Winter Book Review

I've managed to plow through some books lately and wanted to share a couple good ones with you.

As I mentioned yesterday, I am in the midst of listening to 'Of Mess and Moxie'.

I am currently reading 'The Rules Do Not Apply', I am not far enough in to give an update but the reviews are good! 

Seven Days of Us was a quick, easy read that I enjoyed quite well.  It follows one family as they are quarantined in their house for seven days to make sure their daughter has not brought home a dangerous disease from her time doing mission work.  The whole book reminded me of an updated version of Love Actually meets The Family Stone.  

I would give 'Before We Were Yours' a solid 3.75/5.  I did really enjoy this book and thought it was very interesting but there is an element of sadness to it and I wasn't the hugest fan of that.  

The story follows a family of children as they are stolen and placed into various homes as well as the Tennessee Children's Home.  The other side of the story is a curious female who begins to investigate the history of her family and how they were involved.  

I love all things Lauren Graham and loved listening to her memoir 'Talking As Fast As I Can' was no different.  I listen to a lot of book tapes but I especially enjoy when the author reads them.  Lauren is fabulous to listen to, hilarious and provided quite a few anecdotes and stories about Gilmore Girls.  

I loved that book so much I immediately downloaded 'Someday, Someday Maybe' - her first fiction piece.  It is loosely based on her life and how she became involved in acting.  Again, a winner.  

'Me & Emma' was a very quick read with quite the interesting twist at the end.  I will admit, a few times during the book I kept wondering where it was going.  However it is one of those reads that right at the end it all comes together and makes sense.  

I've also had a couple duds lately as well.  A few I pushed through (mainly 'One of the Boys') and a few I just did not finish because I couldn't.  I enjoyed Kevin Kwan's first 2 books but could not get through 'Rich People Problems'- it seemed too all over the place.  

What have you been reading and what should I put on my list next?

If you aren't already, feel free to follow me on Goodreads, I love to keep track of my books and 'to read' list on there.

Pregnancy Reads

With all of the overwhelming advice regarding pregnancy and babies out there, the resources are limitless.  

If Mister and I are anything, it is information gathers.  We like to know all of the possible information and details there are to offer.  This is good and bad for parents to be. 
I will admit I have scaled back my Googling lately (not that it doesn't still happen...) but it's quickly easy to see that there's no way to know or read alllll of the things.

To combat that, I've turned to friends and blogs I love that have read books and articles that have really helped them.

Currently I am pacing about 1 pregnancy book a month paired with a fun book and a book tape in the car.  I am trying to be very conscientious of swapping back and forth between pregnancy and non pregnancy readings. 

Before we were expecting a couple of my best friends suggested I read Bringing up Bebe.  They loved the book and how it explains parenting.  Once we found out we were expecting, I immediately ordered it.  I really, really enjoyed this book.  The author does a fantastic job of explaining how the French parent and the slower, calmer approach they take to parenting.  

The methods and suggestions in this book really resonated with me.  I will most likely re-read/skim this book closer to my due date. 

Mister is also reading Bringing up Bebe and also enjoying it ;)

Baby Catcher was another book suggested to me.  While we are in no ways planning on a home birth, this book was incredibly interesting to read.  I love reading labor stories and this book was full of them.  The book follows Peggy, a midwife, through her career and the deliveries and families she encounters.  It is incredible to me to read over and over again how each and every single birth story is different.  It really hammers home the idea that women birth babies every single day and that it does not have to be a scary experience but a beautiful one.  

I saw Expecting Better on a website of pregnancy books to read and I am glad I did.  The tag line on this book reads 'Conventional pregnancy wisdom is wrong and what you really need to know'.   That spoke to me immediately.  With all the information out there it is hard to decipher what is wrong/right good/bad but this book does a good job of breaking down a lot of information.  It does get a little deep into research and details for me but the overall theories and knowledge are really great.

Happiest Baby on the Block also came highly recommended.  I will say the first few chapters of this book are a bit fear mongering but the underlying information is good.  The book focuses a lot of the 'fourth trimester' and how newborns are trying to adjust to life outside of the womb at all times and how to compensate and deal with those growing pains.  The biggest take away would be the 5 S's holds which I will definitely be going back to for a refresher for when we need some suggestions on getting our little guy to sleep.  

