Welcome Back

    Hey people, it's me Carrie. I'm back and ready to write again. Last year, I thought I might start a completely new blog but I never published anything. The last post on here was more than year ago. Not that I have hundreds of followers. This blog was more for me. More for me to have an outlet for my creative thoughts and a place to write. Well, I'm back. I'll write about in the next few posts where I've been and what I intend to write about in the future on this space. In the last few weeks I've been really inspired by some fabulous podcasts and I'm ready to write again. Here's to creativity, productivity and positivity.

Book Review: Beartown

Wow!

One words sums up my thoughts after reading Beartown. Very few books leave a reader hanging in a sense, wanting more, needing answers like this title did. The feeling is similar to the thoughts felt at the end of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, only definitely not as shocking.

Beartown was a book club selection and one that remained on my to-read list after reading numerous reviews. Two of my coworkers raved about it. Life happened the week of the meeting and I was unable to attend, so I missed the discussion, which disappointed me. The book was so engaging – difficult to put down yet difficult to read at the same time because of the gut-wrenching emotions it evoked.

Writing a review for this title is hard and I have been contemplating it for more than a week. There is so much to say but so much that the reader needs to experience. In a way, the title is a thriller that continues to build until the very last page. That is a lot to provide reader’s advisory of in one small review. I almost feel that the author did not want to provide much in terms of a summary. The book jacket and many of the reviews are limited, which just makes reading it so much better. I had no idea what to expect.

Therefore, here are some of my thoughts regarding the book...

Beartown is a small community in the woods where life revolves around hockey. When the junior team wins the semi-final, the town realizes the potential that awaits – business deals, a new hockey academy and more housing. The fate of the town rests on the shoulders of these young men. Boys that do not even know a world without hockey and are under constant pressure from parents, the board, the sponsors and the coaches - to succeed to become professional, to save the town, to become strong men.

At a celebratory party following the game, an alleged sexual assault happens between the team's most promising player, Kevin, and the daughter of the club’s general manager, Maya. The tragedy shatters the town…blame is analyzed, revenge is contemplated and two teenager’s lives change forever. Jobs are on the line, friendships broken and families torn apart. All prompting the questions - how important is the game to the players? To the town?

There is bullying among the boys from the very beginning but it quickly turns dangerous after the party stemming from the dichotomy of race and class on the team. The team spends as much time together as brothers but there is no equality other than that they all play for the same team. They make clear distinctions between those with money and without, those of different races, those who understand the difference between right and wrong. Some of the bullying was the hardest parts to read, breaking my heart when Lyt and some of the other boys attack Amat with a pipe. However, Bobo shows his true colors when he becomes a traitor to his team and stands up for his new friend, Amat. The bullying, regardless of if it followed the sexual assault or not, is not stopped by the parents, coaches, etc. because the team members can do know wrong and look what they are doing for the town. And what kind of example are the adults showing when they show some of the same behaviors...

The book is well written. I love books that feature different points of view from each of the characters. This is much different from the typical format though. The section might only be a sentence or a short paragraph all merged in one chapter. It was interesting, kept the story moving. In addition, I did not realize some of the moments but there is a lot of foreshadowing done by the author, some more noticeable as you read.

I both loved and hated the ending. I craved more. I had unanswered questions. The author set up many plot lines that remained open. Of the four remaining players in Beartown...who died, who was the dad an who went professional? What happened if the teams in Beartown and Hed met in future games? What happened to the club? What happened to the parents? So many questions that actually could have answers awaiting, because the sequel comes out this summer in Sweden, so shortly after in America hopefully!

I will stop rambling now. I feel like this post ended up more of ramble than a clear thought out post, which it should have been for the time I spent on it.

I would definitely recommend this novel to almost anyone. It’s a thriller, it’s a sports story, it’s a coming of age tale, it’s a lesson in parenting. It’s an easy read that is hard to put down, so go check it out today at the library! Don’t wait!

Happy Reading!

Review to wait for in March: Little Women and FDR on this Houseboat

Carter's Lillypost Subscription Box

I had been hearing about Lillypost for some time now online and really wanted to give it a try. Probably was way more excited than I should have been for a subscription box for Carter, so I decided to order a gift box for him for Valentine's Day and give it a try.

The package arrived on one of those monsoon rain days in Pittsburgh. Normally, the mail person brings packages to the front porch; however, he/she must have not wanted to get wet hiking up the mountain of a driveway we have, so they left the box on the wall behind the mailbox. By the time I found it, the box was soaking wet. Thank goodness the books weren't destroyed because I hurriedly ripped it open to make sure.

