Favorite Books

Summer is the perfect time for catching up on great books while enjoying the sunshine outside or resting in the cool air conditioned comfort of your living room. I have a few books that I have read over the past couple of years that are at the top of my favorites list. As part of my summer to-do list, I wanted to reread a few of my favorites and here is the selection:

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert - such a great book and a must read for every woman!

 The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin - an inspiring book and lots of practical advice on living a happy life!

A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle - this book made me think about ego, consciousness, and spirit in ways I never imagined... truly inspiring!

I just started reading Eat, Pray, Love again today and have already been captivated by Elizabeth Gilbert's story and the dream of taking a journey similar to hers. One of my favorite things about rereading a book is that the experience can be completely different than the first time based on where you are in your own life's journey and what your current focus is on. Once I have finished Eat, Pray, Love, I plan to reread both the Happiness Project and A New Earth before the summer is over. Lots of reading to enjoy!

Reading is one of those great pleasures in life and there is never enough time to read as many books as I would like to. My to-be-read list is getting longer each month and I look forward to each time I can curl up with a great book and be captivated by the author's talent. Happy Reading!

Amazing Blogs: 'The Complete Guide to Imperfect Homemaking' and 'The Year of Less'

One of my favorite parts of blogging is staying updated on all of the fabulous blogs I follow. Keeping track of who is posting new recipes, amazing craft ideas, party planning inspiration, and thought provoking ideas is one of my favorite things! I have a few new favorites and plenty of tried and true amazing bloggers that inspire me to create, bake, enjoy life, and be happy. If you are looking for ideas, inspiration, or just something to do for a few hours... then check out the list of my favorite blogs in the right column... so many fun ideas and so little time! :)

The newest addition to my favorite blogs list is by an inspiring stay at home mom with 5 (soon to by 6) kiddos and lots of great ideas. She has two blogs that I have begun following: The Complete Guide to Imperfect Homemaking and The Year of Less. I am completely captivated by her ideas and lifestyle and the incredible ideas she comes up with day after day. The Year of Less blog is all about simplifying your life and making room for the things that matter in your life. She will be posting every day for one year on something that will foster a simpler life. She is only on day 4 so far and I am already inspired to make changes in my life. I look forward to following her posts and updates each day and becoming inspired by her wit and creativity!

Rachael Ray Cookware Set

Guess what arrived on my doorstep yesterday.... this adorable 10 piece cookware set from Rachael Ray's cooking line!

I ordered this last weekend using my credit card reward points and absolutely love that I was able to receive the entire set and not have to pay a dime, not even for shipping. I unpacked the box this morning and the adorable orange color is all over my kitchen. I have a few of the pots on the stove top to use tonight for my husband's birthday dinner with family and friends. Stay tuned for tomorrow when I will post the delicious chili recipe that is on the menu for tonight. Happy Sunday and happy cooking!

iPad2 - AMAZING!

A few days ago I bought an iPad2 and it is one of the most amazing things I have ever had! The technology of this almost paper thin device is just incredible to me and so much fun to play with! I have been busy downloading apps, reading an iBook, and browsing the web on the comfort of my couch. I have been thinking about buying one for awhile and I finally decided it was time to do something nice for myself and spend the money on something I would truly enjoy. I also bought the adorable pink cover to protect my iPad and the pink is so me! I am officially addicted to my iPad, which has made fitting everything into my schedule a bit of a challenge the last few days. I can't wait to post about my favorite apps in the months to come... love love love it!