Belly Laughs was loaned to me from a friend and it was a quick, great read.  It was so funny and I often found myself laughing and nodding along with just about everything Jenny was saying.

Anne raved about Waiting for Birdy and she was totally correct.  Even though the story focuses on a family adjusting to life welcoming their second child it was still a great read for moms.  I enjoyed how the author talked about how her parenting approach differed between the first and second child.  

Regardless of how many children she has, it was nice to read a memoir from a mom going through pregnancy.  There are so many funny, strange, amazing things that happen during this time and it is nice to read and reflect that you aren't the only one on the journey. 

Up next on my docket is Operating Instructions and Babywise.
Any other ones I should add to my list??

On the Shelf {Book Reviews}

It's been awhile since I've done a book review and I've been doing pretty well with keeping up with my goal of reading 45 this year so it was high time I updated you!

The below are a mix of books I've read and listened to in the car.  My drive to work now is a bit longer so it is a good time to go through a lot of books.  I often will also listen to books while working at my desk.  I have to admit sometimes I am in the midst of 3 different books at once...

You can follow me here on Goodreads to see what I'm currently reading! 

1. Crazy Rich Asians : This was quite the silly/extravagant book but I liked it.  It was entertaining to say the very least.  It would be a great beach read for this summer.  The story follows Rachel Chu as she ventures to meet her boyfriends family in Singapore.  The families involved in the story are (as you guessed) crazy rich, very nosy and the socialites of the city.  3.5/5

2. China Rich Girlfriend : This is the follow up to Crazy Rich Asians and follows about the same story line, more money, more trips, more craziness family drama.  I enjoyed the first one a little more, it was a slightly more action packed but I did enjoy that they followed one another.  The fact that the story lines were already developed made for a quick read.  Again, a good beach read. 3/5

3.  These is My Words : Casey recommend this book to me and I am so glad she did.  I listened to this one at my desk and it helped the day go by so quickly.  This book follows the life of Sarah Anges Prine throughout her life in a series of diary entries.  I loved seeing Sarah's life through her own lens and how she relived her day to day through her journal.  3.5/5

4.  Pretty Girls : Kait recommend this read to me and I have mixed feelings about it.  It is well written but it is disturbing.  I would equate it to a psychological thriller.  Like I said, it's good but it also gave me nightmares.  But if you love books like that, this is very much for you and would be a fabulous beach read.  The plot follows 2 sisters as they try to uncover their sister's disappearance and get in a lot of mess in between.  I will leave it at that. 3/5

5.  The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry :  Another Casey recommendation and I loved it!  There is a follow up to this book that I'm dying to read but it hasn't been available at the library yet.  This story follows Harold Fry as he sets out one day and just starts walking.  He encounters the world, quite the following and most importantly, himself.  4/5

6.  The Silent Sister : Mister and I listened to this one and we both really enjoyed it.  This story follows one sister on her quest to find her older sister she thought was dead.  The storyline is told from both sisters point of view through a series of flashbacks.  While books like that can be confusing at first, I love all of the information they provide.  4/5

7.  Me Before You : Jojo Mayes generally doesn't let me down and this book was no different.  It is a bit of a tear jerker and a thinker but worth the read.  It was a bit slow in a few parts but overall it was a page turner.  

8.  After You : A follow up to Me Before You, After You picks up right where it should however it develops strangely.  This book is written well but was a little more all over the place than the first book was.  While I love Jojo (as I said) I feel like she tried to cram too many things into one story, it could have been paired down.  3.5/5

9.  Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter : This was an Anne recommendation that Mister and I also listened to in the car.  When a girl that Larry Ott took on a date in high school has disappeared and never found again, all signs point to Larry.  The story follows Larry and his boyhood friend (no longer speaking) as an investigation grows because a new girl is missing, 20 years later.  Again, all signs point to Larry.  4/5

And that's what I've been reading and listening to lately.  Do you have any good recommendations for me?  

