August 2013 Host:  Emily

 

Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg

 

Summary
 

In this book, Sandberg, the COO of Facebook, challenges women (and men) to reevaluate their work and life assumptions.  She advocates a ‘lean in’ theme, where women historically, and even to this day, tend to stay in the background, thus allowing their male counterparts to take more leadership roles.  Even though 50% of all college graduates are women, men still hold the vast majority of leadership roles in government and industry.  Some of the topics she touches on are how men should take on more of the family responsibilities that may typically lead a woman to stay home, how women who are planning a family tend to mentally check out of work, how women are mentally wired to be liked more than successful, and how our careers are changing from a series of upward ladders to the up and down side movements of a jungle gym.  She asks the questions that all women should ask themselves such as:  are you criticized for being too direct (something that is not considered negative for a man), at meetings do you sit at the table and speak up, and do you have an inner voice that says you are not qualified or that you are an imposter.  Sandberg provides practical advice on negotiation techniques, mentorship, the steps women can take to combine a satisfying career with personal fulfillment, and how men can benefit by supporting women in the workplace and at home.  We all really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it as we could relate to some of Sandberg’s life experiences. 

Menu

Shrimp, avocado, and black bean salsa

 

Mexican Rice

(this recipe can be found on foodnetwork.com)

 

Tacos

 

Mexican Wedding Cookies

 

 

 

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon Taco Seasoning
8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 ounce tortilla chips, finely crushed *

Beat or whisk the cream cheese and eggs until smooth. Add the seasoning; mix well. Stir in the cheese and crushed chips; mix well. Grease a 9x13" baking dish or line with parchment paper; spread the cheese mixture evenly over the bottom. Bake at 350º, 35 minutes or until browned, but not too dark. Let stand 5-10 minutes before adding the topping.

* 1/4 ounce is about 4-5 small round tortilla chips. I used the unflavored white corn kind. They only add about 4 carbs to the whole recipe.

Topping:
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon Taco Seasoning
1/2 batch Red Enchilada Sauce (about 1 cup)
8 ounces pepper-jack cheese, shredded

Brown the hamburger; drain fat. Stir in the seasoning and enchilada sauce. Spread over the crust. Top with the cheese. Bake another 20 minutes or so until hot and bubbly.

Makes 8 servings