Meeting Motherhood: An Ebook About Motherhood

 

One of my new favorite bloggers Nicole over at Nicole Joelle just launched her ebook last week!  I had the opportunity to read it already and I immediately thought 3 things:

-  I wish Nicole and I lived closer because we could definitely be real life friends
-  I wish I had read this before having Jack
-  How the heck did she find the time to publish an ebook with an 8 month old?!?!?

Nicole writes about her experience being pregnant, having a baby, and that awkward yet wonderful time of jumping into motherhood.  I loved reading this because I could relate on so many levels {just today I can relate to the October 15 entry...I am too that mom...gross}! 

If you are pregnant, just had a little one or are thinking about it, this is a must-read.  As an added bonus the purchase of her ebook also comes with some great printables (her website has some free ones too as a thank you just for stopping by)!  I just printed off the "We Love" one for my house. 

I hope you enjoy.  Let me know what you think!  #meetingmotherhood

Get the ebook here!

I Just Want To Pee Alone

I want to share this hilarious book with you today called I Just Want To Pee Alone which is a collection of blogger essays about motherhood. 

Such a quick, easy read since they are all short essays.  These bloggers will leave you laughing out loud and hopefully feeling better about your own life.  I'm not a mom just yet, but I know this will help when sh*t hits the fan one day soon...I mean this literally and figuratively, by the way.  Don't miss this great read available through your eReaders and in paperwork on Amazon.com.  If you are in the Houston area, I know that the Blue Willow Bookshop is selling it. 

This would make a great Mother's Day gift!

Paperback available on Amazon.com for $9.99

I also have to mention that one of the bloggers featured in the book is my neighbor!  Check out her hilarious blog over at RachRiot.com.  Being published in a real book is something that I'm sure most bloggers, including myself, aspire to.  I will definitely be picking her brain at the next neighborhood get-together.  Way to go Rachael! 

Book Review + Giveaway

I just finished reading MWF Seeking BFF: My Yearlong Search For a New Best Friend by Rachel Bertsche.  The author is a MWF (married white female) who after moving to Chicago with her husband, realizes that she is lacking in the friend department and feels a major void in her otherwise happy life.  She isn't some introverted, friendless loser. She has best friends from her hometown in New York plus work and other casual acquaintances, just no one to call on for an afternoon pedicure or go-to shopping buddy. 

She challenged herself to go on 52 "girl dates" in one year in hopes of finding a few women to fill this void.

I found the book hilarious...she is very honest and self-deprecating.  The book has a great mix of facts about friendship and how it affects the modern day woman, marriage stories (she was in her first year of marriage at the time of this friend experiment, and all the details - the good, the bad and the ugly - of her 52 girl dates.  Even though it's non-fiction, the book reads like your favorite fictional chick-lit book. 

I could definitely relate at times.  Even though I live in the city where I grew up, I've lost touch with childhood friends and don't live close to most of my college friends.  It's hard making good girlfriends! 

Luckily, I haven't had to go as far as the author Rachel did (at one point she even paid an online matching service for girlfriends and tried girlfriend speed dating).  Last year I did a lot of "friending".  Going outside of my comfort zone in hopes of making some new connections.  I struck gold with the people that I've met along the way and am so appreciative.

In the spirit of making new friends and appreciating our existing girlfriend relationships, I want to giveaway a copy of MWF Seeking BFF.  All you have to do to enter is leave a comment saying hi and if you want, add where you have met your closest girlfriends!  Don't forget to include your email address so I can contact you if you win!  I will pull a winner a week from today on Wednesday, 2/7! 

(Your odds of winning should be really good on this little blog, lol)

 

Friends I've met by getting involved in my sororities local alumni club

Ladies I met while volunteering at the Junior League last year

Ashley, my co-worker turned BFF

Jenni, another ex-co-worker, turned friend (and wife to my husband's BFF)

Lauryn, high school friend turned college roomate, turned long-distance friend, and now back to local friend!

And last but not least, my mom, Shelley, who will always be my BFF and best shopping buddy out there (she also wears the hats of wedding planner, wardrobe consultant, problem solver, and interior decorator just to name a few)

Book Review: Never Knowing

I just finished Never Knowing by Chevy Stevens.  This is the author's second book.  Although I LOVED it and recommend picking it up, it's not quite as good as her first novel, Still Missing.  Read my review on that one here. 