Lately : Winter Version

We've had a few low key weekends lately so this past weekend we decided to spice it up a bit and headed to Dallas to see the bestie.

I had some PTO to use up and we found cheap flights and said 'lets go!'

Our bestie is getting married this year and they had a shower over the weekend and we were so happy to be able to go!

And hang out with Mr. Jax, he's the biggest teddy bear in the world.

Friday night, while watching Straight Outta Compton, he climbed up on the sofa with us and slept with his head in my lap.  I died of happiness.  

I also ran into Emily from The Sweetest Thing at the airport in Starbucks and was too much of a shy ding bat to say hi, just realllly awkwardly smiled at her.  Ugh kicking myself now BUT her outfit was on point, per usual.  

The rest of the time we just hung out, shopped and caught up on life with our friends!  

It was so nice to get away for a couple of days and head to semi warmer temperatures. 

What else is going on?

Floyd is still sleeping. A lot.

and when he's not sleeping his been begging to munch on these treats Chewy.com sent him.  

And when he's not eating treats he has been demanding a second dinner every. single. night.  The moment we sit down to eat, he starts twanging his bowl around and will not quit until he has another dinner.  Hence the 56lbs he weighs...

In other news I've now finished three books so far this month...rolling right along! I finished up Crazy, Rich Asians while in Dallas and started China Rich Girlfriend.  I recommend them both!  I am also listening to Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter and Confess and after some recent book tape duds, these seem to be winners! 

And that's whats going on! Hoping to get back to regular blogging schedule this week!
We've been doing a lot of Netflix bingeing instead of blogging.  We finished up Making a Murderer (along with everyone else in the world), started Jessica Jones and Unbreakable Kimmy Schimdt.  What else should we be watching??

July Book Reviews

I've made it a goal to read more and listen to more books on cd this year.

So far so good.

And if I could stay awake a little longer at night, I would get through said books a bit faster.

Mister and I have taken up listening to book tapes on our road trips.  I love this tradition we've started and that we can share a book we both enjoy together.  And Mister enjoys that I don't talk his ear off for 6 hours straight ;)  If we aren't listening to a book we are definitely catching up on latest episode of Undisclosed.  

According to Goodreads, here is what I/we've read lately.

I will worn you, there were some flops.

Faithful Place :  I've read quite a few of the other books in the Dublin Murder Squad series and have quite enjoyed them.  This one not so much.  It was slow moving and I felt like it drug out more than it needed to.  The other books in the series I've read seemed to move a lot faster and have more suspense.  This one could have ended about 50 pages before it did. 

I gave this a 3/5.

Night Circus : This was a winner in my book.  Very different from what I normally read but I really enjoyed it.  

As the title says, the book is about a circus that comes mysteriously into town at night and comes to life; vibrant and over the top.  They stay in a city for a few days then pack up and move on to the next stop.  Throughout the years there is a competition going on between two of the magicians (they do not know who each other) to create the most magical of experiences.  Love begins to get in the way of this magic and relationships blossom. I give this a 4/5.

The Chaperone : This was a very easy, quick and enjoyable read.  The Chaperone would definitely be a good beach read.  

Set in the 1920s, Cora (The Chaperone) is given the responsibility of traveling from the midwest with up and coming star Louise to New York as she begins her dancing career.  While Louise is in class, Cora has the opportunity to learn more about her childhood of growing up in an orphanage in New York.  Eventually Louise's carefree and lively attitude begin to rub off on Cora and her demeanor towards life begins to change.  The second portion of the book details how the New York trip liberated and changed Cora's life.  I give this one a 4/5.

Bad Monkey :  This was a book on cd for Mister and I and I believe he will say differently but I did not really enjoy it.  The description on the back was very intriguing.  The actual story started off okay but I just felt like it dragged on and on and on.  I skimmed the last three cds if that tells you anything.

I give this one a 2.5/5.

Currently I am listening to A Spool of Blue Thread (just started) and reading You Should Have Known (enjoying it so far).  Any good recommendations? 

