announcing carie

What's Working For Me Lately

2012-02-01T20:48:00.000-08:00

Here are some things that are working for me right now:

1. Some of my favorite people in the world recommended this:

I was so convinced I would love it, I just went ahead and bought it before seeing it. I am 4 episodes in and completely hooked. Do yourself a favor, do what I did: go to Target and buy your very own copy. It'll be the best $20 you'll spend this week. (If your maiden name is Jones, I will be happy to loan you my copy via mail.)

2. Next: Each night, I am using Tea Tree Oil on my face. I swear to you: 2 weeks plus and not a single blemish. (My family thinks it smells SUPER. Especially my husband.)

3. More favorites as of late: Contigo Water bottles. I bought this 3-pack at Costco. Water bottles are handy. Contigo is kind of the Caddilac of beverage holders.

4. 11:30 Church. Sleeping in Sunday mornings is heaven.

5. A scripture that is becoming my mantra, I hope to live up to it:

Withhold not good. Proverbs 3:27

Moonrise Kingdom

2012-01-24T19:32:00.000-08:00

You may find it surprising, as hip and cool as I am (ahem), that I have never watched a Wes Anderson film. After watching this trailer today, I assure you, I will be watching Mr. Anderson's next feature, "Moonrise Kingdom." I've probably watched this trailer 10 times and have been giggling all day. It looks quirky, odd, and a little ridiculous. I am in.

Plus, do you love the song? ME too. I have been alternating watching: trailer, song trailer, song.

Listening to it makes me feel super cosmopolitan . Sort of like when I listen to "Girl from Ipanema" (especially during the Portuguese part.)

More Chevron Stripes

2012-01-19T19:23:00.000-08:00

I went into Old Navy this week to buy my daughter a pair of boots. They were having 30% off their sale prices. I browsed through the sale racks and tried on quite a few clearance sweaters and tops.

I nixed all the sale items and ended up purchasing this, even though it was full price:

Because it is perfect in every way.

And because I have learned that it's worth it to buy one item you really love rather than by five items (for the same price as the one) that you sort of like.

(Oh and I did find some great boots for my daughter at 30% off clearance price.)

Polka Dots + Navy

2012-01-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

If last year was the year of stripes, and according to the stack of striped shirts in my closet, it was, this just might be the year of Polka Dots. This post will be dedicated to Navy Polka Dots Solamente. (I will translate for the non Spanish speakers. Solamente = only.)

I am not opposed to polka dots in any other color, navy just happens to be the pick today.

I will begin by staking my claim on this Anthropologie dress. I will own this. Consider yourself warned, you buy it, we will be twins.

If you would rather not be twins, but would still like a navy polka dot dress, might I interest you in this little beauty from Banana Republic?

I really love this sweater, also from Banana Republic.

It reminds me of this cute sweater for little girl's from Boden. I am still kind of kicking myself for not buying this for my youngest.

And how about this jacket from Banana Republic. (Sheesh. Lots of good stuff at Banana right now. It's about time!)

This skirt. You guessed it: Banana Republic. Feel free to purchase this with no fear of being twins. I will not own this skirt, not matter how cute it is.

Because I own this skirt (last year, Anthropologie.) So, if you purchase the BR skirt above, we'd be more like fraternal twins.

And all this talk of navy polka dots, reminds me of last year's J Crew Flouncette blouse. That I did not buy. I can't buy it all. Some times my good taste feels like a curse.

Hot Chocolate

2012-01-06T20:20:00.000-08:00

I am happy to report some good news friends. It's hot chocolate related. Which, as you know, is super important.

Last November, I blogged about my great sadness over Starbuck's termination of their Signature Hot Chocolate. (Sure, they still sell regular hot chocolate, but its not even close.) I won't make you link back to it. I'll just repost it here because I thought it was particularly well put, I said:

"It's been very hard for me to accept that Starbucks has stopped selling their Signature Hot Chocolate. That was easily my favorite beverage/treat/dessert/breakfast of last winter. I imagine it tastes exactly like the Chocolate River from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Only Augutus Gloop knows for sure. All I know is it was pure heaven in a cup."

Until now. And I am here to share the goodness with you, because that is the kind of person I am. A giver. A sharer.

Buy it here. (I get no proceeds from your purchase, other than the happiness of knowing I've brought pleasure into your humdrum hot chocolate drinking.)

The link I provided is to Costco by the way. Please note the large red "48 count" sticker. It's because it's bulk. You can also buy it at Target or your regular grocery store and get a smaller pack, but I recommend the extra large size.

I know a lot of people don't like Starbucks. I'm okay with that. But delicious-ness doesn't lie twice.

Gift Giving

2012-01-05T20:28:00.000-08:00

How often do you get a gift that makes you gasp and then makes you cry? (In a good way?)

On the Jones side of the family, we follow a rotation for a family gift exchange for Christmas. This year was our family's turn to receive a gift from my youngest sister and her family. It was one of the most thoughtful gifts I've ever been given.

We need to rewind just a bit to capture the true awesome-ness. Over a year ago, I posted a picture of this map quilt on my blog. You can read about it here, if you so desire.

I was quite smitten. I thought it was about the coolest thing I'd ever seen. Imagine my surprise, over a year later, when I opened up our gift and saw this:

My sister remembered from all those months ago my gushing over this quilt. And then she made one for me. Can you imagine how long it took to make?

It just blows me away. Absolutely the perfect gift. You can tell how my kids feel about it:

(And they also sent a hefty pile of gift certificates to Baskin & Robbins. Which is also super thoughtful, since we go there about once a week. It is kind of the "Cheers" of the Skinner family. They totally our name.)

Allow me to quote a line from one of my favorite books, "Love Walked In" by Marisa de los Santos:

"I just never thought anyone else knew that. If I can apologize in advance for sounding like some idiot high school girl, I'd just like to say that I feel so - gotten."

That describes perfectly how I felt when I opened the gift, so gotten.

I have a good friend Jeanette, who is an awesome gift giver. She always seems to give the perfect gift. I asked her about it once and she modestly shrugged it off and said, "Gift giving is easy. You just have to pay attention when people are talking. When So-in-So talks about her new obsession with Quick Trip hot chocolate, I think 'I should get her a gift card to Quick Trip.' " And when Jeanette said it like that, it seemed both completely obvious and completely genius at the same time. Just pay attention when people talk.

It is something I have tried to apply in my life. Clearly, my little sister has already mastered this principle.

*Incidentally, you may be wondering, what gift did we give this year as part of the family rotation? My oldest sister's family got a few seasons of "Pysch" on dvd and small mountain of treats. Not quite a homemade quilt, but can you really put a price on Shawn and Gus and large quantities of sugar?

**Technically I got two gifts that made me feel gotten. I am currently typing on the second gasp-inducing-gift. Thanks Marky.

Some Christmas Happenings

2012-01-02T15:50:00.000-08:00

The season starts with Christmas in the Sky (Fireworks timed to Christmas music over Longview Lake. I may have mentioned a time or two Kansas City's obsession with fireworks.) We meet up with friends, drink hot chocolate, and enjoy the show.

We take list making very seriously around these parts. We got several lists from each child. I think they found the need to supply us with weekly updates.

Lots of wrapping. Lots and Lots.

Decorating the tree happened way too late this year, nearly mid December. I had some church duties the first 2 weeks of December that left me with little time for decorating. And then we had some pre-lit tree issues. (Our grand solution was to add another string of lights over the non-working pre lit lights.)

A last minute dinner party with friends. (I originally planned on making something lovely but reality intervened and we ended up getting take out from Pei Wei.)

Dessert was by Trudy's Treats.

Christmas in the Park.

Christmas Treats.

Christmas Decor (once it finally got up.)

Plaza Lights.

Christmas Eve dinner at Houstons on the Plaza.

Chevron stripes, No matter the size

2012-01-02T13:31:00.000-08:00

I saw this dress in Old Navy the other day. It is a 5T. My youngest has grown out of the 5T's awhile ago. But I couldn't resist and bought it.

She wears it more as a long shirt (tunic?) than a dress and loves it as much as I do.

2011-12-28T07:22:00.000-08:00

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am going to give this 5 stars for pure enjoyment value. I am not a gamer or a sci-fi fan but I had a lot of fun listening to this book. (Read by Will Wheaton by the way.) Tons of great 80's references. Likeable characters. SUPER fun plot. When I finished, I found myself thinking about the book constantly. Always the sign of a good read.

Content note: Beware of some occasional strong language, the narrator is a teenage boy after all.

View all my reviews

Christmas Day, Church edition

2011-12-28T07:19:00.000-08:00

After my posting about Christmas Dresses, I thought it only fair and proper to add pictures of the the dresses with us in them.

We had one hour church on Christmas day, a real treat for us Normally-Three-Hour-Long-Sunday-Services-Mormons. It was lovely, I think Christmas and Church are a great pairing, so it was fun to have Christmas actually on a Sunday.

(I even made the boys take a pic. Some were more compliant than others.)

P.S. I just may be posting more. I happened to get a very fancy computer under the tree this year.

Search for Christmas Dresses 2011

2011-12-13T12:54:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite Christmas traditions from childhood is having a Christmas Dress. Every year my sisters and I would get Christmas dresses to wear the first Sunday before Christmas. When we were young, they were matching. (Awesome.) I have particular memories of turquoise Gunny Sax-esque little numbers that we all looked pretty spiffy in. When we were older we picked them out ourselves. I have carried that tradition with my girls but have had very little luck finding Christmas dresses for myself.

This year's selections:

I found this sweet lace dress for my youngest at H&M.

It was only $10. (Did I mention Kansas City got it's first H&M? Hooray!)

I spotted this skirt, also at H&M, for my oldest. I haven't picked it up yet (I wanted to run it by her before I purchased.) I hope they still have it! This would look super cute paired with this cardigan from Target.

I was happily surprised to find this dress for me at Forever 21 of all places. Combining two of my latest favorites: lace and pleats.

The Night Circus

2011-12-11T20:30:00.001-08:00

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Finally. I have been waiting for a really good read for quite some time. This book has a phenomenal plot, one of the most interesting and unique plots I've read in that last few years. The writing was beautiful, very descriptive but not overly so. The characters were engaging and charming. The story unfolded in an unusual way, following various people involved with the circus until all the storylines came together in the end.

Highly, highly Recommended.

I must add that I listened to this book on CD. It was read by the incomparable Jim Dale (of Harry Potter fame.) This may be why I loved the book so.

Content note: Super clean, one swear word in the entire book.

View all my reviews

Freshman Homecoming, A little shameless bragging

2011-12-05T18:39:00.000-08:00

My daughter was Freshman Homecoming Royalty this year. Which where we live is a pretty darn big deal.