Description: All her life, Sara Gallagher has wondered about her birth parents. As an adopted child with two sisters who were born naturally to her parents, Sara did not have an ideal home life. The question of why she was given up for adoption has always haunted her. Finally, she is ready to take steps and to find closure.  But some questions are better left unanswered.  After months of research, Sara locates her birth mother---only to be met with horror and rejection. Then she discovers the devastating truth: Her mother was the only victim ever to escape a killer who has been hunting women every summer for decades. But Sara soon realizes the only thing worse than finding out about her father is him finding out about her.

This book is similar in that instead of chapters, the authors tells the story in the main character's counseling sessions.  I feel like the book is a cross between chick-lit and a suspense thriller.  Lots of great twists, questions and action with a bit of love and girl drama.  I couldn't put the book down especially during the last few "sessions" when I was counting down the minutes to lunchtime so I could finish it! 

4 out of 5 stars

Summer Reading List

I love "Beach Reads" often referred to as Chick Lit.  I realize this type of reading isn't going to increase my intelligence, but sometimes it's just nice to read something mindless and fun.  Here are a few that I have enjoyed this summer:

The First Husband - Laura Dave
Typical chick-lit book.  Easy to read and entertaining.
5 out of 5 stars

The Other Woman - Jane Green

I love Jane Green!  This one did not disappoint.  It's about the relationship a woman has with her mother-in-law and how that can affect a marriage.  So glad I do not have a MIL like this one.  I felt so much for this character. 

4 out of 5 stars



French Lessons - Ellen Sussman

This book is almost like 3 stories.  You will enjoy it if you have been to Paris or want to go.  Although I liked it and read in just a few days, it left me wanting to know more about the characters.  Felt a little unfinished

2 out of 5 stars

A Bad Bride's Tale - Polly Williams

Another fun read with some shocking twists. 

4 out of 5 stars

Then Came You - Jennifer Weiner

This is my favorite out of my summer reading.  Even though it's chick lit, Weiner tackles some deeper issues like infertility, alcoholism, and homosexuality...just to name a few.  Very, very good. 

5 out of 5 stars

The Reader

I just finished the book, The Reader by Bernhard Schlink.  It was wonderful.  I'm looking forward to watching the movie now.  I just requested it on Netflix so I will hopefully get a chance this weekend. 

5 out of 5 stars for the book. 

Still Missing/A Stolen Life Book Reviews

I recently read Still Missing by Chevy Stevens.  If you haven't read it, run to your nearest book store and pick it up!  I read this in one weekend and could not put it down.  When I did put it down I couldn't stop thinking about it or talking about it with others.  The book is fiction, but feels very real.

Description:  On the day she was abducted, Annie O’Sullivan, a 32-year-old realtor, had three goals—sell a house, forget about a recent argument with her mother, and be on time for dinner with her ever-patient boyfriend. The open house is slow, but when her last visitor pulls up in a van as she's about to leave, Annie thinks it just might be her lucky day after all.


Interwoven with the story of the year Annie spent as the captive of a psychopath in a remote mountain cabin, which unfolds through sessions with her psychiatrist, is a second narrative recounting events following her escape—her struggle to piece her shattered life back together and the ongoing police investigation into the identity of her captor.

My review:  Loved it!  This would make a great book club read.  Lots to think about.  The book is told through the main character's therapy sessions (instead of chapters) which I loved.  Although sometimes hard to get through because of the horrific events, the first part of the book is better.  The end dragged a bit for me.  There are twists at the end - don't want to give anything away, but some of the ending seemed a little far-fetched, but maybe not, we do live in a sick world.  5 out of 5 stars. 

Immediately after reading, Still Missing, the Jaycee Dugard memoir, A Stolen Life was released and all over the media so I had to read it.  Even though Still Missing is fiction, there are many similarities in the two books.  Jaycee was only eleven years old when she was kidnapped by Phillip and Nancy Garrido.  Everything she went through is truly horrific and sad during her eighteen years being held captive.