A Sweet Review

Not long after Kait and I connected over our love of blogging and dogs, we connected over food.  And eating.  And cooking.  And all things yumminess. 

Her, Casey and I are often sending emails full of recipes and meal plans back and forth knowing we all have a special appreciation for food.

So when Kait told me she was thinking about writing a cookbook, I knew she would easily knock it out of the park and leave us all drooling.

Turns out, she did.

and with Judy also staring on the front, it is clearly a winner. 

Proud is not a strong enough word to describe how I feel about her and her newest venture.

The cookbook focuses on gluten free treats for you and your four legged love ones.  Besides the fact that it's written by one of my besties, that combination is right up my alley!
Not to mention, Floyd is pretty happy about the second half of the book that focuses on doggie treats.

I am guessing Judy did not mind testing out a few recipes.

I am not sure if I could even begin to pick out one favorite recipe there are so many delicious looking ones.  The first ones on my 'to make' list are:
Chocolate Honey Cookie Cake
Sinless Strawberry Cheesecake
and Citrus Berry Chex Mix

and Floyd would like to put his vote in for:
Judy's Pupcakes and Pumpkin Kisses

If his aunt Kait could come visit and make them for him (and treats for us) we wouldn't hate it ;)

The photography of the cookbook is fantastic and I think it captures Kait, Judy and her delicious recipes perfectly.  The photos are so crisp and clear I want to reach through the screen and eat every last bite.

It is safe to say we are all fans over here and are shouting a huge CONGRATS to Kait!!

Go ahead and jump over to iTunes to check out a copy for yourself and your four legged pals!  You will not be disappointed, I promise!

Clean Slate {A Review}

I've said it before, I really love a good cookbook.

And it if is over the top beautiful it is even better. 

Clean Slate fits the bill for that.

I am talking, one of the most beautiful cookbooks I've ever laid my hands on.

Plus it is by the editors from Martha Stewart Living so you know it has to be good!

Clean Slate is broken up into helpful sections to hit the restart button on your diet and what is entering your body.  The sections include recipes to: replenish, reboot, recharge, reenergize, restore and relax.  The system they have set up in the book is very in depth and looks like it would be a fabulous plan to follow if you were in need of a reboot.  

We have been picking and choosing various recipes to try out and incorporate into our plans.

The smoothies all look amazingly delicious and we will be trying one of those soon.

One of my favorite recipes from the book that I've tried was the

Roasted Edamame and Cranberries.

It took literally no time at all and has been the perfect afternoon snack.

I am not sure why I haven't roasted edamame before now but I am definitely going to be doing it more often.  

I think this mix would also be delicious with almonds mixed in.

Basically anything salty and sweet is a okay with me.  

I will say, some of the recipes are a bit over my head or weeknight time constraints.  However, I don't doubt their deliciousness and they are on our radar for weekend cooking and special occasions. 

I was given this book by Blogging for Books but all opinions are my own. 

Brinner for Dinner

Who doesn't love breakfast for dinner?

We sure do! 

It had been far too long since we had had it and we remedied that last night.

 I turned to a new cookbook that had recently graced my shelf, Supermarket Healthy.

I am one of those dorky people that will read a cookbook in bed and this one has been no exception.  The subtitle really drew me in, right up my alley.  Recipes that incorporate good, wholesome foods while saving money, done and done.  

Melissa's cinnamon oatmeal pancakes immediately jumped out at me!  The best part was, I had all of the ingredients on hand.  Now, that is a recipe I can get on board with.  

I've also dog eared quite a few other recipes I can't wait to incorporate into our meal plan.

I have my eye on: edamame hummus, butternut squash chili, caramelized brussels sprouts/pine nuts and (gluten free) penne, creamy brown rice "risotto"....to name a few! 

To go along with the yummy pancakes, I made a strawberry/raspberry and honey syrup and bacon.  Always bacon.  We've recently experimented with cooking bacon on the oven.  It is SO much easier, doesn't smoke up the house and tastes even better!

Only thing we were missing were the mimosas! 

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review. 

Good Readin'

One of my goals this year is to read more.  Plain and simple.  Less phone and tv, more books. 

