Reading List

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I had a whirlwind trip to Florida this past weekend. While the trip itself wasn't necessarily for pleasure (meetings and such), I did have the pleasure of spending many many hours in the car with a fabulous book. 

I'm not sure if I've mentioned it, but I am a member of a monthly book club. We've been meeting since 2008 (!!!!), and while I don't always read every pick, I love that we are each devoted to giving it the good college try. This month, our pick was All the Light We Cannot See, and I absolutely LOVED it! The historical fiction story takes place in Paris during the Holocaust and alternates points of view between a blind teenage girl and a member of Hitler's Youth. Both teenagers in a tumultuous time, each character fights an inner struggle to maintain his/her true identity in a time in which everyone is expected to blend. The plot ebbs and flows and the sea of characters met on each page draws you further and further into the tale. Oh, and did I mention at the center of it all there is a mystery surrounding a very rare, very large diamond? Quick! Order it. You won't regret it.

Now that I'm back on a reading kick, I have a few other titles I'm looking forward to trying. Find them below!

5 Books on My Summer Reading List

For most people, summer means an opportunity to finally catch up with a good book, and that's no different for me. Over the past few months, I've enjoyed a few really awesome novels (most notably this one, this one, and this one), but I'm itching to get my hands on a few more. Whether you're reading one on the front porch or on the beach, I've rounded up 5 must-reads for this season. I can't wait to dive into each one! What's on your summer reading list?

the goldfinch / the one & only / burial rites / flying shoes / serena

Books by Bloggers

One of the most empowering things about this Blogworld is the recurring theme that if you put your mind to it, you can accomplish it. I am continually impressed by the entrepreneuresses, small businesses, and now, authors. I want to put one of each of these books on my shelf - and I love that each one sold supports someone who took a moment, reflected, and decided to pursue his/her dreams.

1. Cupcakes and Cashmere / 2. Blog, Inc. / 3. Young House Love

 4. Good Bones, Great Pieces / 5. Design Sponge

P.S. I just signed up for Allison's Christmas City Blog Swap. I am SO excited for this one. Check it out!

Blogs You Should Be Reading II

Hi, my name's Nicole and I am addicted to blogs. Reading blogs is how I unwind in the evening, and I love all of the inspiration and creativity I get from them. Plus, you can almost always find a great new outfit, piece of furniture, or fabulous bauble. I published the first round of blogs you should be reading a few months ago, and today I am ready to post round 2! Be sure to check out each of these lovely ladies and show them some love.

Social Sara

 

 

Julie Leah

 

Peach Gingham

 

Your Southern Peach

Modern Jane   

On Books: The Casual Vacancy

Thought you all might be interested in this little tidbit I found on Amazon last week: The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling. Whaaaat?! A grown-up book by THE juvenile book queen? My heart be still and my Visa be ready for pre-order.

Get to Reading: Online Magazines

The internet has opened up a world of possibilities for aspiring writers. First came blogging including everything from interior design to fashion to fashion inspired by interior design. The craze has been huge and has proven to be a successful and meaningful outlet for thousands if not hundreds of thousands of bloggers across the world. Lately, though, bloggers have taken their craft to new heights and given print media a run for their money by creating and contributing to a new style of writing - online magazines.

There are so many great online magazines out there to be digested. Almost all of them are free and are published as often as their print counterparts. These 'zines are interactive - meaning you can click on almost any product and be taken to the product's site for easy purchasing. Neat, right? This new style of reading had me at hello. Here are some that you might enjoy flipping through:

Matchbook

Highgloss

Poppy 

(special announcement about this one coming soon!)

Sweet Lemon

House of Fifty

Do you have a favorite online magazine that I should be reading? Be sure to comment and let me know!

Girls Get Your Bearings: Manner & Lane

I've long been jealous of the southern gentleman's go-to guide: Bearings. The site's rustic but classic design draws in the man who knows a good beer when he tastes one, but also understands the importance of a well-tailored shirt. I'll admit, sometimes I sneaked a peek at what the boys were up to over at Bearings, but now I don't have to be a voyeur to enjoy a slice of the southern pie. Enter Manner and Lane, Bearings' sister site and lifestyle guide for the southern woman. The site is still working to fill its pages, but I certainly enjoyed perusing their current features like the Summer Road Trip Essentials and Nashville's The Peach Truck. This site will definitely be one of my regular reads (especially the weddings section); you can sign up for their bi-weekly newsletter here to get your own dose of southern charm.

Blogs You Should Be Reading

Twitter has opened up an entire world of blogs I never knew existed - and I spend countless hours reading them. One of the things that I try to do with a new blog is meander all the way back to its humble beginnings...literally back to page one! In honor of my blog's face life, I thought I'd share with you some of my new favorite haunts. These recent acquisitions to my google reader have made me a little wiser and a lot more stylish! Take the time to take a peek at each of these great reads:

Curating Style 

 

Meredith & Gwyneth, the New Yorkie 

Chevrons & Stripes

Modern Eve

Domestikated Life

Southern Living Top 5: May

It's no secret that I love Southern Living magazine. I am giddy when it comes in the mail every month and zip through it dog-earing pages left and right. There is always good advice, savvy tips, and scrumptious recipes.  May's issue JUST hit newsstands, but I am already smitten. The cover alone makes you want to add it to your cart.