This may seem like all kinds of shameless bragging in some ways it came as a surprise.

As you may know, our church is pretty important to us. Raising lovely, well adjusted, successful kids is pretty important to us. Because those two things are our top priorities, we don't worry so much about the popularity thing or being cool. We have set our standards high and make no apologies for it.

But sometimes, as a parent, you worry about how your kids will be accepted at school and among their peers. You absolutely want them to live to values and standards, but you also want them to have a positive social experience through the school years and not be some social pariah.

When Hailey was voted Homecoming Royalty, we decided we didn't need to worry about the social pariah thing so much anymore. (I guess it doesn't hurt that she sort of looks like a barbie doll, albeit with braces.)

Like I mentioned, turns out Homecoming is a big deal. This being our first foray into High School, we had no idea what to expect. The homecoming experience started out with an all school assembly:

She had to choose escorts (and supply their matching outfits):

And walk out front of the entire school:

My dad was in town and got to witness the festivities:

Next event, parade through downtown.

She rode in a parade with her good buddy, who is like a brother to her, another member of the Freshman Homecoming Court.

Later that night, Half Time at the football game, escorted by Mark and I:

Next night? Attending her first High School Dance.

We are quite proud of our daughter and how she willingly chooses to live her life.

P.S. Did you happen to notice her Homecoming dress? The most adorable thing you've ever seen, is it not? She looked amazing in it. A-MAZ-ING. She got compliments everywhere we went. No one seemed to notice that it actually had straps, (sleeves even!) and a modest length. Score one for high standards.

A Weight Off My Shoulders

2011-11-02T14:04:00.000-07:00

Guess what?I got my hair cut.

Ever since I saw this picture on pinterest, I knew it had to happen.

I waited until after my Half Marathon and at the next appointment, went for it.

These are self portraits taken with my phone (then instagram-ed of course.)

I think it's a winner.

The day I got it done, I was stopped in Target by a lady asking me to be a model for her make up line. I KID YOU NOT. Turns out she sells Mary Kay and was most likely just trying to sell me product. I said no. But still worth mentioning, I think.

Halloween Festivites

2011-11-02T13:49:00.000-07:00

This year Halloween arrived on the heels of our return from a lovely week long vacation in Mexico. We had no time for costume hunting or buying, so we made due with what we had from home.

A flight attendant:

A biker:

(I am not sure what it says about us as a family that we have the makings for such a convincing biker on hand. Look closely, even fake leather chaps.)

A BYU Soccer Player:

And Alice:

Carving the pumpkins is a low key, low tech, free for all. We have yet to splurge for the fancy $5 pumpkin carving sets and choose instead to dull the blades of my kitchen knives. The kids pick their own designs and do all the scooping and carving themselves. Except the youngest,.she is not quite old enough to wield a knife.

Hot chocolate may or not been involved, replete with your choice of "marshmallow" or "mint" syrup. We may not take our pumpkin carving very seriously but we go all out for drinking of the chocolate.

The pumpkins turned out like fine works of art.

The night glow only enhanced their beauty/scariness.

And, last but not least, an exceptionally large amount of candy was procured.

(As you can see D decided to ditch the biker costume and trick or treat as a BYU soccer player. Yes, we have the means to provide for two BYU soccer players from our own private stash.)

Happy Halloween

2011-10-29T12:37:00.000-07:00

Hello all. It's been awhile. You want the lame excuse? My (less-than-two-year-old) Dell laptop is freaking out. I just may have to break down and pay the money for a real computer, a Mac. Sigh.

For now, how about some Halloween decor pictures? (Courtesy of my favorite app Instagram.)

The Post You've All Been Waiting For

2011-09-08T19:17:00.000-07:00

Remember the belt saga? I thought I had found it. But I was wrong. Because this time I really did find it. And procured it.

How did I find it? My new favorite fashion blogger -La Vie Petite - was wearing it in a post. I was just looking through her blog and BAM, there it was! (She's wearing it here and here.) Turns out all this time THE belt, MY belt was at Forever 21. I ordered it immediately. The shipping cost more than the actual belt. This is the handy-dandy link. So you can witness for yourself it's loveliness.

Now, I have to tell you: I checked Forever 21's website all those months ago but didn't find it. Maybe it's because the picture looks like THIS:

As you can plainly see, from the front it doesn't look like a striped belt. Obviously why my keen powers of observation overlooked it.

Oh, what's that? You want to see pictures of it? Well. Okay!

Outfit details: Skirt: made by me. Cardigan and shirt: Anthropologie. Belt: Forever 21. Shoes: Thrifted.

And now for some outtakes:

Too much light:

My feeble attempt to show the side view resulting in the most awkward pose of all time:

Giving instructions to the photographers:

Trying to set the self timer:

Meet my photographers:

And now I promise. No more about the belt.

Back to School

2011-08-22T19:42:00.000-07:00

Last week the kids went back to school. I wasn't necessarily doing back flips, more cartwheels or somersaults. That is to say: I like my kids, they are pretty fun to have around so I wasn't pushing them out the door. But school offers them so much more than being home with me and I would be lying if I said I didn't relish alone time. I am about 5 times more productive when they are at school.

First out the door MY HIGH SCHOOLER. The reason these pictures are blurry is because they were taken at an insanely early hour as she left for early morning seminary.

(Yes. I still have my Fourth of July decor up. I've been sick and had a house full of children all summer, don't judge.)

Next on the docket is my handsome 8th Grader:

This was taken in a mad rush. His alarm didn't go off (translation: he didn't set it correctly) and he had T-Minus 15 minutes to get ready. He decided to squeeze in a shower hence the wet hair.

I took a few pictures of him when he got home, just for good measure:

I love how this picture shows his dimple.

Next up the Elementary School Crew.

Here they are on Meet the Teacher Night:

First day of school:
You can tell by the amount of pictures we obviously had a little more time on our hands with the younger crowd.

Getting on the bus: I didn't cry this year. It felt like all was as it should be so there was no reason for tears. Plus, if there is one thing I've learned over the years: They always come back home after the school day is done.

Show of Interest

2011-08-22T19:15:00.000-07:00

Slowly, over the years, I've become less and less of a tv watcher. I blame it on the dvr. (It's become so convenient to not watch tv!) That and the utter lack of worthwhile shows. I haven't turned on the tv in a long time. I'd say about 4 months.

I am, however, excited about a show this fall, Person of Interest.

Let me give you a couple of names involved:
J.J. Abrams (Lost, Alias, Mission Impossible 3, Super 8) I think you know how I feel about this man. He's a magician.
Jonathon Nolan (Dark Knight).
Michael Emerson (you know him as creepy Ben Linus from Lost).
And one of my favorite actors ever, Jim Caviezel (Passion of the Christ - I never saw it but still a credit is a credit, Count of Monte Cristo, Frequency).

Still not sold? You may want to watch this:

September 22. 9/8 central. CBS. You're Welcome.

Adventures in Running

2011-08-20T08:38:00.000-07:00

via pinterest

Today, I took a run. Five miles to be exact. It's my first run past 3 miles in a few weeks.

I have been sick for about the last month. Don't even get me started. I'm like an old woman these days, launching into long narratives about my various maladies, ailments, and possible diagnoses. I've seen my doctor a couple times and - thanks to throat glands swollen up like golf balls - ended up with a z-pac last week. I'm feeling better-ish.

I am anxious to get training for my upcoming half marathon in October. October is not so far away friends and I have got to get moving. So I woke up this morning (and after a raging storm last night) the air was not I'm-Going-To-Die-Hot and a bit less humid than normal. I set off on my run. Slowly. One of my biggest complaints with being sick (I will only tell you one, I promise) has been fatigue. I knew my energy level was low. I took an easy slow pace.

The sun came out from behind the clouds, the humidity rose, and I was starting to lag. I did something I RARELY do. I walked. Not just once but twice! I never walk when running. EVER. First of all, I am one of those rare creatures that really does love running. I'm not fast, but I'd rather run than walk any given day of the week. Second, my running path is well traveled by everyone I know. I see no less than 2-3 people I know every time I run. So my second reason for never walking? Vanity.

But today my love of running and vanity was tossed by the wayside. I was sweating. I was exhausted. I didn't care. I walked. At 3 miles, I was not quite walking, more trotting slowly and contemplated my situation.

Drastic times called for drastic measures. I was going to have to pull out the big guns. I think you know what I mean.

As embarrassing as it is to admit publicly, I LOVE to run to this song. (You can watch it, I previewed it. Surprisingly clean.) As I hit the last and most monstrous hill on my way home, I scrolled to Flo Rida and pushed play. Three listens later, I was home.

(Side note: my 14 year old just said, "Why are you posting sweaty pictures of yourself on your blog for every one to see?" You may be wondering the same thing. Keeping it real, my friends. I just admitted to liking a Flo Rida song. This is a real as it gets.)

Because I am feeling generous and lovely, I am also posting a parody of the Flo Rida song by Divine Comedy, BYU's comedy troupe. I give you: "Class Can't Handle Me."

Some Books I've Read Lately

2011-08-18T19:18:00.000-07:00

Summer Crossing by Truman Capote

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This is technically Truman Capote's first novel. Thought lost for many years, it wasn't published until 2005, several years after his death. Maybe for a good reason? As I read about Grady McNeil, the heroine of Summer's Crossing (and I use the term heroine loosely), I kept thinking of Holden Caulfield, the hero of Catcher in the Rye. Two main characters both teenagers, both set in the same time period (late 1940's). I came to one conclusion: Holden would definitely think Grady was a phony. I didn't really finish. I just sort of skimmed and then skipped to the (really lame) ending. Don't worry Mr. Capote, I won't judge you on the basis of this one novel you never intended to publish.

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. Truly one of the most incredible stories I have ever read. Hillenbrand is an incredible writer. Zamperini is inspiration from beginning to end. I read this in less than 24 hours.

NurtureShock: New Thinking About Children by Po Bronson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a GREAT read. SO interesting. Two journalists compile studies/research on new insights into parenting. Best part about this book was that each chapter stood on it's own. (It wasn't like a Malcolm Gladwell book where on theme is discussed throughout the entire book. I love Gladwell but sometimes it gets a bit tedious.) My favorite chapters: praise, sleep, science of teenage rebellion, and teaching children self control. REALLY insightful, made me re-think some of my parenting. Warning: you'll probably want to talk about this book with everyone you come in contact with.

East of Eden by John Steinbeck

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Dear Mr. Steinbeck,

Honestly, I've tried. And I'm just not a fan. You should know first of all that you write beautifully. It's your subjects I don't like. Specifically in this case, sociopaths. I'm really not interested in reading a book about sociopaths, first Charles and then Cathy. I have no frame of reference for these characters. I can't relate to them at all. They creep me out.