Last year I did an okay job (books on cd help a lot) but this year I would like to step it up a notch.

But first, I need to catch you up on some books I did finish but haven't blogged about yet.

1. Big Little Lies - This is actually the first book I finished in 2015 (and on my Fire!).  I had heard great things about it and was not disappointed.  It was a very quick read and I enjoyed the short chapters.  The book starts out with a murder at a school function and works backwards to unravel the story.  Each chapter ends with the characters sharing tidbits of the night as witness statements.  Little by little more is revealed. 

2.  The Husband's Secret - Another Liane Moriarty winner.  I am sure just about everyone has read this book by now.  But if you haven't, do it!  I am the biggest fan in the world of 'everything happens for a reason' and this book sure puts that into perspective.  

3.  We Were Liars -  To give you my honest opinion, I did not like this book.  It was very good up until about the middle and then something terrible happened involving dogs and I could just about do no more.  Then the ending came and I was even more upset.  Once I knew the ending (crazy twist!) I felt like the whole book was one big, fat lie.

4.  Mercy Snow - I am not sure how I came across this title, it may have been a random library pick up.  I would give this one about a 3.5/5 stars on a scale.  The story is simple enough develops nicely revealing more and more truths about the past lives of the characters.  

In a very small town that seems divided by class and dislike, it turns out the townspeople are all more connected than they ever thought they would be.  

5.  The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau Banks - There is a large chance that I picked this book up because it has a basset hound on the cover.  Thankfully the basset hound continued to appear throughout the book.  This was a great, light read with quite a bit of humor.  In short, Frankie attends a very preppy school and begins wrecking havoc all over campus by pulling intricate pranks.  She manages to infiltrate a secret society fraternity that has been around for generations and pin the pranks on them.  Plus, let me repeat, basset hounds.

6.  The Silkworm - I spent about 14 hours listening to this book.  I will admit I fast forwarded through a few parts.  The Silkworm is written under J.K. Rowlings pen name and now I understand why the Harry Potter novels are so long.  Last year I listened to the other book in this series, Cuckoos Calling and The Silkworm picks up where it left off.  

Comoran Strike is a private detective with a bum knee trying to navigate England and solve quirky mysteries.  This time it is of an author that has gone missing and eventually shows up dead.  Turns out it is a small world among the literary professionals in London.   

7.  Reconstructing Amelia - I borrowed this book from Kait after hearing glowing recommendations.  It is a definite page turner and question of what in the world is going to happen next.

Amelia's mother is summoned to her private school because Amelia is in trouble but by the time she has arrived, Amelia is dead.  Soon after, her mother receives a text that Amelia didn't die the way it seems she did.  This starts a search of trying to put the pieces of Amelia's secrets and life back together and figure out how and why she died.  

8.  Yes Please - We are huge Amy Poehler fans in our house.  I requested this book on cd from the library months ago and it finally arrived recently.  I listened to it as quickly as I could and laughed the entire time.  The book on cd is read by Amy which makes it a million times funnier.  Not only is Amy hysterical at all moments, she is also empowering and insightful.  If you are looking for some girl power, motivation and laughs, pick up Yes Please right now.

There you have it! Do you have any good recommendations for me?  I just started The Headmaster's Wife after hearing great reviews!

If you aren't already, be sure to follow me on Good Reads here! 

Currently...October Version

I feel like a lot is going on in our neck of the woods (and it hasn't been consistently blogging, that's for sure) so why not fill you in?  And link up with Anne, of course!

Currently...

Smelling...all things Bath and Body Works. Duh.  Leaves burning all.the.time. and mahogany teakwood in the wallflower.  Heaven I tell ya.  If someone wants to give me a life time gift card to BBW for Christmas, I would not hate it.

Waiting...on the FedEx man.  We were a little late to the iPhone 6 ordering game but now that we have I can not stand the waiting game!  Mister and I both got the same color...go ahead and call us big dorks.

Eating...the end of our CSA goodies.  I really loved our CSA and can't wait to do it again next spring/summer.  Three cheers for spaghetti squash!