Carter has finally mastered the art of opening a gift, so I was excited to present him with the five perfectly wrapped books thinking this activity was going to extend until bedtime. He takes forever to open gifts and then we have to read books normally multiple times and if there are wheels, helicopters, fire trucks or the moon featured on any of the pages then we will focus on that page while he jabbers on incoherently about said object. The whole process could have taken an hour or more.

 

Well, the gift wrappers used some pretty extreme tape that even I struggled with to open the packages. By the time I got them open Carter was already losing interest. I presented him with the five books but he didn't really gravitate to any of them. So, obviously my excitement was much greater than his apparently... The box included Love Monster, Wild Animals, The Nearsighted Giraffe, The Mouse Who Lost Her Squeak and Disney Baby Shapes.

(A little hand is obviously trying to grab the book as I'm taking a picture.)

I was only familiar with the first two I mentioned above and at first glance I was impressed with the selection. However, Love Monster and I would later find out The Nearsighted Giraffe are picture books that were made into board books. Some picture books work as board books, some don't. Love Monster isn't awful but both of these books have a lot of text for a baby or young toddler to sit and listen to. I was also disappointed in the quality of the Disney book. 

I know, I'm a book snob. I've spent probably too much time recently analyzing board books as well. I would definitely recommend this subscription box regardless because the price is so great. You can't beat $26 for five board books. The prices of these to buy in the store would have been more than $40. Carter will grow into the two text heavy books and not-surprisingly, kids love the low quality books. It's shapes too, so he will learn while using it.

(Yeah! New stickers in my first subscription box!)

This is a perfect gift for the little book lover in your life. There are multiple subscription offers or the one-time gift option. There is no better gift than a book and this is a wonderful way to get multiple new releases at a great price plus if you have trouble picking books out this helps with that as well.

What subscription boxes have you tried? 

Next subscription box review: Date Night In.

Book Review: A Walk in the Woods (Audio)

I finished the audio version of A Walk in the Woods earlier this week. For those not familiar with this well-known title, it is the detailed account of Bill Bryson's highly motivated yet sometimes hapless journey on the elusive Appalachian Trail. The reason I was so interested in reading this title is that one day I hope I would have the opportunity to hike even a small portion of the trail. It is one of my life goals and obviously one that needs more thought and training than just reading this book and heading out to the woods.

SIDE NOTE: That last sentence makes me laugh and reminded me of the scene in Gilmore Girls when Lorelai just decides to go hike the Pacific Coast Trail. If you know Lorelai, there was no training involved, maybe a little thought in that decision but when she got to the trail head after watching/reading the movie/book Wild, she heard the same question multiple times from the group waiting, “book or movie?” If I remember correctly, she went home after only a few minutes. Ha!

Let us start with the fact that the author reads the book and it is amazing. He has such an interesting accent that I could have listened to him read many more books. I did some research because I know he had lived in England prior to writing the book and currently resides there but he is actually from the Midwest. His dialect is a wonderful blend of Midwestern and English accents. Trust me he is great to listen to when he reads! I have to say I've really hit the jackpot with audio books this year.

Many of you have probably seen the movie and that is why you recognize the title. I actually saw the movie before reading the book, which I honestly only watched because it starred Robert Redford. It did not ruin my thoughts about the book but only made me enjoy it more and realize the movie was completely awful. One of the biggest changes I noticed was that Bill Bryson was in his late thirties/early forties when he hiked the trail. Think about the age of Robert Redford. Yes, they had retirees hiking the trail in the movie, which gives it an entirely different perspective. The movie overall was just a huge disappointment in comparison. It is OK perhaps as a standalone but not based on the book.

I was not, however, as disappointed in the aforementioned movie, Wild. What I was surprised to find is that I loved A Walk in the Woods so much more than Wild and I loved Wild! The two have a similar theme yet are vastly different: self-discovery versus exploration of one's native country, female versus male hikers, Pacific Coast Trail versus Appalachian Trail and serious tone versus hilarious with notes of historical. The one thing they both have in common is that the hiker in each title is extremely unprepared for the task at hand...completing not just any old hike but one that involves wild animals, changing weather, mountains, etc. Don't get me wrong, both are great books that literally made me want to run out into the woods but A Walk in the Woods spoke to me more. Maybe it was listening to the author read or that I perceived it as better written or that it was literally in my backyard at times. Regardless, add both to your to-read list. (Read my post about Wild here.)