I know, I know, it's an allegory. It's referenced from the Bible. It just doesn't interest me.

And here is a free tip: when you have a story that is good vs. evil the reader should like the character that is "good." I didn't like Adam. I didn't relate to him either. I can't relate to anyone in this book.

One last thing, and I hope I can describe this correctly. I don't like the immediate finality with which you describe your characters. For example Samuel is the friendly, happy guy who is a genius but will never be able make a living. You know this from the very beginning. You leave nothing for the reader to guess, wonder, or watch unfold. Every character was trapped by themselves, unable to change.

I short, I think we have a completely different philosophies on life and human nature, which is probably why I didn't really like this book.

(Disclosure: I didn't finish it. Maybe it got better after the first 200 pages? I didn't care to find out.)

View all my reviews

Mini German Pancakes

2011-08-11T07:24:00.001-07:00

Occasionally, I have my moments of brilliance. Sadly, my moments of brilliance often come about because of moments of stupidity, which causes me to come up with a last minute solution to my problem which is usually brilliant.

Case in point: one fine morning last week, I offered to make breakfast for my children and asked what delicious concoction they would like me to create. The answer was (and usually is) German Pancakes! I went to work following this recipe:

5 T. Butter

6 eggs
1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cup milk
1/4 t. salt
1 T. sugar

Mix all ingredients except butter in a blender. Melt Butter in a 9 X13 pan in 425 oven (3-5 mins.). Add batter to hot pan. Return to oven and bake for 25 Minutes.

I mixed the batter and reached for my 9 X 13 and then discovered, after a good ten minutes of searching: I have no 9 X 13 pans in the house. (This being the earlier referred to moment of stupidity.) I broke one of 2 pans a few weeks ago and remembered too late my last remaining pan was left at a friend's house. What to do?

How about using cupcake pans? (Said moment of brilliance.) I buttered each tin and divided the batter between all 24 and reduced the cooking time.

My kids loved having their own individual sized puffed pancakes.

Thanks

2011-08-10T16:50:00.000-07:00

(this is one of my favorite pictures)

I want to sincerely thank everyone for all your kind and honest comments about my blog. So nice to hear from all of you. How lovely you all are.

So, I guess I'll keep doing this blog thing, even if it is a bit sub-par at times.

Onward, ever onward my friends.

Best, C

Some Books I've Read Lately

2011-08-03T14:08:00.000-07:00

The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Someone recently pointed out that I have entirely too many 3 star reads. What can I say? I read a lot of mediocre books.

This was the never-intended-to-be written sequel to 13 Little Blue Envelopes (not to be confused with 13 Reasons Why. Whats up with 13 in YA titles?) I enjoyed this sequel much more than I thought I would, which is not saying much because I had fairly low expectations. On the top of my list of things I liked was Keith's downgrade from boyfriend to friend in this book. I personally never had much use for the Keith character in the first book. As for negatives, I thought the 20 page last letter was a stretch especially for free spirit Aunt Meg. Overall, it was just okay.

All Other Nights by Dara Horn

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Keeping in mind my recent liberally use of 3 stars, I decided to give this book 4 stars for originality of plot: Jewish spy in the Civil War. It definitely gave an interesting perspective, quite varied from any other book I've read on the Civil War. (disclosure: I haven't read many books on the Civil War.) The writing was good. The plot was all over the place, but kind of in a good way. Lots of action over the course of the novel. My biggest complaint was I felt like the author was at times a bit heavy handed and manipulative (for example slave auction.) I liked the spunky Jeannie and the inclusion of real life Judah Benjamin.

Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I understand some have been disappointed with this sequel but I really liked it. I liked the reuniting of Kat's Henley gang. I like that they are kids and don't act like adults. I liked the message of the book (and Maggie acting as a foil as Kat has to decide her personal philosophy.) I liked the twists and turns of the heists. And the humor. But most of all, I love Hale and Marcus.

But could we PLEASE have some thing a bit more from Hale and Kat in the third? That would be great. The whole are-they-aren't-they is getting OLD. Bring on book three!

The Levee: A Novel of Baton Rouge by Malcolm Shuman

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This book was crass and full of language (the narrator was a 16 year old boy. No offense to 16 year old boys.) It was short, so I waded through to get to the hyped resolution of the mystery at the end. Not worth it, for my tastes.

(You know it's bad when I was embarrassed that the person sitting next to me on the plane would read over my shoulder and think "What kind of garbage is she reading?")

View all my reviews

Purpose

2011-07-25T10:02:00.001-07:00

Hi all.

I bet you've been wondering something for awhile. I'll say it out loud for you: "What exactly is the purpose of this blog? Sometimes she posts about books, sometimes about shopping, most of the time about nothing. All with really blurry pictures."

I've been wondering the same thing. I have to be honest, if I don't come up with a good answer, this blog may be going the way of the earth.

It may be helpful if you want to leave a comment on why you like to read my blog, if you do. Shameless pandering for comments, you say? Sort of. Shameless pandering or not, I want to know if this is really a purposeful use of my time. Because the way I see it is this: either this thing has got to get a whole lot better or it's probably time to shut it shut down. If you are shy, you can always email me. carie skinner at yahoo dot com. I think I'll open it up for anonymous comments as well. Cause you know, if your going to do it, it might as well be all the way.

Best, C

Gravity vs. the Girl by Riley Noehren

2011-07-21T10:18:00.000-07:00

Gravity vs. the Girl by Riley Noehren

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a pleasant surprise! This book was very fun. Sure it's chick lit-ish, but buried among the story are all sorts of ridiculously enlightening insights. That's what I mean by pleasant surprise: I was expecting an ordinary fluff but along the way found some good gems of wisdom. I would be reading right along an suddenly I would be struck, "Oh my goodness, the author just completely nailed that aspect of human nature . . ." etc. Four stars.

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Mirror Mirror on the Wall

2011-07-20T15:10:00.000-07:00

Ages ago, I posted about my decorating dilemma and my favorite mirror.

We followed this tutorial, or our friend/handyman followed it. We did a little of the finishing work.

I love how it turned out.

Maxidress?

2011-07-18T19:52:00.000-07:00

I bought this Maxi-dress from Old Navy. I've never really fallen in love with the Maxi-dress trend, especially on my 5'4" frame. But I couldn't resist the stripes. I thought I could do something with it.

I bought the XS and it was huge. Wide and insanely long. We are talking the Too-Dangerous-To-Walk-In, Four-Inches-Pooled-On-The-Floor kind of long. Not to mention all that material was way hot.

I apologize in advance for the terrible pictures. I am obviously going to have to hire a new photographer. Good help is hard to find.

This is me, with 3 inch high Toms. And still too long to walk in.

So, I cut off about 12 inches and whah-la: new dress. Much better. I am not sure these poor quality pictures do it justice.

Austenland

2011-07-18T15:23:00.001-07:00

A few years ago I read an adorable book named Austenland by Shannon Hale. (Technically, I listened to it on tape.) I thought it was super and very entertaining.

I just found out they are making a movie based on the book! This is good news for several reasons:

1. Shannon Hale helped write the screenplay so you know it won't go to pot like some books to movies. By the way: read her blog. She gives updates from Jolly Old England about the filming.
2. Stephanie Meyers is producing the movie. And I think Stephanie Meyers is fab, whether you like the whole Twilight thing or not. I saw her speak once and she signed my book. Trust me: Fab.
3. Keri Russell is the lead. Don't you love her? I do.
4. Jerusha Hess is directing. Who is Jershua Hess, you may ask? She co-wrote Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre with her husband Jared Hess. I'm intrigued.
5. It's about a girl who loves Jane Austen and becomes slightly obsessed with Mr. Darcy. (Not officially based on my life, just so you know.)
6. It's an indie film, so when I see it I will feel all artsy and hip. My cool quotient will rise by at least 10 points just by watching.

Are you excited too?

P.S. Shannon Hale, Stephanie Meyer, and Jerusha Hess are all members of my church.

I Wanna Be Kate!*

2011-07-10T17:52:00.000-07:00

(*I don't really want to be Kate, I'm happy being Carie- it's a line from a favorite song by Ben Folds Five.)

I think Kate is great. (rhyme) Her style is classic and so lovely. I especially love how she dresses modestly (without looking like a Grandma.) She doesn't fall into the mode of most famous beautiful women, which is: dressing to only to expose their fantastic figure, resulting in lots of skin and little fabric. As a mother of a teenage girl, I thank you Kate. Such a great example of true beauty.

pictures via here

The Likeness by Tana French

2011-07-07T07:27:00.000-07:00

The Likeness by Tana French

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book was like swimming in jello all the while someone cursing at you. Let me explain.

Swimming in Jello:

1. Seems like a good idea. Seems like a great idea.
2. Once you get in, you realize it's not. The premise never quite gets pulled off. You really want it to work but it doesn't.
3. It's too dense and thick and hard to make progress. You realize it's going to take forever to get to the end. Everything is drawn out and takes too long.
4. It's hard to go any direction at all. The characters and plot made some odd choices that didn't make sense (to me.)
5. You get sucked in and it's hard to get out.

Still it is pleasant in many ways. Great writing. Compelling (even if it's slow going.) I love the follow up to "In the Woods" - it eventually gives more closure to that story.

All the while someone cursing at you:
1. SO much language. My English friend says for all intent the Irish use the F word and Good Morning interchangeably. This book is sure proof of that.

All in all, if you liked In the Woods, you will like this book.

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Okay For Now by Gary Schmidt

2011-07-06T21:55:00.000-07:00

Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am such a fan of Gary Schmidt. If possible, I think I liked this book even more than Wednesday Wars. Schmidt has such a talent for 1)giving his narrator a great voice and 2)writing about serious subjects in a charming way.

LOVED.

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Fourth of July

2011-07-06T21:01:00.001-07:00

We spent a leisurely day with some friends. It was kind of a marathon of a day. And perfect.

(Cute printables from here.)

(Cupcake toppers via here.)

There was lots of food, as always.

A trip to the pool.

Plenty of outdoor games.

There were loads of fireworks.

We put on our own show, led by Jason.

P.S. Guess what? I got a new phone. All these pictures are courtesy of my new phone and my favorite app: Instagram.

Good Day

2011-06-25T19:47:00.000-07:00

Today, while my husband and 3 youngest were at the College World Series in Omaha, I was able to spend some one on one time with my oldest, one of my favorite people in the world.

How can a day be bad when it's started with chocolate? I got up early (solo, my daughter was still sleeping) and drove over to a nearby Farmer's Market in Lee's Summit and went to Sweet Treat's by Trudy. Trudy is a dear friend. She bakes like no other. I picked up a cinnamon roll and chocolate chip cookie (for H) and Pecan Gingersnap and Chocolate Truffle Bundts for me. These are cupcake sized. And yes, I said (plural) bundtS with an s.