Reading...The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau Banks.
So far so good...I mean there's a basset hound on the front, how was I supposed to say no?
Listening...The Silkworm.  I enjoyed The Cuckoos Calling by the same author, also known as J.K. Rowling.

Celebrating...all things fall! Watch out front porch, you are being decorated this weekend!
Mums have already been purchased and blooming like crazy.

Loving...this coolish weather and sunshine.  It fall wants to stay this temperature forever I am a okay with that.  It is the perfect recipe for running.

Planning...Floyd's Halloween costume.  Or not.  I am drawing blanks this year.  I usually have a ton of ideas but this year nothing!  Come back tomorrow to cast your vote or ideas for what Floyd should be for Halloween!

Happy October! 

Lately {Running in Circles}

I feel like lately, at work and home, I've been meeting myself coming and going.

So I thought what better way to catch you guys up on life (and my lack of summer blogging) is in a currently post.

Deal? Deal. 

Planning : Cincinnati bloggers dinner for next week! 

Email me if you want to join! 

Eating : Homegrown cucumbers from our garden!

And anything that doesn't have sugar, gluten or dairy in it thanks to a new stomach issue.

More on that one later...

Running : My brains out.  Now that it's a biiit less humid, I can get more runs in.  I have about 215 miles left to make it to my goal of 500 miles this year! 

Between long runs and speed work outs, I have been getting those miles in!

And I ran my fastest mile ever this week...7:30! 

Working out : I've started going to a bootcamp class each week and I am LOVING it.  There is a different workout each week and I love the challenge and the guns forming aren't bad either.

Watching : Big Brother. I know, I know but we are obsessed.  Anyone else?

Looking forward to : The tons of fun weddings we are going to this summer and fall!

Yay friends!

Working : Like a dog! Our office is nuts and I love it! 

There are some pretty houses out there right now! 

Listening to : The Invention of Wings - only a 1/3 of the way through but I really like it so far. 

Wishing : I had one night a week where nothing was going on to just relax on the sofa with my boys and finish season 2 of Veep.  

Wearing : My newest Lacelet- I love the look of the old and new next to each other!
And I really love that Mister picked out the saying for this one ;)

Talk about an arm party!

On the shelf {Book Reviews}

I haven't done a book review in a while and with summer travels coming up, I thought this may be beneficial to you guys! 

(you can see my last review here)

I have really been making it a point lately to put down the computer and phone and just read. 
Last Sunday I even spent a few hours doing nothing but tanning on the deck with Floyd and reading.

 That is a miracle for me! 

I just checked in with my GoodReads account to see what I've read lately that I haven't told you about!
I love that site for that sole purpose for finding great new books.

Also, Kady, told me about www.whatshouldireadnext.com

Which is as genius as it sounds.  You type in the book you just read and it gives you tons of similar books.  How great is that?!

Here's what I've been reading.  And listening to on book tapes, because I'm a huge dork.
But seriously, it makes driving go so quickly!

The Life List - Casey told me about this book and it was quick, easy, fun read. The main character, Brett, is a mission to fulfill her 'life list' after her mother passes away.  The way in which her life and goals work out will surprise you and I think this book has a great ending. 

Once Upon a Secret - I really loved this book and it is a very, very quick read.  I love all things JFK and in this book, Mimi Alford, recounts her time working in the White House and her affair with Mr. Kennedy.  So scandalous! This would be a great beach read! 

Carry On, Warrior - I am obsessed with this book.  I can't stop thinking about it, all. the. time.  I had originally checked this book out from the library but I plan on buying it soon so I can highlight my own copy.  I'm sure we all know how fabulous Momastery and her blog are but this book takes it leaps and bounds beyond her blog.  This book is incredibly empowering, as in after I read it I was pretty sure I could take on the world.  It's amazing what a few short pages and powerful words can do.   I think I could do a whole blog post on my thoughts, but I'll let you read it for yourself first.

The Husband's Secret - I love any book that involves multiple stories weaving together.  This book is that to a 'T', therefore, I really enjoyed it.  I am a big fan of 'everything happens for a reason' and that is exactly how this book ends.  And on the last page, it all makes sense....