Since you all might not subscribe to the magazine, or may not always have time to read it, I thought I'd start giving you my Top 5 Things I Learned every month starting with May.

Zucchini Fritters & Tzatziki Dreams

If you haven't checked out The Everygirl yet, put it on your to do list. Better yet, jet over there now and check out all that it has to offer. The site has been all the buzz around blogland, and I have enjoyed exploring it daily. Every other week or so, the Everygirl team serves up a grocery list and recipe guide for 10 meals under $50. Penny-pinching single ladies and those cooking for just two, this is for you! The recipes are all super easy and the beautiful pictures are salivating.

This week, Hunter and I tried out the zucchini fritters (upper left corner) and they were incredible! So delightful, I have no pictures to share, but the recipe below should make you want to grab a zucchini and get to work. The original intent was to follow the plan for the week, but this week's busy schedule didn't allow for it. However, I am planning to feature a week's worth of meals following the plan in the coming weeks. Get excited, and get yourself over to The Everygirl NOW!

recipe & all pictures courtesy of theeverygirl.com

On Blogs: Roll Call

I absolutely am addicted to reading blogs. It's the way I wind-down in the evenings, and it's how I get some of my great inspirations and DIY ideas. Everyone knows about the biggies like Little Green Notebook, Made by Girl, and Mrs. Lilien. But, here are a few newbies that you might not know about, but definitely should:

Sequins and Stripes

I Love Your Crazy

Design Darling

Explore and enjoy!

On Books: Girl in a Blue Dress

When Borders closed in Buckhead a few months ago, I went and stocked up on some random titles that I had never heard of. Mostly because these were the ones that were 70% off. I am finally starting to work my way through them, and I started with Girl in a Blue Dress by Gaynor Arnold.

 
Told from the perspective of Charles' Dickens forgotten wife Dorothea, the novel chronicles the couple's marriage from its romantic beginnings to its tumultuous demise. From the onset the reader is privy to the fact that not only has Charles (called Alfred) ditched his wife, but has found a solstice in both his sister-in-law and a mistress. I was hoping for a romantic love story turned sour, but what I found were a few disappointing and rather disturbing facts about Charles Dickens that made me judge (and somewhat despise) this literary great. Arnold says that she was careful to choose different names for her characters to give them some freedoms in the novel, but that the basic plot is very much based on the famous couple. While interesting and educational, the novel falls short in its story-telling. I found myself having to push through it several times.

Overall, not my favorite book ever, but it was worth the read to learn a little more about Dickens' life.

Read this if you liked: The Other Boleyn Girl

If you enjoyed it try: The Paris Wife

On Magazines: HGTV

I love a good magazine - the pictures, the quick and easy ideas, the articles - everything about them makes me happy! Last week, I picked up the first ever copy of HGTV magazine, and I loved it! This is one I'd consider subscribing to. All of your favorite stars are in it offering great advice, and there is tons of advice to give! Pick up a copy; it's on newsstands now.

These are a few of Our Favorite Things

Inspired by Oprah and Pinterest, this year my friends and I decided to have a "Favorite Things" party for our Christmas gathering. We had so much fun sharing our favorite thing stories, opening gifts, touring Ross's new house, and eating a scrumptious dinner. We all agreed the only thing missing was Sarah :)

My favorite thing was Health Magazine, an awesome read that combines beauty, style, recipes, and inspirational work-outs. I gave everyone a year's subscription and a water bottle.

(from L to R) Olivia gave us all special socks that keep your feet warm and moisture free; I cannot wait to use them in Chicago. Erin S. gave 3 letter-pressed cards. She loves sending mail, so this was perfect for her! Lindsay gave Essie nail polish. We are all excited to take our bottle to the salon on our next trip! Erin P. gave us a cute post-it pad and a fancy pen (she loves lists), and Lauren made everyone a homemade meal including soup, bread, and 7 layer bars. YUM!

As the night wound-down, we all got excited about our ideas for next year. Merry Christmas!

Good Reads: Garden & Gun

This month's issue - from www.gardenandgun.com

Garden & Gun magazine is my latest good read. I have always loved my monthly copy of Southern Living. In fact, I have very vivid memories of devouring stacks of old issues one after another on rainy days at home (occasionally cutting out pictures for a school project or 2) . And, while I am still a Southern Living girl at heart, Garden & Gun is a great sister read. It's a smaller 'zine with fewer issues during the year (bi-monthly), but so far I'm loving our August/September edition.

In fact, I think all of you would get a kick out of this month's cover story Redefining the Southern Belle. I had skimmed the article the first time I flipped through the magazine, but I am so glad I went back to read every word. It certainly puts the icing on the red-velvet cake about what it means to be a Southern woman. Be sure to read-up on all of the amazing women that are highlighted including Emily Giffin & Kathryn Stockett, and be on the lookout for the magazine in and around town. Or, maybe even subscribe!