I am rambling now, so let us get back to the original post. A Walk in the Woods, as mentioned, follows Bill Bryson and his friend, Stephen Katz through the American wilderness on the Appalachian Trail. Bryson is a bit more determined and prepared for a hike of this nature than Katz, his out-of-shape friend. Katz provides so much comic relief throughout the book. Taking the shoelaces out of the hiking boots of some stuck-up yuppies; throwing anything that he deems too heavy, even his canteen in the dead of summer; and endless array of comments complete with profanity that leave you laughing out loud in your car while rush hour drivers are probably laughing at you...that's what Katz and at some point Bryson prompts while listening.

The humor was wonderful because it made the history lessons lighter. As a history lover, I found the these pieces very informative. I enjoyed learning about the formation of the National Parks, the history of the Appalachian Trail and even the background of how certain trees ended up in the places that they are located. Most likely I would never pick up a book on any of those subjects, so it was nice to have that knowledge intertwined throughout the story.

Even if you have no desire to hike the Appalachian Trail, I would still highly recommend this book. It educates. It entertains. It gives you the opportunity to live vicariously through Bill Bryson and hike the trail from the comfort of your couch.

Happy Reading! Stay tuned for my next book review: Beartown.

Book Review: The Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (Audio)

Do you listen to audio books? I do and I love them! I'm so busy that it's often how I finish books right now. I listen to them on my commute to and from work, as well as on my way to meetings and library visits. Sometimes I get so in to it that's its hard to get out of the car!

I actually read about this version of Winnie the Pooh in an issue of Parents magazine. It recommended titles to listen to in the car for the entire family. Everyone has read Winnie the Pooh and I'm not going to tell you about the story because you already know about that.

What makes this version so wonderful is the readers! There are multiple readers and they are all British. I love listening to books that are read by someone with a British accent and who better to narrate than Dame Judi Dench! It was so fabulous!

If that wasn't already amazing, the readers do a really great job of "acting" out the characters role on the audio... The actor that played Eeyore was hilarious and I kept thinking to myself that I knew this actor. I knew his voice.

And indeed I did... I thought and thought and finally came up with who it was... It was none other than Judi Dench's husband in As Time Goes By. So, imagine Lionel from the show and how he acted. Now imagine Eeyore. They couldn't have cast the role better. It was a perfect match.

Definitely go check out this audio book! It will make you smile and laugh, remembering how much you loved these classic stories as a child. It will make you laugh even harder if you ever watched As Time Goes By and if you haven't, you definitely need to!!

As we all know, this is a title that crosses generations and any age of audience would enjoy. Like I said, this was recommended for families to listen to together and what a great idea to revisit titles you enjoyed as a child that are still entertaining today.

Happy Reading!

Book Review: Board Book Round-Up, Part 2

Sometimes not every book gets read with Carter. I might read it quickly at the library before checking it out but we never get to at home. I might read it at my desk for my committee work but it never makes it home. He has so many books at home that sometimes one more library book is too much, so this one didn't make it home. I read it for the committee but Carter never saw it.

I love the concept of How do You Say I Love You by Hannah Elliot but I have a hard time reading language books if I am unable to pronounce the words. I stick to Japanese and that's about it. We all know I struggled with French. I did a little better with Italian but every time the professor would ask a question, the Japanese answer came first to mind. This book does a little better than most (and these language books are popular lately) at giving the pronunciations, so you could essentially read it to your child and sound somewhat fluent.

I am a huge fan of these books. The language barrier sometimes does intimidate me though but I love the opportunity to teach young children about the world, especially because the younger they are the better chance they have of picking up a second language. I love how the illustrations show various landmarks, homes or activities specific to that country too. That's it's just not how do you say "I love you" in other cultures but a lesson in how others live around the world.

The universal message is very understandable even for this young age though...regardless of where we live, what we look like, what language we speak...we all say "I love you." We all show the same love towards each other and really need to show it more.

Check this sweet book out for your older baby or toddler. Tell them "I love you."

Happy Reading!

Book Review: Picture Book Review

Before becoming a parent, I used to think that a child she have any book they want. I still believe that but more than ever I believe that board books for the most part are the perfect format for babies. I know view picture books are more fragile. Books that should be used with a parent. I just feel like the pages tear easier for little hands and book jackets are a useless cause.

One of these books is, A Small Blue Whale by Beth Ferry. It ended up on my Best Books for Babies but like I said I'm a huge fan of board books for babies right no matter how great the story. Carter didn't get to review this one because it never made it home.