This is a picture. Can you blame me for needing more than one?

Once my teenager was rised and shined, we headed down to the Plaza to catch a movie. One I had very much been looking forward to:

Super 8 - one of the most entertaining movies of the last few years. Loved it! Goonies + Jaws + Close Encounters. (warning for viewers: strong language and scary scenes.)

Personal aside: J.J. Abrams, you are the man. Thank you for bringing me Felicity, Alias, Lost, Mission Impossible 3, Star Trek and now Super 8. I am a forever fan.

I took one of the Chocolate Truffle Bundts in for my movie treat. Heaven.

After the movie, we hit several shops. And then grabbed lunch at the Classic Cup. We both got the Grilled Salmon Club sandwich. SO delicious.

We managed to visit a few more shops on our way to the car.

Once home, H read aloud from the book she's reading, for several hours.

Such a fun way to spend the rest of the day. (I ate my second Chocolate Truffle Bundt cake while she read.) Have you ever read the book? (I know you've seen the movie.) If possible, the book is more clever. Highly recommend it. And if you can have one of your favorite people in the world read it aloud to you? Even better.

Very very good day.

Finding Daddy by Louise Plummer

2011-06-22T16:12:00.000-07:00

Finding Daddy by Louise Plummer

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I will say on the outset that Louise Plummer was my professor at BYU. I loved her class. I can still remember several of her lectures in great detail. She is brilliant, hilarious, and an amazing educator.

I did not love Finding Daddy, as much as it pains me to say so. The tone of the book was inconsistent, at first too juvenile and then too frightening. I would have liked a more depth and some of that great Professor Plummer humor.

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Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

2011-06-22T16:04:00.000-07:00

Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I suspect that if I read this instead of listened to it, I may not have enjoyed it as much as I did. Which is why I must begin by saying I LOVED the reader, Emily Janice Card*. She was amazing. I usually dislike women readers (I'm sexist like that) but I thought Ms. Card did a spectacular job.

The story itself is quite ambitious: Modern-day Andi is a mess: grieving over the death of her brother and emotionally abandoned by both parents. Eighteenth century Alex is trying to survive French Revolution. Their stories combine through some rather convenient plot devices. This book involves family issues, recovering from heart break, depression, abandonment, prep school pressures, drug use of rich teenagers, historical guitar theory, modern day music, class struggles, ambition, greed, political upheaval, horrors of war, and possible time travel to name just a few. At 500 pages (or 12 cds if you are me) the story goes on and on. But if you like the reader, it can be quite a journey.

P.S. Even though this is a young adult novel, there was some strong language.

*I looked it up: Emily Card is Orson Scott Card's daughter, just in case you were wondering.

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The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen

2011-06-22T15:42:00.000-07:00

The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was ok. I mean that in a good way. The characters were likeable with a good growth arc. Even if it was all a bit predictable. There was an intriguing "what did happen all those years ago?" that kept my interest and resolved well. To me that magic/ghosts was not strong enough to warrant being in the story at all.

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The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O'Farrell

2011-06-22T15:32:00.000-07:00

The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O'Farrell

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The best word to describe this book is melancholy. The characters have all been wronged and consequently led unhappy lives. The story line is quite interesting: Iris finds out she has a great aunt who has been in an asylum for 60 years. Why was she there? Why did Iris never know of her?

The writing is quite good. I enjoyed how the book played out through the 3 narrators. The reader is left to piece the story together with the bits given from each. Keeping in mind that one is possibly insane and one has Alzheimer's. The themes of this book are thought provoking (if a little heavy handed.) It is the kind of book you want to talk about immediately after you finish reading.

And the ending. My jaw dropped.

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Perusing Some Blogs

2011-06-15T15:39:00.000-07:00

It is necessary from time to time to restore order to my Google Reader. It gets heavy laden with all sorts of blogs that I never really read. (Who adds all those blogs anyway?) Solution? I "unsubscribe" without apology, like it's going out of style. Especially to all the blogs that 1) haven't updated in months and months or 2) no longer strike my fancy or 3) are annoying. It's quite liberating. I highly recommend it. (Just don't delete my blog.)

With a newly cleaned out Google Reader, I admire my tidy new list and immediately begin to add to it.

These are some of my new favorite blogs to read:

House Tweaking. This blog started out as a decor blog. She showed how to take an ordinary builder's grade home and tweak it into something lovely. Now, it is about selling her "dream home" to purchasing the "underdog" (as she calls it.) Check out her post on Downsizing for the full explanation. My favorite line of the blog: "We’re not looking for the house of our dreams rather the house that will allow us to live our dreams." Very inspiring. It is fun to watch her underdog take shape.

71Toes. I read this blog for a couple of days and what I have to say is this: sometimes it's nice to read about a happy family. Plus, her parents are Richard and Linda Eyre (as in Oh-Boy-I've-Got-Joy!), so she's got a lot of great insight into parenting and families. I particularly enjoyed this post on how to organize kid's school papers.

Urban Grace Interiors. This link is not for the blog per se, but for her portfolio. I LOVE her work. Every room is so so so me. Simple. Beautiful. (Not that I am simple or beautiful, I mean my tastes are things that are simple and beautiful.) If I had a million dollars I would fly her to KC and put her to work on my humble abode.

And best for last: Mel's Kitchen Cafe. This is hands down THE BEST RECIPE BLOG IN THE HISTORY OF THE INTERNET. I don't feel strongly about this or anything. I have tried easily 20+ recipes from Mel and she is the queen of all things yummy. Her dishes are mostly easy and healthy when possible. Did I mention Best. Ever. ?

(Sadly, no pictures today folks. The photos on the blogs are their property and even though it's free advertising for them, I feel like I shouldn't be copying a pasting their pictures. So click on the links and check them out for yourself.)

What are some of your favorite new blogs?

I FOUND IT

2011-06-15T05:49:00.001-07:00

Remember my belt search? I give you, the coveted belt.

Or at least the closest thing I could find. Buy one for yourself here. And for the bad news,it is no longer available in my size. And the nearest store is 3 states away. Alas, it just wasn't meant to be.

The BIG 3 - 7.

2011-06-11T12:38:00.000-07:00

Today is my birthday. I plan on eating lots of chocolate. It's going to be a good day.

P.S. This is the chocolate bag from McCormick and Schmick's. It's divine. Definitely birthday worthy.

Abandon by Meg Cabot

2011-06-11T12:31:00.000-07:00

Abandon by Meg Cabot

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Okay. Don't judge. But I liked this book. The plot was not very tidy and so overdone. The characters were a flat. But still, I liked it.

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Delirium by Lauren Oliver

2011-06-11T12:06:00.000-07:00

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I listened to this book on tape. Most of it. With only a few chapters left, I just stopped. (And by stopped, I of course mean skipped to the end, heard the last chapter and then stopped.) It was nothing personal. Delirium was well written (if a little dramatic.) The plot was clever and thought provoking. The characters were well developed. Why the sudden loss of interest? (Other then fickleness in general) I didn't care for the voice of the reader. The plot was quite similar to anther book I recently finished ("Matched".) And it was pretty long.

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French Women Don't Get Fat by Mireille Guiliano

2011-06-03T14:55:00.000-07:00

French Women Don't Get Fat: The Secret of Eating for Pleasure by Mireille Guiliano

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed reading this book. Not necessarily a diet book, more like a lifestyle book. The author is not a nutritionist. She just gives good common sense advice that you've heard before. Avoid drastic diets, Drink lots of water, Eat smaller portions, Don't deprive yourself, Walk a lot, etc. The last two pages are bullet points of great advice.

Allow me to get personal for a moment? I have always been small. Not tiny but small. (Except for when I am pregnant then I swell like Violet Beauregarde. Ginormous, no lie.) Most of which is thanks to fantastic genes. But also due to the fact that I work out 4-5 days a week, drink buckets of water, and eat reasonably most days. If I completely pig out one day, the next day I take it easy. Maybe most women won't be exactly my size if they exercised and ate like me. That's where the lucky genes come in. (Oh gosh, that sounds more obnoxious than I intended.) But the point is: if you exercise and eat well you will look (and feel) great. I guess that was a long, possibly offensive and self-aggrandizing, way of saying I agree with the book. While I've never really dieted, I live this way. Perhaps there is some French in me?

That's basically what this book says. But she also talks about being French, growing up in France and living in America. I thought it was all lovely.

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From Innocence to Entitlement

2011-06-03T14:10:00.000-07:00

From Innocence to Entitlement: A Love And Logic Cure for the Tragedy of Entitlement by Jim Fay

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The first 6 Chapters of this book are absolutely 5 stars. Should be required reading for all parents. Completely right on about entitlement and children. I thought the information was equally applicable to adults. You must read this book just for the first chapters.

After such a great beginning, I was very disappointed in Chapters 7-9, the "application" chapters. I was hoping for very clear "how to's" to deal with situations. No such luck. The behavior suggestions didn't always match-up with what they were trying to teach. Often the section ended without really clarifying the lesson. Bummer. Still worth reading.

(Also a quick read, only about 100ish pages. It doesn't ramble on and on.)

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You Look Just Like . . . Part two

2011-06-01T09:16:00.000-07:00

This is an update of a post I made long ago on my private blog:

Has anyone ever told you that you look like someone famous? I always think it is so interesting to hear other people's perceptions of your appearance.

I was once told that I was a "dead ringer" for Sandra Bullock, which was completely baffling. This was several years ago when I was blonde with very short hair. Sandra Bullock has very distinctive (and beautiful) features none of which are shared by me.

Fast forward another few years (still blond) I was told I look like Kate Hudson which, while being a huge compliment, I couldn't really take seriously since I look nothing like her.

The only thing I have in common with Sandra Bullock and Kate Hudson is a very loud laugh.

Last week, I had 3 girls tell me I looked exactly like Kate Middleton. Duchess of Cambridge. Maybe you've heard of her.

All three girls were in Elementary school and sitting across from me on the bus on the way to a field trip, so it's safe to assume the reason that all three agreed was probably some form of peer pressure. The only thing Kate and I have in common is brownish hair. I'll still take it as a compliment. Even if it's not even close to being true.

Sometimes I suppose it is similar mannerisms or a particular feature. Every time I see Drew Barrymore, I think of my sister just older than me. And Amanda Peet reminds me of my oldest sister. Not that they are long long twins, they just share some trait or another. Occasionally, you get a true dead-ringer, as in the case of one of my brother-in-laws, who looks just like Tobey Maguire, but better looking.

