One of the things that truly helps me relax is reading. To me, it’s the best way to keep my brain awake and alive, but focused on something other than work/stress. Plus, it makes me actually enjoy all the subway rides and helps me avoid expensive cab rides! Truth.
A couple of months ago, I signed up for the Barnes and Noble reward card and it’s been the best (worst?) thing in the world. Now I stop into the bookstore all the time for new books. After watching an interview of Amanda Lindhout, I knew that I wanted to read her book A House in the Sky. Amanda was traveling in Somalia and was abducted and held captive for over a year.
I finally had the chance to read it after it sat on my shelf for a bit and I really loved it. It certainly wasn’t an easy read in terms of the intensity of the subject matter, but I couldn’t put it down. My heart went out for Amanda and Nigel throughout the entire book.
The one thing I especially loved about it was that Amanda never really played the victim card. She stands by her decisions and her faults with intense honesty. So many lessons on humanity, forgiveness, hope…
I almost missed my subway stop three separate times while reading the book and I often stayed up way too late reading. I read every. single. page. and every. single. word. Right on through the acknowledgments. (Now, I will say that after I finished I definitely had some weird and stressful dreams/nightmares!!)
This book sounds very inspiring and interesting. I love to read but haven't had a chance to read lately, hopefully things will slow down soon! My book suggestions would be Jackie Style by Pamela Keogh, American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld, The Glass Castle by Jeannette Wall, and if you are look for a fun read then I would suggest Whistlin' Dixie in a Nor'easter by Lisa Patton.
This is amazing! I actually had the chance to hear Amanda's story firsthand at a Clinton Global Initiative University (CGIU) panel in March 2012. I loved the opportunity to meet her and was completely inspired by her courage! I didn't realize she wrote a book about her experience. Thanks for the recommendation! I'm definitely adding it to my nook.
Books are great! I love how they make me feel and transport me to another world completely. I suggest that you read Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Try African writing this time. I am just finishing it and I can guarantee you, you won't regret it 🙂
this book sounds great! i've been searching for an "I can't put it down" kinda read, and this seems to fit the bill. I just read The Orphan Train and it was absolutely amazing! You should totally check it out! xox chloe http://popcosmo.com
That's not the kind of book I normally read, but it does sound good. I have a lot of books I tell people they should read. Lucky by Alice Sebold, Howl's Moving Castle (don't recall the author), Someday, Someday Maybe by Lauren Graham.
I love books. My husband says he's dreading the day I finally buy one of those cards from Barnes and Noble, because he knows that's where I'll be spending all my money. I told him better books than my other vice, shoes.
My favorite read of the year was The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides. I was completely engrossed by the characters. It's a quick read and definitely worth picking up! ~Katherine
I have never heard of this book before but I am always looking for new recommendations especially when the schools are off for Christmas break. -Alex http://www.monstermisa.blogspot.com/
I'm so glad that this book is taking off. I was lucky enough to work with Amanda when she modelled for the company I worked for, where we always feature a strong woman influence in the catalogue. We were able to raise quite a bit of funds for her foundation during that season. The book is definitely an emotional read, but a good reminder for what other parts of the world are going through.
I have grown to LOVE baby wearing. Not only do I think it’s such a nice and cozy way to bond with baby, it’s also incredibly practical, especially when you have a toddler to keep up with too! The @wildbird aerial carrier was a treat for myself- and I’m so obsessed with it. 👶🏼 Leave a comment “wildbird” and I’ll DM you the color I have as well as my personal review of it (including some troubleshooting tips).
Some top level things I like; - it’s easy to put on! - it’s so, so comfortable (for me AND baby!) - the little flap is seamless and provides extra support while baby naps and privacy when we need/want it
This affordable rechargeable LED lamp is cute and then made even cuter with this wicker lampshade! 💡✨ No cords needed- just charge and place wherever you want. (Will be extra perfect for dining outdoors this summer!) 💫 Comment “lamp” and I’ll send you links to the LED lamp ($38 for a pair!) and the lampshade (available in a few styles- including a darling blue).
Not really in the mood to be in photos right now, but I keep telling myself I’ll want to look back on these moments and remember them. (Right?!) when I look at these photos in 10, 20, 30 years…
I hope I remember Jack “rescuing” Rory from a windy tent, not how I stood in front of my closet with tears in my eyes.
I hope I remember watching Jack roll down hills and play hop scotch and scoot down the sidewalk with his besties, not that I caught a glimpse of my reflection and didn’t recognize myself.
I hope I remember sitting outside with my friend happily watching our kids play (while watching the minutes until bedtime tick by), and not that I spent too much time zooming in and examining every new wrinkle on my face.
I hope I remember the pure joy of these early warm days with my little family whom I love so much 🤍
The weather is warming up and I’m feeling slightly more comfortable in my skin every day ☀️ Here’s what I wore last week as a mom of two. I have a two and a half year old toddler and a two month old so I need outfits I feel good in, can chase a little guy around in, AND that I can breastfeed easily while wearing. 🔗 Leave a comment with “OUTFITS” to get links to every outfit I wore!