I loved the artwork in this simple picture book and the message. The little whale longs for a friend. There are beautiful comparisons about nature and friendship using the five senses. The whale wonders if friendship is "warm and steady" like the sun for instance. As much as I love these references, I feel that these are way too much for a baby to grasp but the text flows so nice.

The whale finds a cloud that he thinks is a friend and follows the cloud to find three penguins that he also thinks are friends until he gets stuck on some ice trying to play with them. But then he realizes that they really are friends and he understands how friendship works when the penguins leave and come back with hundreds of other penguins to help him back to the water.

Like I said, this is a very sweet story but one that would probably be a better fit for a toddler or preschool aged child. Carter would have probably loved it because he does love reading about whales.

Head to the library and check this out just to read as an adult or to read with your little toddler.

Happy Reading!

Book Review: January 22 Board Book Round-Up, Part 1

So, I separated this post into two because I only actually read two of them with Carter. The rest I read on my own for the committee.

One might ask, how do you determine whether Carter likes a book? I think some of the indicators for me are 1.) whether he sits and listens to the entire book, 2.) whether he points at items on the pages or starts "talking" about something that was read or 3.) if he brings it back for another read. The latter is really only books we own. We rarely read a library book twice for multiple reasons - we don't let him have access to the library books yet since he might rip the pages or break the cover and we don't keep library books that long since Carter and I go the library once a week and I'm sometimes at a library every day depending on meetings and holds coming in to the West End.

The two titles I read to Carter this week from the list we were reviewing on the committee were The Opposite Zoo by Il Sung Na and Baby's First Words by Christiane Engel.

The illustrations in The Opposite Zoo are beautiful, borderline artwork and appear to be watercolor. The plot, however, doesn't match the level of quality. While it's great because it introduces some new vocabulary for a toddler but maybe not a baby, the words are all adjectives that are ones that are typically not geared at this age group. The first and last page are the only ones with text more than the adjective which follow on each page with the opposite.

Carter really had no reaction to this book. He listened but he showed no emotion and promptly walked away when the book was over. I think had the artwork, which to an adult looked nice, been brighter or the animals more recognizable he might have been more engaged.

It should be noted as well that this book comes in picture book and board book format. We read the picture book was so much better because it was larger.

Baby's First Words was a much different book from the first. It was day in the life of a baby (i.e. wake-up, playtime, getting dressed) and each page featured multiple vocabulary words. The wonderful thing about this book is the diversity featured. The baby has two dads and both it appears are of different ethnic backgrounds.

Carter sat and look through this one on his own. He wanted to look more closely at each page and didn't want to be read to. I think this is great because it shows his print awareness skills and curiosity of each page. He was of course most impressed with the vroom vroom page, which featured a fire truck and lots of wheels.

You aren't missing much if you skip The Opposite Zoo but I would highly recommend reading or checking out Baby's First Words for your baby.

Happy Reading!

Book Review: Witness for the Prosecution (Book Club)

I must say I'm pretty excited for our book club selections this year. The first title on the list is The Witness for the Prosecution by Agatha Christie. I believe this title was chosen because we wanted a mystery, we love Agatha Christie and it is possibly about to be a movie.

I listened to this short story and let me tell you if you've never had the opportunity to hear an audio version of Agatha Christie - do it! It's like Masterpiece Theater in the car. The voices are so delightfully British - I didn't want it to end.

In the short story, Leonard Vole is arrested for the murder of a wealthy, elderly woman named Emily French whom he befriends and becomes the heir to her fortune. Unbeknownst to the older woman, Vole is married. The solicitor seeks a testimony from Romaine Vole to free her husband yet she is a witness for the prosecution.

This is a short story, so I don't want to give away any more information. Read or listen to the title to learn whether the jury finds Leonard Vole innocent or guilty on the testimony of his wife and the work of his solicitor.

It's interesting because upon further research I found that their were additional endings to the book because Agatha Christie was dissatisfied with the original. Look into these after you finish the book and you will find what these endings entail.

This short story is perfect for mystery lovers and anyone who is a fan of Agatha Christie! Plus it's a very quick read or listen!

Happy Reading!

Book Review: January 15 Board Book Round-Up

Carter had to take a little break from library books. He figured out how to break a board book. Impossible you might say! Carter's a baby. Board books are indestructible. Well, I'm here to tell you that they are not. In all of my years working in a library, I have never seen a book break like he has destroyed two of his at home. What's even more shocking is he isn't even doing anything out of the ordinary or that destructive to them! He just likes to open them and see how far back the covers can go until it inevitably snaps. It's basic print awareness as he explores the book but maybe a little bit too much. So, no library books for Carter without parent supervision.