On a similar note, once out with friends we all started talking about who we "wished" we looked like - not that we are not all beautiful ladies and completely happy with our appearance. It was fun to hear every one's "wish." We had an Audrey Hepburn, Faith Hill, and Michelle Pfeiffer. If you knew each of the friends who choose these, you would see how similar they are personality-wise to their "wish." It took me a couple of minutes to come up with who I would like to look like and then it hit me (duh!): Meg Ryan (from her Sleepless in Seattle/You've Got Mail days.)

Please feel free to comment on:
1)who you've been told you look like.
2)who you wouldn't mind looking like.

The Book of Fate by Brad Meltzer

2011-05-31T11:34:00.000-07:00

The Book of Fate by Brad Meltzer

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sometimes it takes a poorly written book to appreciate just how hard it is to write a particular genre. I have never thought of Grisham, Brown, or Baldacci as "great writers" more "great storytellers." Meltzer's "Book of Fate" helped me understand just how difficult it is to write a compelling thriller.

Book of Fate is a "B" book (ala B movies.) It just isn't as good as the real thing. There are lots of things to overlook but that doesn't mean it wasn't kind of fun. I really liked some of the characters and the plot was interesting. I also was grateful that this book was mostly clean (barring some sporadic strong language.) Overall, the book had some big flaws but I kept reading.

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Keri Russell's Home

2011-05-26T14:38:00.000-07:00

I fell in love with the spread on Keri Russell's home in Elle Decor magazine. I think we might be style twins. (It's probably because we are name twins.)

I wouldn't change a thing. I love it all.

My husband was sweet enough to pick a copy up for me on Mother's Day after hearing me rave about the pictures I saw online. Such a great idea . . . except Keri's story is in June's issue and on Mother's Day only May's issue was on the newsstands. So now I own both the May and June, not a bad thing.

P.S. Did anyone else watch Felicity? It was a favorite of mine, especially Season 1. (Way better than any of the lame teenage dramas on tv they have these days.)

2011-05-19T15:06:00.000-07:00

Hello again. Remember these shirts? Jenni asked for a review.

Here they are on my person. These are a XS. I would say they run big (but I think Old Navy tops always run big.) They are a good length and not see-through. I also tried on the S. It fit well too, but was a little too baggy through my chest which made me look like I had no curves at all, which incidentally is not hard to do.

Can you tell it's turquoise and a really light grey?

You can see that I layered a shirt under, it does go pretty low. (I wore the Shade Demi Cap Sleeve. I've raved about it before. I love not having 2 shirts around my waist.)

Please ignore the pile on the floor by my nightstand.

Here is the pink:

The stripes are a really light tan and pink/orange.

I'm watching the tv. That's why my head it turned. Not trying to pose. Just in case you were wondering.

Paper Towns by John Green

2011-05-19T10:37:00.000-07:00

Paper Towns by John Green

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I should start by saying that I don't recommend this book. Tons of language and crass humor. It has innuendo, as well as uendo. (not a real word but you completely know what I'm trying to say, don't you?) The narrator is a teenage boy, need I say more?

Second, I should also tell you that along with the crass humor was also oodles of HILARIOUSNESS that kept me laughing out loud. I have never laughed (out loud) while reading as much as I did while reading Paper Towns. John Green = SUPER funny when he's not being crass.

Third, even though this book was funny, it was also serious. And that was kind of weird. I don't think it blended well.

Fourth, you know how I feel about character growth, it must happen for the novel to be good. Q changed/realized/became. Love that. Lacey changed. I liked that. Ben and Radar were developed through the story. I liked that as well. Margo, nothing. Which was kind of key for the whole book to make sense.

Next for your reading pleasure, I will break down Paper Towns into 4 sections:

1. Introduction to Q's friends/Margo and Q's Ninja adventure: Hilarious and oh so entertaining.
2. Margo's disappears/Looking for Margo: This section of the book was slow for me. Characters did things that didn't make sense to me. Motivations were flimsy at best. (Hey, maybe we should go hang out in abandoned buildings. Hey, maybe walk through never built subdivisions based on nothing more than a hunch. Hey, let's read Walt Whitman 400 more times.) Plus, I had a hard time wanting to look for Margo. I was happy hanging out with Q, Ben, and Radar. I did like the after Prom party and the party at Radar's house. (best quote ever: "Please stop, you're upsetting the black Santas.) I also liked how Q put himself out there: taking on the popular kids and the such.
3. Road Trip: LOVED the road trip. Hilarious. Probably laughed out loud 50 times.
4. Ending: Meh.

Spoilerish: (but you're not going to read it anyway, so who cares?) In end Margo should have realized, like Q learned throughout the novel, that you have work hard to really get to know people, that we see people through our eyes and not through theirs. She should have learned that the problem was not WHERE she was but WHO she was. So the solution is not to run away but to stay and change herself. And possibly get some medication.

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Neon

2011-05-19T05:21:00.000-07:00

Did you hear that neon is back in? As a child of the 80's, I have a great abhorrence for neon, acid wash, paint splatters, and those hideous flashdance shirts (that everyone is wearing again!) Or maybe I should say as someone who is decidedly not trendy, hip or cool, I have no need in my life for passing fads that I can only wear one season. Give me Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O over trends and fads any day.

Enter Old Navy. Where I found THESE SHIRTS. (Even brighter in person.)

And suddenly, I'm a fan. Well, a fan of the shirts. Not really of neon.

At $7.50 per, I bought the pink and turquoise. (I really wanted to by the yellow but it made me look like had gangrene.) Does this make me cool? Alas, no. But I think Audrey would agree: good purchase.

Although, on a completely unrelated note: I have GOT TO STOP BUYING SHIRTS WITH STRIPES. In the last few months I have probably purchased 5 to 10 tops and every single one is striped. It's a sickness, but thankfully not gangrene.

Secrets of Eden by Chris Bohjalian

2011-05-18T05:38:00.001-07:00

Secrets of Eden by Chris Bohjalian

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Bohjalian is a really talented writer. Exceptional. He likes to tell stories with a mystery, twist, or unexpected ending. He likes to challenge conventional notions by infusing his stories with some sort of mysticism or New Age-y-ness. (yes, not a word, but you get what I am saying, right?) This story is no exception. It is the story of an abusive marriage that ends in a murder/homicide as told from the perspective of 4 (unreliable) narrators. Each narrator sheds a differing view and fills in more of the story.

My main complaints with the book are manyfold: The surprise ending wasn't a surprise. The characters were all unlikeable. And one character (Heather Laurent) seemed completely irrelevant. The angel/aura thing was just really weird and did not add to the plot in any way. The story was too graphic (I get why, but still.)

I gave it three stars because he can really write. If you want to check out a good Bohjalian book, read The Double Bind.

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Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay

2011-05-16T11:22:00.000-07:00

Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I would say 3.5 stars.

Every time I read or study the Holocaust, I find it as shocking and (deeply) disturbing as the first time I learned about it. Time and age have not lessened the blow for me. The horrific brutality surprises me every time.

This book alternates between France WWII and modern day. I was grateful for the modern day narrative to break up Sarah's heartbreaking story. I also enjoyed the very short chapters. The plot lines moved quickly, which made reading about a tough subject a little easier. It was interesting to learn about what happened in France (I had no idea.) I was not as interested in the modern day story, but overall it was a good read.

We will have lots to talk about book club.

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I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

2011-05-11T20:45:00.000-07:00

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Not much to say except that this book was entertaining and held my interest. And that is about all I was hoping for.

(P.S. More than your normal amount of language for YA novel. Who knew teenagers swore?)

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Mother's Day

2011-05-09T12:12:00.001-07:00

Around here, Mother's Day was a serious love fest. I would go as far as to say that it was the best Mother's Day ever, possibly in the entire world.

I had a favorite new dress to wear to church (with a fun $3 thrifted pair of shoes.) Church was amazing. Fantastic meetings.

My husband (the epitome of the non-cooker) prepared all by his self, one of my favorite dinners: feijoada. With brown rice, spinach salad and sparkling cider. YUM. For dessert? Carrot cake, mi favorito.

My kids gave me homemade cards, poems, and yes, even a PowerPoint presentation. They were so thoughtful and heartfelt. I melted.

We ended the day with a lovely walk. It was the perfect day.

The Spring Dance

2011-05-09T11:47:00.000-07:00

It was Spring Dance time around our parts. You may remember our experience for the winter dance, specifically finding the dress. It is difficult to find something adorable AND appropriate. Around these parts we like to keep our shoulders covered and keep the length to the knee. They don't make dresses like this my friends. Especially in our price range and for a middle school activity (this is not prom!)

We found an amazing skirt in California. But in the end we could not find the right shoes and top to go with it.

So, we started over again, and found this lovely little number at Dillards (in the children's section) for under $40.

We got these shoes to pair with it.

I found a similar material and added a bit of a sleeve. I also had to take in the bodice. I could have done a better job at that but seamstress I am not.

We were both pleased with the result.

A good time was had by all.

Thrift Store Finds

2011-05-05T20:17:00.000-07:00

I enjoy a good trip to the thrift store. Sure, you have to gear up for the smell and be prepared to dig through the racks but it's always worth it. When I visit California, I love to hit some of the fantastic stores around my sister's house. They always have a few treasures.

Here are some of the items we found this trip. For my oldest daughter:

For me:

I found this purse, it had never been used. In fact, the brand name tag was still on it.

I looked it up on line, turns out it's a pretty nice bag. (In person it's more mustard than lemon.)

I got this top for $1.50.
Recognize this tag? It's from Anthropologie.

My favorite purchases were these two dresses:

(I wore this to church on Sunday and got a quite a few nice compliments.)

Decent haul, wouldn't you agree? I've already worn 4 of my items this week.

Mother's Day Ideas

2011-05-03T20:36:00.000-07:00

Rosanna Red Dot Cake Stand.

Mr. Darcy quote

Columba Necklace
Toms Wedge in Ash

JCrew Sandals

Studiopatro Tea Towels.

Don't worry your pretty little head about me. My Mother's Day gift was ordered this morning and is on it's way. Can you guess which one of these lovely items I will be opening come Sunday?

P.S. I purposely didn't post what we are getting for our moms. Didn't want to ruin the surprise.

Well Look-y Here

2011-05-02T20:43:00.000-07:00

Finally went on sale last week. Called around to find it in my size. Arrived at my door this morning.

Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

2011-04-29T12:57:00.000-07:00

Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a fun, quick YA read. While there were several things I liked about the book, it was overall just okay for me mostly because I didn't love the ending.

Positives: Good main characters and GREAT minor characters (Brownyn, Cheeks, Walcott, Lucien.) Fun plot. I loved all how the author added plenty of local specialties to the road trip. I enjoyed how some of the story was told through the scrapbook, very clever.