The Fault in Our Stars - I think we probably all know about this book. And the movie. And the tears.  I sorta want you to experience this one for yourself if you haven't already.  But I will tell you I cried at the end, while listening to it on book tape.  Crying and driving aren't ideal.  Who thinks I can talk Mister into going to see the movie?

The Almost Moon - This was another book tape 'read' for me.  I have mixed emotions about this book.  I liked the beginning, it kept me intrigued BUT it was a bit strange and weird.  And the ending really wasn't all that great.  It just sorta ended with not a lot of explanation.  However, overall I enjoyed it.
The Rosie Project - I really enjoyed this book! It was quirky and funny and a light/easy read.  Perfect beach read (or at the driving range while Mister hits balls, which is where I read it).  The main character, Don, is a strange man on a quest to find his true love.  As you may guess, he finds it in the most peculiar of ways.
What Alice Forgot - Another great beach read that goes by quickly.
One day Alice wakes up, 10 years later after a traumatic fall, and she attempts to remember her life and piece it back together.  She relearns and experiences everything that has changed in her life in the past 10 years, including have three children and being in the midst of a divorce. Can you imagine looking back on your life from 10 years ago?
Brain on Fire - I really, really enjoyed this book! It was right up my psychology loving alley.  What's better than a girl documenting her brain attacking her body first hand?  Very interesting read!

Currently I'm reading and listening to:

The House Girl - Again, stories weaving together and I love it! One viewpoint is current day, an attorney investigating old slavery cases and the first hound account of the slave that whom she is investigating.  The chapters flip flop back and forth between the characters and I'm totally hooked.

Orphan Train - Okay, one more with stories weaving together.  Two women create an unlikely friendship between one another once they are forced to spend time with each other.  It's amazing what a teenager and a 91 one year old woman can have in common.

What have you been reading?

Currently...

I haven't done a currently, well lately and thought it was high time for one!

(this photo has nothing to do with this but it's too funny not to share. Snuggle buddies to the max.)

Thinking...about the dress I finallllly ordered for our big event.  You will have to wait for the big reveal but I'm very excited about it. And, it is one of the ones on my list! 

Shopping....for earrings and shoes to go with said dress.  That's where you can find me this weekend.

Reading...'Life List' (recommended by Casey) and 'reading' in my car, 'Fifth Assassin' - both are great. Very, very different but great.  I also just finished 'Brain on Fire' - definitely recommend that one. 

Waiting...on the new Charlie book to arrive so Floyd and I can have nighttime story time again soon. 

Planning...some Spring cleaning and sprucing up around the house this weekend.

Planting...herbs, veggies and flowers!

Wishing...all my girlfriends lived in my neighborhood and we could have wine every night.

Thankful...for Mister.  Yeah I went there, mushy. But he's pretty great. 

Needing...these summer wedges.  I've been eyeing them and after Katie and Sarah raved about them, I know it's a sign that Old Navy wants me to have them. 

(However I did just get these in the mail...too similar?)

Listening...to Spotify.  I just discovered this. How?! Where have I been? #judgeaway

Loving...this Spring time weather perfect for running.

Watching...Mad Men, thank goodness it's back on.

And that's what's been going on. 

What's going on with you?!

On the Shelf, err, Car...

I am always a fan of a good book and I've read listened to a couple lately and wanted to share them with you guys in case you were in need of a new read!  It so happens that both of the ones below were books on cd (because I'm a huge dork).

Generally, I am reading at least one book and listening to one in my car at the same time.

It's the ultimate form of multitasking. 

Both of the books below came as recommendations from Anne.

She is my go to for great reviews and the next books I put on my reserve list at the library.

Need a lot of good book recommendations, Anne is your girl!

First up, 'Where'd You Go Bernadette?'.  

 I really, really enjoyed this book. I listened to it in my car and it went very quickly.  The story of Bernadette and her family is told through a series of letters, emails, faxes and more. Bernadette is a mother and former architect who moved to Seattle and hates it.  Hates the town, hates the people, hates the mothers at her daughters school. Bernadette is full of quirks, particulars and often huge calamities. Shortly before the family is due to depart to a trip to Antarctica, Bernadette disappears.  The last 3rd(ish) of the book focuses on putting the pieces together and answering the pointed question, 'Where'd You Go Bernadette?'  