We've been reading a lot of new board books together that we get at the library. I'm serving on the Best Books for Babies Committee, so I get to read and review a lot of the new ones from last year. Part of my review process is testing them on Carter. He's a tough critic of books (I wonder where he gets that!). He also is a creature of habit with his books. Sometimes we read Fire Engine Man three times and other nights Llama Llama five times! My favorite is when he has to throw open Pout Pout Fish (and he literally throws it open) just so we can study one page.

Here are some cute books from my committee work and our recent library visit that I tested on Carter. 

Making Faces: A First Book of Emotions

I picked this book up at the library for Carter before I joined the committee but sure enough it ended up on our list. I was drawn to the book because I love baby books with real pictures. To me, the pictures make the reader able to relate better. The baby looks like me or the dog looks like my pet. 

The book shows one baby featuring a different emotion - happiness, anger, sadness, surprise, etc. Then on the next page it shows a range of babies featuring different emotions and the reader has to pick the baby with that page's emotion. At the end there is a mirror, so that the reader can see his own face and emotion.

Carter was very attentive during the book. I wouldn't say he was interactive though with the book. He did like seeing himself at the end and I think if I tried the book again on him I might get a different response. He does seem to gravitate to books with real pictures. He has a similar book at home and he likes to point to the different babies.

Dance by Matthew Van Fleet

I put this book on hold not knowing what it looked like or really even what it was about. It popped up on a list of books for babies. It also then later appeared on our list of books to review for the committee.

I was so excited when it arrived on the hold shelf for me. It's so cute and interactive! There are tabs that the reader can pull to see the animal dance. It seems a lot sturdier than most pop-up/tab books. Of course Carter would probably be a great judge of that but I wouldn't let him touch it. I actually stood while I read it to him. Ha ha!

The sad part is that he completely lost interest. It's very wordy. He liked the animals but was done about halfway through. It's weird because the interactive part works best for a young child while the text is more for an older child I feel. It's too old for babies but too young for preschool. Toddlers would probably enjoy it, especially those that like to dance.

Black Cart & White Cat by Claire Garralon

Carter goes to the library for two reasons in his mind and neither is to get books. He goes to play with the train table and get a cookie. Perhaps this is why he doesn't do well when we go to two other libraries for storytime - no cookie and no train table. So, we were at the library for our weekly visit and I normally pick up any new board books for him. There wasn't much of a selection, so I took this older board book because it looked good and might catch his attention.

I thought he would instantly gravitate to the book because it is about two cats. He was initially excited by that fact. After all, his best friend is a cat. He didn't even get one page in before he was up and walking away off to torment said best friend of course. OK, so not a great book for Carter. Maybe it was the lack of color since it is black and white although the last page is color? Or maybe the lack of words since it is really simple and he's use to a little bit more of a storyline? Whatever the reason, he gave his vote and it was a flat out no.

Regardless, it's simple. I'm sure it's perfect for some babies/toddlers out there just not mine.

So, that my friends, is a board book round up for this week. Head to the library if you don't already with your little one and get them some books and take them to storytime. If you need recommendations of good storytimes, I can give that as well!

Happy Reading!

Book Review: The Matchmaker

Yesterday I finished The Matchmaker by Elin Hildebrand. The book is a light read about a woman who is determined to find love for those she loves before it is too late.

Elin Hildebrand weaves an intricate story of love - first love, companionship love, dangerous love and family love. Dabney Kimball Beech is the unofficial matchmaker of Nantucket Island. She has spent her life finding love for others yet regretting the love she lost many years ago when the man who holds her heart left the island. Fear keeps her on Nantucket. Married with a wonderful job and a grown daughter, Dabney must come to terms with the return of her first love, a stagnant marriage, a pending engagement for her daughter and life-threatening discovery.

Who doesn't want to read a book set on Nantucket in the summer during some of the coldest days of winter here in Pittsburgh? I love Elin Hildebrand's books, as predictable as some of them maybe they offer an escape to summer in a beautiful location. The books always have a story line that makes it hard to put the book down, always wanting to find out what happens next. I love her books because although the books are not a series, there are always characters that appear in more than one. The more you read, the more you realize these connections.

Obviously, I love Elin Hildebrand's books and not just because they are set on Nantucket. She's a great writer as well. I read more fiction now than I used to but there are really only three authors I highly recommend for beach reading - J. Courtney Sullivan, Jennifer Weiner and Elin Hildebrand. If you haven't read one of hers or their books, do! I normally only read them in the summer but let me tell you that reading it in the winter might have even been better! Bundle up, go to the library and check the book out and return home for a nice little escape to the beach!