Not so great for me: Some of the conflict felt too heavy and overdone. Small doses of strong language, mostly from Charlie. The ending didn't match the book (or my values.)

If you like YA fiction, the positives outweigh the negatives. You should read it.

View all my reviews

Did you miss me?

2011-04-29T11:29:00.001-07:00

I was on vacation. We took a very long break over Easter and went to Southern California. We had the very best time. As a family, our super power is fabulous vacationing. We always have amazing vacations. You may recall our Road Trip of 2010. This trip was no exception, everything was absolutely wonderful. (full disclosure: this is in part to the fact that our kids are all at great ages for traveling. And of course, our sparkling, upbeat personalities.)

We started out the trip in beautiful Newport Beach.

Met up with our super great cousins.

On Easter, we went to church with my sister's family and then stayed with them for the rest of the trip.

(We did not plan our Easter outfits. Everyone packed themselves and WE ALL ENDED UP MATCHING. This pleased me to no end, I'm not going to lie.)

We partied at Disneyland. Perfect day. Perfect Weather. Hardly any lines. (Chock it up to our fantastic vacationing mojo.)

It was a great way to spend your birthday, if you are turning 7.

I won't bore you with more pictures, but sufficeth to day: serious good times. We also hit Legoland, an Angel's game, scored some deals at few thrift stores, and spend loads of time with my sister's family.

Matched by Ally Condie

2011-04-18T13:34:00.000-07:00

Matched by Ally Condie

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great, great, great read. YA Fiction, Hunger Games or The Giver-ish. (I believe the official term is dystopian fiction.) I liked the characters. I liked the conflict. This book was mostly a set up for things to come. I am hoping for a little more action in the following books. (Not THAT kind of action.) I would really love to read this with my 13 and 14 year old. I think they would get a lot from it.

Anxious to read the second and third. Preferably sooner rather than later Ms. Condie.

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This Week . . .

2011-04-15T18:03:00.000-07:00

This week I . . .

1. On the middle of my run, ran up hill with airplane arms zig-zagging back and forth. Even though everyone and their dog was driving by taking their kids to school. I couldn't help it. I was listening to this song.

2. Cried, again, when Matt Saracen was so lovely to his Grandma.

3. Cleaned my house from top to bottom and almost folded all the laundry.

4. Didn't buy the Sun Shades dress when it didn't go on sale for the millionth week in a row, even though I really want it and it's sold out on line and nearly gone from the stores.

5. Read a really great talk on parenting. Here is a highlight:

"It is my observation that the most underaddressed issue regarding our youth is not whether they can handle being told no but whether parents have the courage to say no. How can we expect our sons and daughters have courage to tell their friends, their peers, "No, I can't," or "No I won't," if we can't say no to our children? Our children learn courage from the way we deal with them.

Oh, if we could all be like the mothers of the two thousand stripling warriors - unified in what we teach and what we expect. Do you suppose those stripling warriors went to their mothers on the eve of their first battle, whining, 'I know the Lamanites are restless tonight, but hey, I wanna go hang out in Bountiful with my friends. I hear it's rockin'! And mom everybody's doing it.' The stripling warriors didn't say that, for one thing, because no one else was doing it. Those mothers were unified in their teachings, standards, and expectations. The stripling warriors faced those causes with courage because their mothers faced those causes with courage (Alma 56:46-48.) Stripling mothers, can we make sure our lights are always pointing toward the Savior and the band together with other mothers, open dialogue between us, compare information, and trench in?" Karen Warner, BYU Women's Conference 2000.

6. Changed our phone provider, and thus our phone number and haven't given out the new number to anyone. It's kind of nice to not get a single call for the last 2 days. (Have you been trying to call me? Sorry.

7. Donated to NPR.

Shopping Trip and some Thoughts

2011-04-15T15:37:00.000-07:00

Today I did a little shopping. A little. Did I ever mention I took the month of March off from shopping? It may not seem like much to you to take a month off, but it was kind of a long month for me.

I am at an interesting phase in my life clothes wise. I don't really need anything. And while my budget is not limitless (wouldn't that be fun?), it's not as limited as it once was. We don't do debt. We don't do credit cards. We have four kids. I stay at home. There hasn't always been loads of extra for my love of shopping. We have more room these days. It's nice.

I am used to having the budget determine my clothes purchases. It is a bit of an adjustment having to look at clothes buying with other parameters. Like say, for example, closet space. Before I would have asked myself: Is this in the budget? Now, I have to ask all sorts of new questions, like: Do I really need more clothes? Can I ever really wear all these clothes? Just how many cardigans does one person need? These are tough questions. Tough indeed.

As much as I love clothes and shopping, I hate, hate, hate to be wasteful. I'd rather save my money for the few things I really love. (Like the Sun Shades Dress from Anthro that I better buy soon before it sells out even though I'd rather not pay full price.)

So. All of today's purchases are brought to you courtesy of Loft's 40% off everything in the store sale. I would be happy to link these for you to their site, but I can't find any of these online.

Prettiest blue in the world T-shirt. (My name for the color, not theirs.)

This top said Anthropologie to me.

See the cute detail?

I loved this little tank. I am wearing the Shade Demi Cap Sleeve Tee under it. (The Demi Cap Sleeve is just a half shirt. Perfect for hot humid Missouri summers. Rest assured, it will always be worn under, never solo.)

Closer.

Really close.

Another very Anthro-like item, this lovely skirt.

Can you see that it is two layers? The black overlay has holes that show the cream underskirt. Super cute. The length was a little short, so I sized up and am wearing it low on the hips.

While I'm posting pictures, here is the dress I wore the other day while helping out a luncheon for missionaries in our area. I love this dress because it covers my shoulders, chest (insert your own joke here) and knees. I had to let out the hem to help in the knee department, but still.

It's not as dorky of a length in person. Trust me.

Dress: Gap Outlet
Belt: Talbots, thrifted
Shoes: Anne Klein

This is what I wore today. I am kind of a plain Jane. I used to fight it but now I embrace it. It's just how I roll.

Jacket: American Eagle
Shirt: JCrew
Jeans: Gap Long and Lean
Shoes: Old Navy

P.S. Sorry about all the blurry pictures. They seemed a lot clearer before I downloaded.
Mer, what am I doing wrong?

Storm Over the Marsh

2011-04-13T14:26:00.000-07:00

I'm not exactly a Ballard Design sort of a girl. (Do you get that catalog too?) But I really liked this print. In fact, I love it. Just a bit too big for my space.

I looked up the artist, James Way, and found his website. Really talented.

Wanted: Belt

2011-04-13T12:41:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I was at my daughter's track meet (turns out she can rock the high jump, must be those long legs she got from her dad) and I saw the cutest belt of all time. On another mom walking by. Normally, I have no qualms saying, "Where did you get that belt? I love it and must own it." But she was fairly far away and it would have been awkward/stalker-ish to approach at the particular moment. So I let her walk by with the belt of my dreams and I didn't say a word.

Darn. Darn. Darn. Darn. How I need this belt! I have not been able to stop thinking about it. I came home and looked on every website I could think of - alas, nothing.

This is the closest I could find:

Except the one she was wearing instead of tan was a navy and cream stripe. Navy and Cream Stripes! Perfection, I tell you. So dear friends, if you happen to see this belt (with navy and cream stripes) please let me know. Or buy it for me (size XS/S). If you happen to see anyone wearing this belt please ask them where they bought it, no matter how uncomfortable the situation is.

You will have my undying love and devotion forever more.

(P.S. Do you ever approach strangers about clothing?)

City of Fallen Angles by Cassadra Clare

2011-04-11T20:29:00.000-07:00

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was expecting to be a little tired of the series by book four, but nope. Still loving it. I can't quite pin down why I like these YA Fiction books about Shadow Hunters, Demons, Vampires, Werewolves, and Warlocks so much, so I will not even try. Fun read. Really like the characters. Excited for the fifth.

P.S. This book was a little more creepy than the others.

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Summer shorts

2011-04-06T13:58:00.000-07:00

Oh! Longer shorts are usually pretty dorky but these are super cute.

Now all we need is summer. (And really skinny long legs.)

Back Up Plan

2011-04-05T17:11:00.000-07:00

I recently discovered that, according to one of the teacher's at my kid's school, I have a signature item.

Me. A Signature item.

(Don't feel badly if you didn't think I was cool enough to have a signature item, I didn't think I was cool enough either.)

My signature item is these most lovely of all earrings:

They were a gift from a dear, dear friend. When I first opened the package, I thought they were gorgeous. But, if I am being completely honest, I seriously doubted that I would ever know what to wear them with. I am not good with jewelry and what matches with turquoise?

Now, nearly 2 years later: I wear them almost every day. They go with absolutely everything (everything, this is no lie) and I love them. They add something stylish to even the most ordinary outfits. And frankly most of my outfits are ordinary and desperately need something stylish.

I love these earrings so much that I lived in mortal fear of losing one or both. Then, I did something super smart (it happens occasionally, my doing something smart): I ordered a second pair.

This was no easy task, since the etsy seller, the talented figsnfeathers, no longer had them listed for sale. I contacted the seller and (fingers crossed) asked about purchasing a second pair. The seller was so,so,so nice and put together a special order just for me.

Isn't it nice to see four of them together?

I am now able to rest easy.

Across the Universe by Beth Revis

2011-04-03T18:46:00.001-07:00

Across the Universe by Beth Revis

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I give this a 4 for great story telling but a 2 for a particularly bizarre-o plot point. That averages out to a 3.

This book is out of my normal reading genres. It reminded me a lot of Stephanie Meyer's "The Host." Futuristic. Science Fiction-ish. With good characters and interesting story. But then several chapters in (during the "Season", oh you'll know what I mean when you read it) the book became creepy and offensive for a short period of time. I thought the author could have kept the plot the same without getting so descriptive. It was supposed to be offensive and creep you out, but because this is a book aimed at YA readers, I thought it was overboard. Otherwise, good reading.

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The House at Riverton by Kate Morton

2011-04-03T18:27:00.001-07:00

The House at Riverton by Kate Morton

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Solid 3 stars. Genre: suspense/mystery/romance. I like the flashback to past and present. Worth a read.

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Twist Knot

2011-04-02T19:41:00.000-07:00

People say they are getting tired of all the ruffles. I'm not sure I disagree. (How's that for double negatively vague?)

But what I do love (and can be clear on) is the twist knot.

I already own:

(Loft)

(picture source)

TJ Maxx

(Anthropologie)
(I have this in navy + white but love this color combo as well.)

Just how many twist knots should one person own? For example, if I was to add these to my closet, would that be too many?

(Garnet Hill)

(Banana Republic)

The correct answer is: depends on how much they are marked down.

