Life from Scratch: Family Traditions That Start with You – An Uplifting Motherhood Guide with Recipes, Date Night Ideas, and Perfectly Imperfect Living

by Vanessa Lachey, Dina Gachman

From the television host, actress, and mother of three, a fabulous collection of season-by-season recipes, holiday hacks, birthday rituals, and date night ideas for creating wonderful family celebrations and cherished memories. Television personality Vanessa Lachey is a dedicated mom of three, a supportive wife to singer Nick Lachey, and someone who freely shares her “perfectly imperfect” home and family life. But like many people, Vanessa didn’t come from a family whose traditions were passed down from generation to generation. Her mom left when she was nine, and when she began her own family, Vanessa had to rely on her own imagination to create celebrations and milestone markers that would become annual rituals. In Life from Scratch , Vanessa shares personal stories, ideas, delicious recipes, and parenting tips you can use to make your own celebrations unique and unforgettable. Inside you’ll discover the simple gift-giving custom Vanessa shares with her best girlfriends each year; the date-night tradition that she and Nick swear by; and her fool-proof recipe for “authentic” Chicken Adobo she serves to family and friends. A fun, uplifting yearlong guide that celebrates families that color outside the lines, Life from Scratch will inspire people to make each season, and each special moment, their own.

Genres: Nonfiction, Cookbooks

240 pages, Hardcover

Published November 30, 2021

Reviews

[Christen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A few great ideas, but my favorite part is the glimpse into Nick’s life at home 😊

[Melissa Lynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have absolutely no idea how I came across this book, but I'm glad I did! It is definitely written for a new wife or mom, but it was an easy book to listen to on my work commute.

The book is written in four parts: Spring, Summer, Winter, and Fall. Vanessa "offers readers inspiration for unique family celebrations and proves that you don't have to be the product of a traditional upbringing to create your own traditions."

Listening to this book sparked a new interest in books written/ read by celebs!

Length: 2 hrs and 44 mins

[Heather Jenkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed hearing the different ways she and her family celebrate holidays and birthdays. The ideas of creating a logo was cool also.

[Meera Prasad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg, this book was literally everything I aspire to be. I love hosting parties and get-togethers with my friends, and Vanessa's perspective of creating "traditions" through these events motivates me to host more and just DO more. A yearly tradition at the Christmas market? Making soups fall teats in October? Or even a small get-together with friends during pride! None of my friends watch football, but the way she writes about how fun it is, well, sorry to my friends, but.... :)

I think this book is for those who love any excuse to surround themselves with their people. If you have kids, there are SO many creative ways to keep them interested during each season. (For example, putting craft paper on the kid's table so kids can draw on it and keep them occupied? GENUS!!!)]

Definitely a book I will be turning back to whenever I need recipes or party theme ideas.

[Meagan | The Chapter House · Rating 3 out of 5]

I adore seasonal traditions, and was really excited to see what suggestions Lachey offered in this book. But, our POVs and lifestyles are just...so different, lol. It was fine, but geared more toward someone married with kids. As neither (and as one who doesn't drink anymore), I found little to relate to at this time.

[Alicia Campos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let’s be real I got this book because of Nick but it made me think about my own traditions and things I want to try with my family now that I have my baby girl. Good reminder and ideas for traditions, parties and some good recipes.

[Linda Kaban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. I would classify it as "homey." Fun and informative prose, cute pictures of the Lachey family and ending with yummy recipes. Now when I watch Vanessa on NCIS Hawaii, I'll feel like I know a lot more about her.

[Laurie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought it was going to be more of a memoir, but it was just a book where every chapter had new “tips” on how you “can make life from scratch.” Basic and not even helpful or interesting.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I had the idea that this was a cookbook, but it is more a lifestyle book. I had hoped for more recipes.
The book is split into four sections, one for each season and a fifth with recipes. The seasonal sections have chapters, usually just a few pages long, on things you can do during that time of year, ideas for parties/gatherings, and suggestions for traditions to start with your family. The recipe section is also divided by seasons and has about 20 recipes total of Lachey family favorite dishes.
This book is geared towards a modern mom with a traditional family and lots on her plate. There are tons of photos of the author and her husband and children. She also shares lots of personal stories.

[Joni · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. Only because i did gleam a couple of interesting facts and i am proud of her for this book but really felt lacking. Wish there were more person stories. Glad she is making traditions for her family.

[Stacy40pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life From Scratch by Vanessa Lachey. Thanks to @booksparks for my gifted copy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Vanessa Lachey, TV personality, takes us into her family and how she has built traditions that will begin in her generation.

For me this isn’t the type of book you read cover to cover. I have it on my coffee table, as it makes a beautiful display with its well-made, sturdy design, and lovely cover image. I pick it up periodically and read sections. I enjoy the pictures of Vanessa and her family. Regardless of the fact that I can’t get Jessica Simpson out of my head when I see his face! I also love the pictures of their house and the designs. There are some good tips in the book for family traditions and how to grow together as a family. While many won’t be able to connect with Vanessa as she receives a Cartier love bracelet as a Christmas present, they will be able to connect with the idea of passing a piece of jewelry on to their daughter generation to generation. I especially liked the recipes at the end of the book.