While a lot of the book is literally hard to imagine and wrap your brain around, this is an amazing story about what a human being can endure.  Even more amazing is how well Jaycee seems to be doing today.  This book makes you thankful for what you have and appreciate every single day.  5 out of 5 stars. 

Always Something There to Remind Me

I just finished Always Something There to Remind Me, the latest book by Beth Harbison.  I recommend it to anyone looking for a light, chick-lit book.  Perfect beach-read.  The story is about Erin, an event planner and single mother who starts reminiscing obsessing about her estranged high school boyfriend the second her current boyfriend proposes. 

The book is unique in that every other chapter takes places in the present, while the others are flashbacks to her years in high school.  It is almost like reading two different stories, but it keeps you wanting to read more.  I finished it in about a week.  4 out of 5 stars from me!

The Happiness Project

I discovered The Happiness Project on another blog that I read and thought it would be fun to pickup, especially since it's the beginning of the year.  The Happiness Project: Or Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun, by Gretchen Rubin seems to be more about enhancing your life rather than simply going from sad to happy. 

I'm very content with my life, but am the first person to admit that nothing is perfect and there are always things we can do to make our days here better.  I certainly am the type of person that needs to learn to stop and smell and the roses more.  I constantly find myself worrying about tomorrow rather than appreciating today which is why this book seems so appealing. 

I just picked it up yesterday so I'm not too far in, but I plan on doing monthly posts about my progress.  The book takes one area each month to focus on:

January - Vitality: Boost Energy
February - Marriage: Remember Love
March - Work: Aim Higher
April - Parenthood: Lighten Up
May - Leisure: Be Serious About Play (Sidenote: this is perfect for my birthday month!)
June - Friendship: Make Time for Friends
July - Money: Buy Some Happiness
August - Eternity: Contemplate the Heavens
September - Books: Pursue a Passion
October - Mindfulness: Pay Attention
November - Attitude: Keep a Contented Heart
December - Happiness: Boot Camp Perfect

Has anyone else read this book or is currently reading it?

11-2-10 is finally here!

I have been waiting for today to come for months!  Why, you ask...

Because the final book of Nora Roberts' Wedding Quartet is out today!!!

The premise behind this series is pretty simple.  Meet four childhood friends who were so in love with weddings growing up that they started a wedding company together called Vows.  One friend is the photographer (Book #1: Vision in White), one is a florist (Book #2: Bed of Roses ) , one a baker (Book #3: Savor the Moment), and finally there is the wedding coordinator...

Book #4: Happy Ever After

If you like weddings or just a good classic love story you should check this series out.  I'm not the only one in love with these, Ashley and my sister-in-law Jeanna are hooked too!  So predictable, so cheesy, but I love this little guilty pleasure and can't wait to go home and read the last one!

A Fun Read

I just read Last Night at Chateau Marmont by Lauren Weisberger, the author of The Devil Wears Prada.  The book followsthe fictional Brooke and Julian, a married couple who experiences the price of fame once Julian's song hits number four on the billboard music charts.  A tour with Maroon Five, appearances on the Today Show, papparazzi, affairs and lots of celebrities!  I recommend it for anyone who is looking for a light, entertaining read.  It is not going to change your life or even make you think.  It's pure escapism and fun.  My only complaint is the ending.  I don't want to give it away, but let's just say it's a little too "fairy-tale" for me.  If you like reading US Weekly, you will love this book!

Next up for me is completely different: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher.  This young adult book has been on the New York Times Bestseller list and was highly recommended by Mojito Maven.  It explains the aftermath of a teenage girl's suicide and the reasons why she made her decision.  I will let you know how it is. 

Other books that are on my reading list are:
-  Dune Road by Jane Green
-  Hope in a Jar by Beth Harbison
-  The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
-  Twenties Girl, Sophie Kinsella
-  Happy Ever After, Nora Roberts

My Fair Lazy

Last week I attended a book signing at Borders Houston for Jen Lancaster's new book, My Fair Lazy.  I L-O-V-E her...the book signing has been on my calendar since January, people! 

After having met her, I love her even more.  She read an excerpt from the book about being pressured into buying $400 worth of loose tea in China Town, answered audience questions (her fave designer Target line is Liberty of London) and signed books! 