Friday Night Lights is the new Painted Veil

2011-03-31T06:31:00.000-07:00

Have any of you been reading this blog long enough to remember my obsession with The Painted Veil? (Both the book and the movie.) Whew-wee. It took over my life for the better part of a month.

My friends, there's a new kid in town.

I checked out Friday Night Lights Season 1 from the library and very much enjoyed it. Very much. There are many reasons why I love this show, but here are my top 3.

1. There is a sense of realism and authenticity with Friday Night Lights that you don't see in other television shows. I heard an interview with Connie Britton on npr. Translation: I've been googling like crazy for more information about this show and read and listened to many interviews and articles. She explained how they film the show.

"Most film and television shoots with one camera. And so you keep shooting a scene over and over again. We shoot with three cameras, so they're always getting different - they're always getting different angles so there a lot - and we never know where the cameras are. We don't rehearse. They don't tell us where to stand, which is what you call having marks. We don't have marks. So there's a real freedom in it."

You can see how this easily lends itself to an honest and sincere vibe.

Further credibility: the characters are genuine. There are no characters to hate in FNL, no villians. Characters are bad and good. Makes it much more believable. (There are, however, annoying characters. No show is perfect.) Take for example, Tim Riggins. After the first episode, I thought he was pretty awful. He was awful. A few episodes in, you see different sides of Tim, you understand him better and you even start to like him. (But you really wish he would wash his hair.). The show does not resort to one-dimensional characters to create fake drama.

2. FNL has hands-down the best portrayal of marriage I have ever seen on television. Yes, I threw down a superlative. Another quote:

"Friday Night Lights has always been the story of a football team and its coach, but it's also been the story of a marriage - one of the most well-rounded, admirable, memorable marriages ever portrayed on television. Time after time, this show's depiction of Eric and Tami Taylor's relationship has revealed the "happily married couples are boring" theory of dramatic writing for the ridiculous, lazy lie that it is. This happily married couple has never been boring, and they've been as much a part of the show's core as the Panthers or Lions." (From Alan Sepinwall from hitfix.com.) Source

I have only seen Season 1 but I have read that throughout the entire series the Taylor's marriage remains a good strong marriage. No affairs. No addictions. How refreshing.

3. Matt Saracen. Great plot line. Great character. Great actor. Matt is the sophomore back up quarter back who is thrust into the spot light. He is shy, awkward, and insecure but also incredibly strong. He takes care of his Grandma, works at a local fast food joint, and tries to woo the coach's daughter. All the while turning you into a life long fan.

4. (Yes, I added a fourth.) Fantastic acting. Especially: Coach Eric Taylor. Tami Taylor. Matt Saracen. Smash's mom. Phenomenal. I've seen 22 episodes. I've laughed out loud in nearly every episode. (That Buddy Garrity, he's some serious comic relief.) I've cried in several. I attribute this directly to the great acting. Sure, good plot, good writing, but there is no denying that the acting draws out great emotion. There is a scene between Tami Taylor and and her daughter Julie in Episode 17 that completely stops you in your tracks. Even my novice self can recognize amazing talent.

A few final thoughts:

-Note on content: This is not a family show.

-My friend Thomas suggested 'Give it 5 episodes.' This is good advice. While I liked it from the beginning, Mark took about 5 to become a fan. But fan he is.

Needless to say, I am on hold for Seasons 2,3, and 4. And the DVR is set to record Season 5 on April 5th.

Try This at Home: Hair Styles

2011-03-30T21:46:00.000-07:00

I saw this hair style here. It was billed as an alternative to the ponytail. I gave it a whirl.

I think it turned out pretty great. Got a compliment from a complete stranger at the store and everything. (And she was cute and stylish, some one I'd want to be friends with, so that made it an extra good compliment.)

We tried it out on my oldest.

Find easy to follow directions here.

Tried another one and these is the one terrible picture I took:

(Needs a little work.)

Fredette Sports Illustrated

2011-03-22T21:12:00.000-07:00

Love this picture:

photo credit

Sprinkles

2011-03-20T16:33:00.000-07:00

I forgot to tell you. While I was in Chicago, I visited Sprinkles. One of those trendy cupcake establishments that have been all the rage the last few years.

And all I can say is it really lived up to the hype. Their chocolate frosting was super delicious.

When I came home, I looked up the recipe online. I found the actual recipe, from when the owner of Sprinkles was on Oprah. See it here.

My cupcakes turned out like this:

You must try it, it is very good.

Gone With the Wind by Magaret Mitchell

2011-03-20T16:20:00.001-07:00

Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I gave this book 5 stars for many reasons. Not the least of which is that it is 947 pages long and held my interest the entire time. (I read it in 5 days.)

What I loved most about this book is how REAL it was. The characters were complex and difficult and you couldn't really decide whether to slap them or hug them.

Scarlett O'Hara is ridiculous, self centered, abusive and idiotic. And yet I rooted for her. (But I also wanted justice to take it's sweet vengeance.) If that is not great story telling, I don't know what is.

The racism in the novel is quite offensive by today's standards, but put in the context of Civil War and Reconstruction it feels brutal but honest.

I very much appreciated the even view of the war (I guess I expected the book to be pro-South.) Mitchell was fair, showing the follies and horrors of both the Union and the Confederacy. Same with Reconstruction.

What surprised me the most, was how the emotion that this book brought out in me. Anger, loads of anger (mostly directed at Scarlett.) Heartbreak, I bawled as I have never bawled before while reading. There was heaving and sobbing. Thoughtfulness, the true devastation of war and rebuilding. It made me think. That is my favorite thing about reading: books that stay with me for days and days, take me to another place and make my mind work over new ideas and different concepts.

5 stars. What are you waiting for?

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Wedding Dress Game

2011-03-11T11:41:00.000-08:00

Do you ever play the wedding dress game? The rules are simple. It goes like this: if I was getting married tomorrow, which dress would I chose? You know, now that I am older, wiser and have much better taste.

These are both from Vera Wang's new "affordable" collection.

This one is so dreamy.

But this is the one I love, love, love forever. (I might omit the belt, especially for all the dancing I've got to do at the reception.)

Have you heard of Anthropologie's new wedding store BHDLN? It's amazing.

(P.S. If I was to get married tomorrow, I'd marry Mark again. He's a keeper.)

Worth Watching

2011-03-11T11:30:00.001-08:00

Adjustment Bureau is worth watching.

On a related note: Glee is officially not worth watching. I haven't really seen Glee for the last season or two but I caught a bit of this week's episode and it was so not for me.

What to wear

2011-03-07T05:27:00.000-08:00

When I was in Chicago this is what everyone was wearing:

(image)

Totally practical. Totally adorable.

I love Wellies.
I love Hunters Wellies.
I love warm feet.
I think Hunters Wellies + Hunters Boot Socks = Best Idea Ever.

Remind me of this in November please.

And if you didn't want to buy Hunters, these boots are a very agreeable alternative:

Airhead by Meg Cabot

2011-03-05T08:57:00.000-08:00

Airhead by Meg Cabot

My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Dumbest plot in the history of YA books, nay, of all time. Really. I read about 30 pages and then put it down. And I was at soccer practice with nothing to do for the next hour+ but I was not about to read another word.

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A Match Made on Madison by Dee Davis

2011-03-05T08:53:00.000-08:00

A Match Made on Madison by Dee Davis

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book is pure Chick lit.

Started slow for me but then the story got going and I enjoyed it. Clean (with a little language) and very light. I myself could do without all the designer clothing descriptions and the cat subplot, but over all a 3 star read.

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Talbots

2011-03-05T07:46:00.000-08:00

Here is the thing about me and blogging. I have loads of fantastic ideas of things to post and in reality, I only really post one in ten of my brilliant ideas. Case in point: the other day while running errands, I ran into Talbots to check out my new favorite skirt in person:

And I was completely blown away by the fabulousness of the clothes. I have never really been a Talbots shopper and I thought, "Either I am getting old, or Talbots has really upped it's game." I planned in my head an oh so clever and beautiful post about Talbot's new clothes. I even wrote it on a blog to do list and then promptly did nothing.

Enter the hippest girl I don't know, Jordan. Who blogged about it here.

So, here's my late-to-the-party attempt. Talbots new model, the gorgeous Julianne Moore, modeling some of their new line:

Everything in the store is very Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O. Stylish, graceful, feminine.

Here are a few of my favorites:

And don't even get me started on their shoes.

Sadly I am sized (and priced) out of much their clothing, but it is still fun to look.

Chicago

2011-03-03T10:37:00.000-08:00

Did I mention I was in Chicago last weekend? We flew Grandma in to watch the kids and I spent the weekend with Mark. Who was working mostly. So I was alone mostly. For a busy mother of four, it is insanely luxurious to spend so much time alone, sprinkled with dates with my husband.

Here are some pictures of my travels. (Oh yes, I was super touristy and took loads of pictures.)

Wouldn't it be fun to live here?

A favorite shop:

The Wives of Henry Oades by Johanna Moran

2011-03-02T20:46:00.000-08:00

The Wives of Henry Oades by Johanna Moran

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

So, this was another pull off the shelf at the library and give it a go. Such an interesting plot, which may or may not have been taken from an actual court case: In 19th century, a British family moves to New Zealand. Wife and children are kidnapped by natives and after years of searching, thought dead. Consumed with grief the devastated husband sails for America and begins a new life and eventually finds a new wife. Back in New Zealand, original wife and kids are freed and make their way to America - SURPRISE! You're a polygamist.

I thought this was compelling and was anxious to see how the author would handle this situation.

Unfortunately, not well. I didn't like how the author handled the story. At all. Not because of personal taste, but because it was poorly done. The husband in the first half of the book and the husband in the second half of the book were completely different characters. Consistency was only one of the problems with the plot. The differing narration was confusing and not well done.

Also, and this is a matter of personal taste, I found it really annoying that ALL religious people in the book were harsh, judgmental, and small minded.

Skip this. I gave it 3 stars mostly for an interesting premise.

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Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg

2011-03-02T20:09:00.000-08:00

Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Disclosure: Pride and Prejudice is my favorite book. I have read several of the modern remakes of P&P. (Cowboy religious, British play, Florida retirees, I've read them all.) They ranged from terrible to painful. To be fair: How can you remake the best book ever written?

With that said: Prom and Prejudice was all that a YA modern day P&P should be: fun and entertaining. I thought her plot followed the P&P format fairly well. As I read I found myself anxious to see how Eulberg will work the plot into her modern day story. What will she do with Collins? How will the first proposal work in? So enjoyable to see it all unfold.

Without giving away plot, I liked the first 3/4 of the book better than the last 1/4. I thought the plot towards the end of the book was weaker and didn't follow the original as well.