This room is so very special 🤍 The little cars sprinkled everywhere (watch your step!). A tiny sock, never two, peeled off and tucked somewhere hidden away. Piles of books that grow almost as quickly as the little boy who sleeps here. Outgrown pants and shoes to grow into mingling in the closet. Often messy, and a little cluttered, but a little boy lives here. 🚘☀️🐶📚🧸
(Rory is still in our room, but eventually the boys will share. I can picture their little twin beds already!)
About ten days ago, I noticed that today’s forecast was looking WARM. I told Mike, “We’re walking into town and sitting outside and I’m getting a beer. Put it on your calendar.” It ended up being warmer than forecasted (almost eighty degrees!) and let me tell you, it delivered. Today felt like the beginning of The Season™: dinners al fresco, beers/fries/ice creams, and late bedtimes. Indulging in it all because the kids are only getting older and we’re the grownups (somehow) and we get to make the rules ✌🏻
Dress is @tuckernuck & sweater is @kiltecollection
@pennylinndesigns and I hosted a “learn to needlepoint” class this past weekend and it was everything ✨ Needlepoint has been such a bright spot in my life over the past five years- and it’s gotten me through some difficult times. Because it’s helped me so much, sharing this hobby with others has turned into a mini life mission of mine. To sit in a room (my beautiful office space designed by @clare.sull!) with pro stitchers and needlepoint newbies alike was one of my dreams come true. I loved seeing women chatting, meeting, and bonding over this beautiful craft 🪡 Honestly, the needlepoint world is (sadly) filled with a lot of gatekeeping and competitiveness; this weekend proved that it doesn’t have to- and shouldn’t- be this way! It’s for EVERYONE. Whether you’ve never picked up a canvas in your life or you’re working on heirloom stockings for your family, there’s room for everyone at this table.
📍 Leave a comment saying “needlepoint” and I’ll send you my go-to resources for getting started with needlepoint!
Motherhood is pure JOY to me– nothing makes me happier than being with my boys! I wear my @haverhillcollection personalized jewelry every day as a symbol of my love for them– it’s a constant reminder for me of my greatest purpose. To celebrate my first Mother’s Day with TWO boys, I sent in my Haverhill necklace to add Rory’s birthstone and initial alongside Jack’s! I also got a second bracelet to stack with Jack’s. Love that this personalized jewelry can be altered as our family grows. Haverhill’s jewelry is designed to be lived in (perfect for busy moms!) made from solid 14k gold with high-quality birthstones so I never have to take it off to exercise, shower, or sleep. Use code MOTHERSDAY15 for 15% off!
I've never read 'A House in the Sky', but I'm definitely adding it to my book wishlist.
http://loriscreativity.blogspot.com/
Do you read a lot? Like several books every month? I recently read The Secret Life of Bees and it was amazing!
This book sounds very inspiring and interesting. I love to read but haven't had a chance to read lately, hopefully things will slow down soon! My book suggestions would be Jackie Style by Pamela Keogh, American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld, The Glass Castle by Jeannette Wall, and if you are look for a fun read then I would suggest Whistlin' Dixie in a Nor'easter by Lisa Patton.
Lauren,
http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.com/
Carly,
This is amazing! I actually had the chance to hear Amanda's story firsthand at a Clinton Global Initiative University (CGIU) panel in March 2012. I loved the opportunity to meet her and was completely inspired by her courage! I didn't realize she wrote a book about her experience. Thanks for the recommendation! I'm definitely adding it to my nook.
Ashley
Books are great! I love how they make me feel and transport me to another world completely.
I suggest that you read Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Try African writing this time. I am just finishing it and I can guarantee you, you won't regret it 🙂
this book sounds great! i've been searching for an "I can't put it down" kinda read, and this seems to fit the bill.
I just read The Orphan Train and it was absolutely amazing! You should totally check it out!
xox
chloe
http://popcosmo.com
This has been on my reading wishlist for a few months now! Good to know you felt it was a worthwhile read. Can't wait to get started on it!
-Maria
http://cheetahfashionista.blogspot.com
That's not the kind of book I normally read, but it does sound good. I have a lot of books I tell people they should read. Lucky by Alice Sebold, Howl's Moving Castle (don't recall the author), Someday, Someday Maybe by Lauren Graham.
I love books. My husband says he's dreading the day I finally buy one of those cards from Barnes and Noble, because he knows that's where I'll be spending all my money. I told him better books than my other vice, shoes.
Mana
Fashion and Happy Things
My favorite read of the year was The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides. I was completely engrossed by the characters. It's a quick read and definitely worth picking up! ~Katherine
I have never heard of this book before but I am always looking for new recommendations especially when the schools are off for Christmas break.
-Alex
http://www.monstermisa.blogspot.com/
Already added to my Goodreads "to-read" shelf!
I'll have to add this to my list! 🙂
I have a whole list: {my to-read-list}
And I'm on goodreads too: {my goodreads profile}
Thanks for the recommendation!
AJ | TheAJMinute
I'm so glad that this book is taking off. I was lucky enough to work with Amanda when she modelled for the company I worked for, where we always feature a strong woman influence in the catalogue. We were able to raise quite a bit of funds for her foundation during that season. The book is definitely an emotional read, but a good reminder for what other parts of the world are going through.