Happy Reading!

Healthy Living: Hydration

I used to be so healthy. Then I picked up some bad habits along the way. I got lazy. It was hard to focus on me when there was a family, house and job to manage. I know. I'm preaching to the choir of working moms out there but 2017 was a wake-up call of sorts for me. 

I realized that I'm only one person and that I can't do it all. I might need help sometimes. The laundry might not get done one day or the dishes not washed. It's OK. Isn't what important that I spent quality time with my family? That they are happy?

What is also important is me though? I need to take better care of myself too. By the end of 2017 I was exhausted, moody and just down right blah feeling. I had gained weight from stress and not working out. I had a result on my always impeccable blood work that I didn't like.

So, I have devoted 2018 to getting healthy in all senses of the word. Aside from a ridiculous amount of sickness the last few weeks, I've learned to manage my time better, realize what my priorities are and make time for myself. I'm off to a good start, so now I just need to keep motivated.

A few years ago, I came across the book 52 Small Changes: One Year to a Happier, Healthier You by Brett Blumenthal at Barnes & Noble. Like any good librarian, I wrote down the title and put it on hold at the library later. It's a pretty good book but sadly I never actually tried any of the small changes.

I bought the book after reading it, thinking I would eventually use it. Well, 2018 is the perfect opportunity to embark on a journey through this book. Little changes. Anyone can do that right? I mean I'm not going to try some crazy diet or fitness fad - it's one little change a week.

The first change is to: Drink an adequate amount of water each day to maintain a healthy level of hydration. Easy one might think? Yes and no. We have a filtration system at work, so I always (try to) drink as much as I can there but I'm not drinking enough at home.

To jump start my hydration habit I filled the pitchers of water at home, always kept a cup around while working and downloaded My Water app. It helps track how much you drink and sends tips throughout the day that are also quiet reminders to make sure you are hydrating.

I've always drank a lot of water. Water is my non-alcoholic drink of choice so this change was more of improving a habit I had already cultivated and being consistent. It's amazing how great you feel when you are hydrated and awake in the afternoons when you start to feel sluggish.

So, my challenge to you this week is are you drinking enough water? Drink up my friends!

Organizing Our Buena Vista

Well, we've been in the Buena Vista for nine months now. It's a work in progress. We make progress, take a break, work some more. For the most part, the rooms we need are usable. Everything that can be unpacked is with the exception of the guest room, office and the basement. My challenge for 2018 is organization.

(Put a blindfold on to ignore my eyesore behind the house.)

We unpacked hurriedly in some rooms to get boxes cleared and projects completed. I have so much storage space that is poorly used and in desperate need of help. I also have rooms that have terrible storage space that I need to figure out solutions. The linen closet, bathroom storage and kitchen come to mind as major red flags.

In January, my plan is to tackle the kitchen. The cabinet space is pitiful. Maybe because there is another kitchen - who know? I need to figure out a way to make it usable. To make all of the items we use daily available in cabinets. To figure a better way to store food other than on carts, which is what I'm using right now and which Carter loves to move if he is in the kitchen and also throw his plates down the basement stairs. Task accepted.

OK, January let's do this!

Book Review: Sisters First, Stories from Our Wild and Wonderful Life

Last night I finished Sisters First: Stories from Our Wild and Wonderful Life by Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Pierce Bush. The book is an autobiography/memoir about the famous sisters who not only had a father who was president but also a grandfather.

The book is a quick read but entertaining and moving. There are many recognizable stories about the Bush twins but they also provide new insight about growing up in a political dynasty, the relationship with their parents and grandparents, as well as aspects of their personal lives that the press did not cover during both presidential campaigns and terms of office. The personal letters, emails and texts helped to prove the importance of family to Jenna and Barbara.

Let's keep one thing in mind friends since a book like this could be controversial but should not be - regardless of politics - the men that lead this country as president are husbands, fathers and grandfathers. We are all humans. Life in the White House is short and what remains a constant in the lives of these political leaders is their families (in some cases). I won't lie. I loved this book but these are my favorite kinds of books. My bookshelves are lined with memoirs by presidents, first ladies and their children. I wrote my thesis and honors thesis about presidential families. I named my child after two presidents. In all of these instances, I remain bipartisan and look beyond the political party.