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A Good Laugh

2011-02-18T12:02:00.001-08:00

Are you in need of a good laugh?

The conversation between my 9 year old and I before Valentine's Day:

H: Remember when you made a Valentine's shirt for D that said, "Chick Magnet"? Can you make me one like that?
Me: Sure, you want it to say "Chick Magnet"?
H: No, I want it to say:

Me (totally laughing): Are you sure? Will you really wear that to school?
H: Yeah, I will.

And he really did. Can you imagine what his teacher thought?

Everyone needs a kid like H. He just cracks me up.

Wish lists

2011-02-17T20:33:00.000-08:00

More cute stuff. None of which I need. I just enjoy looking at pretty things.

From Old Navy:

I had a similar pair of shoes last summer. Wore them all the time. Same with the capris, only lighter fabric. I would love them in the darker rinse.

From Anthropologie:

I love, love, love the color of the top: Carie Red. Don't even get me started on the yellow dress. I normally don't go for animal prints, but I can't stop thinking about the jacket. The skirt is amazing on. (Incidentally, I could buy the entire selection from Old Navy for the cost of one of the Antro items. Oh Anthro.)

Urban Outfitters:

I am obsessed with pleats these days.

Talbots:

The. Perfect. Skirt.

From Gap:
(both on sale this weekend)

Tulle sleeves? I'm in. And this bow shirt says 'Hello Kate Spade' to me.

Just in case you were wondering: Since Valentine's Day these two now have a new home in my closet.

Banana Republic cardigan and Gap top. And bonus: both were really good deals.

What are you drooling over this season?

I've seen it before.

2011-02-10T10:17:00.000-08:00

Who is tired of movies where the leading man is a womanizing jerk who goes from girl to girl until he meets a completely fantastic woman he's not worthy of?

I sure am.

Some Valentine's Day Love

2011-02-10T09:39:00.000-08:00

A little decorating for Valentine's Day.

Mantel:
Pillows I made years ago:
Your favorite and mine, the kissing picture:
A gentle reminder:

We cut out bunches of hearts and taped them to our windows. All sorts of shapes and different colors. It makes me happy every time I see it.

We also decorated bedroom doors. The girl's hearts were pinks and reds.

The boy's hearts were sports papers. (The boys were less than thrilled with the idea of having hearts on their doors. Boys are so weird. They went along with it anyway.)

The Summer We Read Gatsby: A Novel by Danielle Ganek

2011-02-08T11:53:00.000-08:00

The Summer We Read Gatsby: A Novel by Danielle Ganek

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was such a pleasant surprise. One I literally just pulled off the shelf at the library and thought I would give it a whirl. How can a book with Gatsby in the title be bad? Four stars may be generous, but I had low expectations so 4 it is. What I liked about this book:

1. Quirky but not too quirky. Funny characters - especially Peck who I thought would be so annoying but became endearing.

2. Character growth. Huge character growth. This is big for me - I need characters that change and become better.

3. The author not afraid of a happy ending. If you are going to wrap it up nicely, you might as well put a bow on it!

4. No racy sex scenes and no raunchy parts.

5. Really funny epilogue.

Didn't like: occasional strong language (Peck!) and brief casual drug use.

After the Kiss by Terra Elan McVoy

2011-02-08T11:50:00.000-08:00

After the Kiss by Terra Elan McVoy

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a really different read, and I mean that in a good way. Mostly. This story was written from alternating perspectives: Becca and Camille. Liked that. Becca and Camille wrote in two different styles: Becca's parts were written in poems and Camille's a part was written free-verse prose (a little like stream of consciousness, if you ask me.) I liked that. In fact that is what kept me reading. I'm not much of a poetry girl, so it stretched me a bit. Also, while things were vaguely implied, this book was clean. Liked that.

What I didn't like was the intensity of the "love" of the teenagers. Drove me crazy. Really? At 17? I thought it was annoying, but it resolved itself in the end.

Overall, a great read especially if you are looking for something different.

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New Year's Resolution #2

2011-02-02T12:01:00.000-08:00

Who says that Resolutions have to be declared in the first week of January? Not me. I like time to mull over. I like time to ruminate and define.

New Year's Resolution #2? NO MORE DISCLAIMERS.

What's a Disclaimer, you ask?

"My house is such a mess, I didn't have time to clean." vs. "Come on in, I'm so glad came over!"

"I would have made homemade cookies but I ran out of sugar." vs. Dropping off the store-brought version without comment.

"You probably already have plans but do you want to . . ." vs. "I am going to the park at 2, do you want to come?"

"I wanted to get you the gray, but I couldn't find it so I had to buy the green." vs. Simply including the gift receipt.

"I didn't turn out as good as it should have, I had to rip out the seam 3 times." vs. Not pointing out the flaws.

Another side of the disclaimer: being negative after a compliment or trying to downplay something great about myself.

You want an example of that?

Friend: "Your hair looks great."
Me: "It's all smoke and mirrors. I am the worst at hairdos." (I mean, what if I just said "Thanks!" instead?)

As I've thought about it, a disclaimer essentially does two things: 1) highlights negatives about myself or 2) turns the situation/conversation back to me - when it shouldn't be.

So, no more disclaimers.

Deal of the Day - Bread Machine.

2011-02-01T10:59:00.000-08:00

My friend (the Enchantress) and I were walking laps at the gym post work out. She mentioned that she had made cinnamon rolls for her kids that morning. Casually. As if everyone just whips out cinnamon rolls.
_____
Me: Cinnamon rolls take forever!
Enchantress: I use my bread machine. It makes it much easier.
(Side note - the Enchantress is always making various and sundry delicious treats in said bread machine.)
Me: I've looked at buying a bread machine but they are really pricey. Maybe I will have to ask for one for Mother's Day.
(Side note - Sometimes asking for small appliances as gifts is so lame. When you could be asking for a the grey wedge Toms or the Sun Shades dress.)
Enchantress: Oh, I bought mine at the thrift store downtown. They always have 3 or 4. I bought it for next to nothing and it works great. My sister even picked one up there when she was visiting.

. . . Can you believe the genius-ness of the Enchantress? Take a moment to bask in her clever ways. . .

Me: I am heading down there today.
____
I am here to tell you that I did just that and picked up this little beauty* for $10. (Originally $20 but all the small appliances were half off!)

The Enchantress was particularly impressed that mine came with the instruction manual and recipe book (in their original plastic bag no less.)

Here is our first loaf of bread. (Half eaten.)

While I was there I browsed through the clothes and found a skirt and a sweater. (The skirt was part of a set with a fancy shoulder padded jacket, matching print. I passed on the jacket and donated it right back.)

I also picked up 2 sweaters for my teenager. $23 total for the 4 items and bread maker.

As I type, I have this recipe for cinnamon rolls on the dough cycle. Very nice.

*I nearly forgot the best part of the story, another friend came over and told me she has the exact same bread machine (different color) and they paid over $100 for it.

$100 Rule

2011-01-28T11:52:00.001-08:00

source

Did you see this link on Design Mom?

This is the best shopping rule ever. Would I pay $100 for this? Then don't bother.

This Week on TV

2011-01-28T11:43:00.000-08:00

Love to watch this kid play. Did you see his 43 points against San Diego State? Unbelievable. Amazing. Not to mention his third 40+ point game in a week. We are BIG fans of Jimmer Fredette in this house.

And I really didn't think I would, but I am loving these two on Idol. Jennifer Lopez is lovely. Steven Tyler is so entertaining. I didn't think he would take this seriously, but he does.

Lego Poster Instructions

2011-01-25T13:42:00.000-08:00

Step by step guide, not that it's Rocket Science but still. You may want one of these bad boys for your very own.

1. Buy the MiniFigure Ultimate Sticker Collection Book from Target ($12ish) and poster board. Determine the measurements. I went 8 Minifigs wide and 6 long. Before placing any stickers, I measured distances with a ruler and marked lightly with a pencil.

2. Let the sticker placement begin.

Best part about this book? They give you two of each sticker, so your kid will still have an entire set of stickers to play with when you finish.

3. Once I was finished putting on all the stickers, I erased the lines.

4. Frame it. Perferably in an old frame you have laying around.

Lego Room for the Boy

2011-01-25T12:50:00.000-08:00

If you were, say turning 9, wouldn't it be fun if your mom re-decorated your room as a birthday surprise? Perhaps not. But if it was turned into a LEGO room you might be pretty excited.

First order of business: He needed new bedding. He inherited the bunk beds when his older brother got his own room. Big brother had the nerve to take half of the bedding with him! Bunk beds with bedding for one = problem.

I found this bedding from JCPenney. The colors matched his rug and I liked the idea of the dots with the Lego theme. Best of all, the sets were inexpensive and will therefore be easy to part with in a few years.

I made this SUPER Minifig Lego poster for his room.(Minifigs, just so you know, is what those in the know call the little Lego dudes. So if you were calling them little Lego dudes, you were wrong.) Not to brag but all my idea. All by myself. I will post how-to tomorrow.

Oh, how I wish I took better pictures.

But, the VERY best part of the room came with the wall art. I have some extraordinarily talented friends. I may have mentioned this before. They came over and painted minifigs on his walls. I helped paint. Ish.

The pictures don't do them justice, they are so stinking cool.

I give you Luke and R2D2.

Darth Vadar.
Indianna Jones.
Nacho Libre and Batman.

And the Ninja.
How did we do it? We began by looking up minifigs on the computer (thank you google.) Once we connected my computer with a projector, we traced the outlines on to the wall with a pencil. Next we painted with acrylic paint. Even a novice like me could do most of the work. Final step was using a permanent marker -both black and silver- for final details (outlining, etc.)

Maybe you are wondering, what happens in 2 years when he doesn't want a Lego room? All you have to do is sand, prime and paint. Easy.

Room views:

This shows the bedding. The ottoman at the foot of the bed (from Target) is perfect for Lego playing and storage. And it matches perfectly.

This book shelf provides more storage and oh look, there is my fancy poster.

He felt the need to put on his Nacho mask. How could he not?

He LOVES his room. Hooray.

Planning Ahead

2011-01-22T11:55:00.001-08:00

Good news, I found the skirt for my Easter outfit. (And thank you Loft for the gorgeous copy of last year's JCrew Watercolor Floral Pastiche Skirt.)

(It's not that short on me.)

And bonus, good chance it will be marked down between now and the end of April.

The Cardturner by Louis Sachar

2011-01-22T11:38:00.000-08:00

The Cardturner: A Novel about a King, a Queen, and a Joker by Louis Sachar

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

YA fiction. About Bridge. As in the card game. Can it be done?

Why yes it can. I certainly didn't follow all of the bridge but I did follow the story and thought it was very good. Recommended.

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