To me, the book was very reminiscent of a modern day 'Amelia Bedelia'.  A little quirky, always getting into mischief while just trying to help and always in her own world.  AND! I just saw that they are making a movie, yay!   

The second book that I really enjoyed was 'Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail'.

 'Wild' has been on my 'to read' list forever.  I finally remembered to reserve it from the library and am really glad I did.  Mister even got in on this one and we listened to it to and from Tennessee last weekend.

Wild is about Cheryl, who after some tumultuous moments in her life (mother dying, divorce and a run in with drugs), decides to hike for 100 days along the Pacific Crest Trail.  Without much experience or preparation, I might add. 

As you could imagine, Cheryl learned a lot about life, herself and hiking throughout her trip.  I found inspiration from her determination and perseverance to keep going when her venture was getting really tough.  You know, rattle snakes, bears, ill fitting boots, snow, just a few of her trials.  At one point, Chery peps herself up by quoting the line, 'fear begets fear and power begets power'.  This has become my new running mantra and thinking of her continuing on when times were very tough.  

I found it fascinating to hear how she overcame her struggles, worked with what she had just in her pack and how she navigated and negotiated her way across the trail. 

I definitely recommend both of these reads!

And be on the lookout for some more reviews soon...

I went a little crazy at the library...

Random and WIW Wednesday

I haven't done a WIWW lately and since Mister and I got dressed up for our date on Friday I had him snap a few pictures for me!

#thanksmister

And, of course, Floyd is not one to miss out on the fun.

Cardigan and boyfriend jeans {similar jeans}: Gap, White long sleeve: Target, Wedges {old}: Kohls, Earrings: Gift (check Very Jane or Sassy Steals)

In other news...

1. I can't get enough of Hunter Haye's song 'Wanted'.  Do we know how old he is? His picture on my Pandora makes him look like he is about 12 and it's been weirding me out how much I like his music.

2.  While I'm not belting it out to Hunter I've been listening (yes a book on cd because I'm a dork) to 'Broken Harbor' per Anne's recommendation.  Even though I'm only a few chapters in, I can tell this is going to be a good one.  And speaking of book recommendations, if you need any check out Anne's blog or Tara's- they have been my go to's lately.  I also just joined Goodreads and have been trying to navigate it. Come find me!

Linking up with Shanna and The Pleated Poppy

*You have until Thursday to enter the Frosty Paws giveaway!

Bookworm

In honor of my monthly book club tonight I 

thought I would share with you my recent favorite reads.

1. 50 Shades

 duh.

The first book in the trilogy was last months book club pick.
I read all 3 

but we've talked about this.

You know I loved them. 

2. MWF Seeking BFF

 To say I loved this book is an understatement.

I enjoyed it so much that I emailed the author yesterday.

I loved it so much and wanted to let her know how much her book touched me.

I really felt that I could connect with Rachel (author) and at the same time, she really inspired me.

Since moving to Cincinnati about 3 years I have made a few girlfriends 

but have always been yearning for more.

Who doesn't love new friends??

The friend search has definitely been a struggle for me.

I had a (large) great group of friends in Indianapolis and leaving that was very hard. 

 

Her book has really encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone

and seek out friends in new places.

She also encourages you to continue to work on the 

friendships you have and develop them further.

Whether you are new to a city or not, I think this book is a great read for everyone.

3. Bossypants  

 I picked up Bossypants from the library as a book on tape.

(P.S. I love books on tape...am I the only one? I have 

also been listening to them when I run. #nerdalert).

Listen.

This book is SO funny.

I'm talking tears running down my face while I'm driving funny.

(not the safest condition)

It is read by Tina which, I think, makes it that much funnier.

If you haven't read or listened to this book you need to run to the library and pick it up.

Those are my most recent favorites.

What are you reading right now?

What should we read next month for book club??