals to friends and family while relaxing and enjoying their company… I found something on every page that I wanted to make… Can I hear a ‘Hallelujah?’”
–Pattie Tierney

“Recipes here are perfect for every season and occasion, and feature more than just the usual soup, stews, and casseroles… After looking through the recipe book, which consists of hundreds of recipes contributed by cooks throughout North America, I realized I really underestimated the practicality of a slow cooker . The Fix-It and Forget-It Slow Cooker Magic recipe book [is] very practical, and I can't wait to try out more recipes!”
–Hawaii Mom Blog

“The Fix-It and Forget-It Kids’ Cookbook is a visual experience : it pops with all the vivid colors of the crayon box; it is printed with youthful, sketchy fonts and inspiration-board style post-it note and paperclip graphics; best yet, it has a beautiful, full-page photo for EVERY SINGLE RECIPE included. Now THAT is not something you see in cookbooks very often. Even just skimming through the Fix-It and Forget-It Kids’ Cookbook assured me that my salivation glands were very much intact… This cookbook is very well thought out . The recipes give easy, step-by-step instructions , as well as a complete list of ingredients–including a list of necessary cooking equipment–conveniently printed in the sidebar of each recipe page.”
–The Pioneer Woman

  • Cooking / Methods / Slow Cooking
  • Cooking / Methods / Quantity
  • Cooking / Regional & Ethnic / American / Middle Western States
  • Cooking / Methods / Low Budget
  • Paperback (October 6th, 2020): $19.99
  • Paperback (January 15th, 2019): $24.99
  • Paperback (January 5th, 2021): $19.99
  • Paperback (October 15th, 2019): $19.99
  • Paperback (June 15th, 2021): $19.99
  • Paperback (January 3rd, 2017): $19.99
The magic of the first days

We see the best in others, and they see the best in us. Our flaws and imperfections are either overlooked or not yet recognized. We are able to approach situations with a sense of optimism and a willingness to take risks. This is the time when ideas flow freely, creativity blooms, and innovation takes center stage. However, the magic of the first days is not without its challenges. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement and overlook potential obstacles or pitfalls. We may become overly confident or lose sight of the bigger picture. It is important to remain grounded and level-headed during this period, while still embracing the magic and wonder that comes with new beginnings. As time passes, the magic of the first days may fade, and reality sets in. The initial honeymoon period gives way to routine, challenges, and difficulties. However, the memories of those first days can serve as an important reminder of why we embarked on this journey in the first place. They can reignite our passion, fuel our determination, and remind us of the potential that lies within each new beginning. In conclusion, the magic of the first days encapsulates the extraordinary experience of starting something new. It is a time of boundless optimism, creativity, and enthusiasm. While this enchantment may fade over time, the memories and lessons learned during the first days can shape our future and remind us of the incredible potential that lies within each new beginning..

Reviews for "Seizing the Moment: Embracing the Magic of the First Days"

1. Maria - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "The magic of the first days". The book had a promising synopsis, but it failed to deliver an engaging storyline. The characters were flat and uninteresting, and I struggled to connect with any of them. The writing style was also lackluster, making it difficult to stay engaged in the book. Overall, I found "The magic of the first days" to be a forgettable read.
2. John - 2/5 - "The magic of the first days" was a letdown for me. The plot was slow-paced and predictable, leaving me uninterested in what would happen next. The author's attempt at building suspense fell flat, and I found myself skimming through pages just to keep the story moving. Additionally, the characters lacked depth and development, making it hard for me to care about their journey. Overall, I was not impressed with this book and would not recommend it.
3. Samantha - 3/5 - I had mixed feelings about "The magic of the first days". While the concept was intriguing, the execution fell short. The pacing was inconsistent, with some parts dragging on while others felt rushed. The plot twists were also predictable and didn't add much excitement to the story. However, I did appreciate the author's attention to detail in describing the magical elements of the world. Overall, "The magic of the first days" had its moments, but it wasn't as captivating as I had hoped it would be.
4. Michael - 2/5 - I found "The magic of the first days" to be quite underwhelming. The writing style was clunky and felt repetitive, making it a struggle to get through the book. The characters lacked depth and their actions often felt forced and unnatural. The plot was predictable and lacked any real surprises or twists. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it to others looking for an engaging fantasy read.

Unlocking Success: The Magic of the First Days

The Journey Begins: Harnessing the Power of the First Days