Soap box rant aside, I loved when Jenna and Barbara talked about both sets of their grandparents. I cried through the section about their maternal grandfather's death and how he didn't know who they were anymore. I laughed at their antics and saw similar traits among my sisters and I. I too had wonderful relationships and now memories of my grandparents. I too watched my maternal grandfather die and not remember who I was in the end. And I too have two sisters and understand the amazing bond that is sisterhood.

These books are wonderful for those who are interested in history but don't want a huge political book. It's entertaining, it's fun and it's quick. I encourage you to give it a try. You might learn something about a family that you otherwise chose to ignore or not care about.

Happy Reading!

Bookshelf Organization

A topic today that is near and dear to my heart but one that I am also contemplating right now as to how I want to organize my multiple bookshelves.

There a number of ways I have tried in the past, including by color, subject, size and even gone as far as to try the Dewey Decimal System. That's the librarian in me. 

Right now, my four big book cases are loosely subject based. They need straightened and organized more though because I unpacked haphazardly and the subjects are split between the four bookshelves in two different rooms. In addition, I also have a bookshelf that needs to go in the upstairs hall, in my office and an empty shelf in our bedroom. Not to mention Carter's books, which are split between his playroom and his bedroom!

OK, I might have a book problem but is that so bad. I could bestow worse habits upon my child. I am proud of the fact that we read to him every day and he will have no to limited screen time before age two. He attends a faith based story time once a week, goes to the library once a week and attends baby story time at the library at least once a month. As crazy and rambunctious as he may be for a toddler, he will sit and look at books every night and somethings self initiated after dinner or on weekends.

But back to my bookshelves and my massive reorganization need...so, here's my plan:

Add spice racks to the end of the cabinet in the kitchen to store my very few cookbooks that I do intend to use more one day. It is one of my goals to learn to cook.

(Photo Credit: Pinterest)

Limit the number of coffee table books and arrange the remainder on a bottom book shelf.

Arrange my three tall books shelves by subject with books laying horizontally and vertically and interspersed with picture frames and various knickknacks. 

Arrange my glass cased book shelf with my vintage books and some of my favorite titles.

Add the books that I am currently reading or intend to read to the bookshelf in my bedroom.

Move professional books to the office and any extra favorites.

Add a bookshelf in the hall to organize Carter's extra books.

Rotate books from his wall shelves and bedroom/playroom shelves monthly.

How do you organize your books? Am I the only crazy out there with this many books? They are after all one of my favorite things. 

Happy Reading (and Organizing)!

Works for Me Wednesday: Thanksgiving Cooking

I have to say I'm not a huge fan of Halloween. I literally mope from the end of summer until now. I did better this year since it was so warm out and we kept the pool open pretty long but normally September and October to me are blah. Today for me means I can start listening to Christmas music and preparing for the holidays! First up, Friendsgiving and Thanksgiving! 

I'm not much of a cook. I will admit that. When it comes to preparing for Friendsgiving, I stick to the cleaning, drinks, kitchen prep and that's about it. I let Dennis take care of the rest. He does the turkey. He does the stuffing. I attempt the mashed potatoes. Everything else comes walking in the door and that works out perfect for me!

What are you cooking for Thanksgiving?

Works for Me Wednesday: Cute Notebooks

Who doesn't love cute notebooks? I'm a sucker for notebooks. I tried using them as a bullet journal for awhile but I just don't have time for that. Right now, I use the notebooks to keep a running to do list at work and home that I can use when I fill in my planner for the week. I'll probably start a new notebook soon when I rethink this blog some more.

Here are a few of my favorite notebooks. The first two I actually have and will probably end up buying more of in the New Year. The third one I love and would consider buying as well. I have used a Lilly planner before.

Spartina 449 Ruled Journal (striped with an anchor) and Ruled Notebook (Bay Dreams with Annapolis <3)

Lilly Pulitzer Large Notebook

Erin Condren Custom Quote - Notebook

Plum Paper Spiral Notebook

Vera Bradley Notebook with Pocket

What are your favorite notebooks? What do you use notebooks for?

Carter and the Full Moon

Have you noticed the moon lately? It's full - big and bright in the night sky. Well, Carter has too. 

The other night I put him to bed. I could hear him upstairs jabbering away and bouncing. Nothing new there. Sometimes he falls right to sleep and other times he fools around in his crib. Well on Tuesday night, I could still hear him at 9 p.m. That is not normal. Then he got a little louder and so I went upstairs. This is how I found him.

 

Not laying down. Not quiet. Not trying to fall asleep. Wide awake.

And why you might ask? Well, he was sitting there pointing at the moon through his window. He knows the word for moon too and was trying unsuccessfully to say it. He seemed pretty proud of himself that he could find the moon and had positioned himself in his crib for the best view.