“It’s amazing to realize that the traditions you start today could be celebrated by your kids or grandkids decades down the road. Legacy isn’t just about changing the world in major ways; it’s also about making an impact on people’s everyday lives, whether that’s through a gift-giving tradition, a yearly winter board-game extravaganza, or a holiday breakfast casserole.”

[M4r14 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written book with personal stories, funny anecdotes about life, creating memories and your own heirlooms and even admitting that when things don't turn out as you'd expect you can recover. This lady turned an imperfect childhood into a life's journey that others may use as a crutch or being a victim of circumstance into a reason to be better, do better . What a beautiful example of life not only for her children but everyone. The kudos she gives along the way to people she's encountered or others who lit a light on inspiration for her shows what a beautiful human she is inside and out. The pictures are beautiful. Couldn't put the book down now excited to get in the kitchen and create my own version of her meals while creating memories for my own family. What a magical way to give information about giving back, not just a cook book a learn to be selfless, loving, intentional with your actions, words book. Truly what a Life from Scratch is.

[Alissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I randomly picked this book up at my local library one day and did not think I would like it as much as I did.

I grew up in a family with no traditions and reading this book gave me so many ideas, we have an almost six year old and really want to have traditions that she will remember when she is older. I loved how the book is broken up, it makes sense and you can easily just pick it up and start from wherever you are at. I started with Valentines day and went from there, and got wonderful ideas, I can't wait for St. Patrick's Day!! Having all the recipes at the end of the book was a great touch, and made it so the book wasn't as broken up as it would have been with the recipes throughout the book. This was a smart choice.

If you are looking for ideas for family traditions and a little more insight to the life of a celebrity this was a great book.

[Kendall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for what it is but not good enough that I kept it. Some of these books I keep on hand in case I want to reach for them again but I didn’t feel the need to for this one. Life From Scratch is one of those celebrity lifestyle books: a little biography backstory, with recipes, party ideas, holiday ideas etc.
I found some of the ideas cute and some of the recipes good. I recommend this book for new wives or new moms who want some inspiration for party planning or holiday planning. But in this category I found Kate Hudson’s book to be the best.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

thanks mom for this Christmas surprise :) i really enjoyed Vanessa’s recap of the traditions she’s created for her family, organized by season. Would be nice to be able to throw parties like hers for every occasion, but I think I’d need a Hollywood budget first. Oh, well — maybe I’ll just try the deviled egg recipe instead.

[Beka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, an interesting book. There were less recipes than I expected, but it was interesting to read about how Ms. Lachey has started creating her own traditions with her family. A nice encouragement that just because your family didn't do a certain tradition (or any traditions) doesn't mean that you can't start it yourself.

[JenLynette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!! Love the Lacheys and absolutely love watching Vanessa on Instagram cook so it was so fun to get a chance to make her home cooked meals!! Great tips for making your own Life from Scratch and family traditions!

[Star Forbis · Rating 3 out of 5]

“This Tradition starts with me.”

���I have the power to create the Family I want to have.”

“We’re all making it up as we go.”

“Ah, the good ole analog days!”

“An untraditional tradition.”

“Know your audience. And your kids!”

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the message of this book—creating traditions for your family. I am excited to keep referencing this book for inspiration. It’s so gorgeous. I admire Vanessa for opening up about her past, her family life, and how she creates beautiful moments and memories.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this in the cookbook section of the library - it really isn’t a cookbook - there are a few recipes but it is more of a creating a home or family climate book. Would be a cute wedding or baby shower gift.

[Monica Albright · Rating 4 out of 5]

I now feel like Vanessa Lachey is my friend. I wish there were more recipes in the book, but the ones that were in there were thoughtfully chosen. And I've already tried a couple of them, and they are delicious.

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute and the tips are great!

[T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only cookbook I purchased in 2021 and I was looking forward to reading it. I’ll try a few recipes. I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed the book; solid 3.75 stars

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some good ideas, and I felt so much sympathy for her after reading about her childhood. Some of her suggestions may not be affordable but they can be replicated for less money.

[Lcharlson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the idea of family traditions that start with YOU. I did not have traditions that I care to carry on from my birth parents, but have established them with my kids.

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, lifestyle book but not a cookbook!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun stories, yummy recipes. Only complaint is I wish the recipes had been with the corresponding chapters instead of in the back of the book.

[Jenny Provance · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was super cute and filled with lovely ideas

[Pamela Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is really for families with small children, not me. I’m giving it 4 stars because the beef stew recipe looks good.

[Jocelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was going to be pretentious but I really liked it. She is real and funny. Some ideas are simple and some are bigger. Pick and choose.