So much fun!  I've already started the book and it is fabulous- if you don't have it yet, get it below from Amazon!

This is her 5th book- all are great, but I love the first, Bitter is the New Black. 

Recommended Reads

It is no secret that I am a huge fan of chick lit.  I work so hard during the day, it is nice to come home and get lost in a mindless book.  I also love non-fiction female authors that write about their own life experiences: sometimes funny, sometimes sad, but always honest.  Girl power yes...I was a women's studies minor.  Here is where my husband rolls his eyes and calls me a crazy feminist...why yes, I proudly am.  I am finishing up Kelly Cutrone's new book, If You Have to Cry Go Outside. 

Two other books that I can't wait to crack open are Jennifer Love Hewitt's new tell-all, The Day I Shot Cupid about her past relationships and Chelsea Handler's latest, Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang.  I will write full reports on each as I finish.  For all of your Houstonians, Chelsea is doing a book signing on April 23 at 3pm at the Blue Willow Bookshop at Memorial & Dairy Ashford. 

Another similar author who I love is Jenn Lancaster.  She has a new book coming out on May 4 called My Fair Lazy: One Reality Television Addict's Attempt to Discover if Not Being A Dumb Ass Is the New Black, or, a Culture-Up Manifesto.  She is hilarious and my absolute fave.  I am super excited to attend her book signing on May 6 at the Borders on Kirby in Houston.

Purchase these books at Amazon now below.  Happy Reading! 

Book Review: Fall to Pieces

I just finished Fall to Pieces: A Memoir of Drugs, Rock'n'Roll and Mental Illness by Mary Forsberg Weiland.

(I just want to put out that I am supposed to be finishing and writing and paper on the boring book,  Leadership is an Art, but here I am instead, writing this).

I was drawn to read this book because of the author.  Mary Forsberg Weiland is the ex-wife of Scott Weiland, the lead singer of Stone Temple Piliots and Velvet Revolver.  I have been a fan of Scott and his music for years...first falling in love with "Interstate Love Song" in junior high.  For those of you who don't know, besides being a music genius, Scott is also a drug addict.  Throughout his career, he has been in and out of jail, rehab and many band breakups and reunions.  I have only had the pleasure of seeing him in concert once (with STP), but it easily is one of the most memorable...epic even.

Occasioanlly in the news, I would hear abour his girlfriend, later turned wife entering rehab, the beautiful model and mother of his two children.  Unfortunatly, her modeling career doesn't seem to be her claim to fame.  She received far more headlines from the night she had a mental breakdown and torched $80,000 worth of her husband's clothes on their driveway of thier California home. 

Almost three years later, Mary releases this book to tell her story, about living with drug addiction and bipolar disorder, her realtionship wtih Scott and everything in between.  A sad book with an uplifing message.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever dealt with addiction, mental illness, or any fans of the music.  I could not put this book down.  I woke up way too early this morning and could not go back to sleep.  Instead I laid there for an hour thinking about the book until I got up to finish it. 

Thank you for sharing your life with the world Mary! 

Book Sidebar

My great friend Ashley of Newlyweds and Nesting has a feature on her blog that I love! She has a "currently reading" sidebar. Once she has read a book, she will do a quick book review. I am adding this feature too so we can all compare notes on what books we like and even do a book swap!

This weekend I couldn't sleep so I started Vision in White by Nora Roberts. I have been dying to read this, but made myself wait until this semester was over. I came close! So far, I love it! I really love that this is one of four in Robert's new Bride Quartet series.

What are you reading right now?

Happy Reading!

How to Surive the Happiest Day of Your Life

Yesterday, I started reading, A More Perfect Union: How I Survived the Happiest Day of My Life by Hana Schank. I am only halfway through, but it is great so far! I highly recommend to anyone planning a wedding, just got married or knows anyone who has been married recently. I have laughed so much and can relate to so many of Hana's thoughts about the craziness of planning a wedding as well as the even crazier $72 billion a year wedding industry.

As soon as I'm finished with it, I'm going to pass to my mommy to read. Let me know if you want it passed to you when she is done!