Seeing as it was WAY past his bedtime, I decided to take him away from the moon. Parents of the year - we haven't gotten his curtain the whole way up. It hasn't really been a problem until now.

So, I took him downstairs and tried to get him to sleep in our bed. Fail. Then we went in the living room to maybe burn off some of this late night energy. Fail. He also knows how to use the remote now too. Guess he didn't want to let me finish watching Fixer Upper. (We don't even watch TV when he is around normally. Kids and technology these days. :) ) Dennis came home from fire, so we decided to take a ride. It was a pretty long ride too. Well, that was another stellar parent move. We just gave the kid the moon then.

The entire car ride he laughed and smiled and pointed and tried to say moon. It did tire him out though because by the time we got home he went right in his crib and didn't even look at the moon.

What's weird is that he did something similar in August! It's wasn't nearly as late and we were able to sit outside because it was still light. I shared this picture of him on Instagram in August. This is when he discovered the moon for the first time.

So, needless to say, the curtain will be on for sure the next time there is a full moon.

Happy Weekend: Carter's Wardrobe

We all know that Carter wears A LOT of Baby Gap. I won't lie. I love the store and I bleed blue. Plus he has a few very generous aunties and grandma that keep him pretty stocked in the Baby Gap department. I also know when the sales are and the best times to buy.

However, Carter also goes through sometimes three outfits a day. He poops. He misses his bib. He plays really hard outside. With all of this being said, sometimes it's not feasible to wear Baby Gap for this many outfits a day, which is why I have become obsessed with two second hand baby and children's outlets - Kid to Kid and the Sunflower Sprouts Sale.

Kid to Kid is the consignment store on McKnight Road. I buy and sell here, so then you can get credit towards future purchases. They also have great promotions and sales. I have scored a lot of Baby Gap clothes here and some with tags on them still. It is also great for baby gear and toys. This is where I got my jogging stroller, which looked like it had never been used before and some toys for Carter since I'm not really into buying expensive toys. If you haven't been there, I highly recommend checking it out.

Sunflower Sprouts Sale is the semi-annual kids and baby sale at the sport complex in Harmarville. The fall sale just ended yesterday, which prompted me to write this post. I would say the sale is hit or miss. Last fall, I was able to get Carter a lot of clothes (again many with the tags on) and a Hanna Andersson snow suit that he will most likely get another winter out of this year. In the spring, I found an infant life jacket. This weekend, I went in not really looking for clothes but really needing baby gates and was able to get two that attach to the wall. The even better part is that Saturday and Sunday of the sale are half off, so I ended up getting each gate for $4. The next sale isn't until the spring, so find the date and don't miss it!

Kids ruin clothes and we are trying to renovate a house and pay for a big trip next year, so I buy Carter's clothes for special occasions at Baby Gap and during big sales and what he doesn't get in gifts come from Kid to Kid and the sale. It all works. He still looks good!

Try it, you may be surprised!

Fall Reading List

I was on quite a reading kick at the beginning of the summer but then life got in the way with parties, trips to Lakeside and home renovations. Hopefully now as the weather is changing and it is getting darker earlier I can get some more books read again. 

I used to be able to read all of the books on my reading lists but that isn't realistic anymore. I still put the same amount of books on my list, so that there are options but I know I won't be able to get that many read.

So without further ado...my fall reading list:

A Hundred Summers

Yes, it's fall but I read beach reads all summer long! I've already tried once to read this and couldn't get into but I'm going to give it one more try since I picked it up at a book sale and can take my time if I need it.

Hungry Heart: Adventures in Life, Love and Writing

I love Jennifer Weiner's books so I'm pretty excited to read her new book, which is quite a transition from what she normally writes.

Saints Among Us

Ahh this was on my summer reading list and I never got to it but I am still just as excited to read it since J. Courtney Sullivan is one of my favorite authors.

Sisters First

Of course I have to read anything about a first family!

The Girls

The Other Einstein

The Sun is Also a Start

I loved Everything, Everything by the same author and her writing style so I'm pretty excited to read her latest book.

Today Will Be Different

Again, another author with fabulous books - I mean who didn't love Where'd You Go Bernadette?

Uncommon Type

I'm not sure how I missed Tom Hanks wrote a book but of course I will be reading it!

I also have some book club books to read as well, so I know at least I will hopefully get four books read or listened too. This is what we are reading for the fall: Hidden Figures, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, This is Where I Leave You and The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding. 

What's on your fall reading list?

Happy Reading!