Happy Birthday to ME!

 It's my birthday!  I came downstairs to find the kitchen table covered with pink and green wrapped presents and the Little Prince keeps talking about cake.  It's going to be a fun day!

I will be going out for lunch then tonight the Danish Exchange Student will be doing her presentation for the Rotary Club.  Then perhaps drinkies in a fancy bar!

It's also Mr Toad's birthday - please hop over there as well to say Happy Birthday to him!


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Eating like an aristocrat

Last month I found myself in Yorkville quite by surprise so I insisted on a stop at Pusateri's for some treats.  I tried kale chips for the first time.  Me no likey.  I don't understand what the big deal is about them.  I do understand the big deal about cashews dipped in maple crunch then covered with chocolate.  I didn't even get a taste of the salmon - but the cheese was amazingly yummy!  If anyone has any tips on how to crack a quail egg please let me know - they are tough little things!


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Lacrosse for the first time

This weekend I took the Danish Exchange Student to a lacrosse game in the next town.  I have never been to one before and didn't have a clue what to expect.  I know the game is quite popular in the US as I get a lot of requests at Royal Ribbons for LAX themed ribbon, magnets etc but it had not occurred to me to go watch a game before now.  Some observations:  It's a very quiet game, running doesn't make much noise. The whistle seems to mean nothing, it doesn't always stop the play.  The goalies are huge and the net is very small...and yet it's still a high scoring game.  Lacrosse players smell as bad as hockey players.


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An artist's interpretation

 

  
My friend John, over at The Wide Wale, loves to do drawings of preppy girls.  For years I have said he should draw his friends and one day...I found this is my email.  How cute!  I am sure it was inspired by this outfit...

'

 

I am always posting photos of my outfits and John must've been further inspired because a few days later I opened my email to find this one waiting for me!  Adorable!

Thank you John!  I love your artist's interpretation of me!


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Low Carb, Gluten Free Pasta Bake

I've been asked for this recipe a number of times - here I am finally getting around to it!  I first saw it here and have made it dozens of times, sometimes with slight variations.  I never measure anything so it's a little bit different each time, but it's always very yummy! The beauty of cooking is freedom - if you like your pasta with more sauce, add more.  If you like more cheese, add more cheese.  If you need more flavour, add more Italian seasoning or garlic.  Don't be afraid to stray from the recipe to suit your own taste.

The vegetables being saute'd - this is an important step as it reduces the water and cooks the carrots.  It takes quite a while so give yourself at least an hour to get from turning the stove on until you are putting the casserole into the oven.  

Ingredients

1 whole spaghetti squash
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 red pepper, diced (I use at least two peppers, green and red)
1 zucchini, diced (I omitted this and it was just fine)
1 carrot, shredded (I just put a whole bag of shredded carrots in) 
2 cloves garlic, minced (I use jarred garlic)
1 tomato, diced (I skipped this because they aren't in season right now)
16 ounces tomato sauce (I use a whole jar)
4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (whatever, I put most of the bag in)
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan

I obviously saw this recipe as a skeleton and incomplete!

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Poke spaghetti squash all over with a knife and place the poked squash on a baking pan and bake at 375 degrees for 45 to 60 minutes. While that's cooking, add the oil, garlic, pepper, zucchini, and carrots to a pan, cooking over medium heat.
• Cut the squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and with a fork, scrape the flesh from the peel. It should flake off easily in strings, resembling spaghetti. Place the spaghetti squash flesh in a casserole dish. Add the cooked veggies, diced tomato, sauce, and most of the cheese and mix well. Sprinkle leftover cheese on top and bake for 30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly.
• Allow to cool for five minutes, serve, and enjoy!

The recipe says 30 minutes - but I like mine extra cheesy and extra crispy so I put it in for more like 50 minutes.  I would say it easily serves 10 as a side dish but I eat it on it's own with a little bit of extra cheese on it.  2 minutes in the microwave and I have a great lunch that wont tack itself directly to my hips or backside.


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Dressing For Work - OOTD

I am used to wearing bright colours most of the time so working at a funeral home has provided the challenge of dressing around the colour black.  I put this together last night so it's ready for me this morning:  black skirt, black gingham shirt, grey cardi, pearls...natch, black trench coat, cashmere scarf, black leather gloves and shoes. 

You like?


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How the Conversation Went - Little Prince Edition

I've never professed to write a mommy blog.  I write a blog, and happen to be a mommy.  I don't put an awful lot of thought into my mommyness, I simply feel I should go about my life, set a good example while teaching the Little Prince to be polite, give to the community, eat lots of fruits and veggies, and look a person in the eye while shaking hands.

My blog is very narcissistic, it's my space, it's about moi.  I write about what interests me.  Never once have I blogged about Thomas the Tank Engine and his place in my life.  Until today.

 

The Little Prince has a selection of Thomas movies.  He gets them from Santa, his grandparents, and occasionally we find them online.  The latest favourite is The Great Discovery and I confess, I've never watched it.  I'm the mom who lets the Little Prince watch a DVD so I can  get some stuff done.  The TV has been the best, most reliable babysitter I have ever met, and given that the Little Prince scored in the 96th percentile on his kindergarten readiness test and has been reading since he was 2, I don't see the harm in tv.  

Anyhoo, this particular movie is narrated by Piece Brosnan.  Remington Steele for some, James Bond for others, Whathisname from Mama Mia for the rest.  At one time Ringo Starr narrated, even George Carlin had his turn.  Can you imagine inviting him into your living room to chat with your children?  No?  Me neither, but someone thought it was a good idea and now his voice is heard in my den ever day.

For those who don't have children you wont know how much thought goes into marketing to them.  In this latest DVD case came a book about the video, along with a few pages of toys my child might be interested in.  Now, many of you might think this is blatant and shameful - and it is - but I actually appreciate it.  I am way too busy and live way too far from a mall to spend any time searching for something my loved ones might like.  The Little Prince gets what he talks about the most - I order it online, have it shipped to the house then tuck it away for Christmas, his birthday, the Easter Bunny...
 

The latest item on the Little Prince's wish list is this.  I can't remember what it's called but I am sure I will be reminded about it until it is taking up space on my basement floor.  Kudos to the reps from the nuclear cleanup company who had to install monitors - they tiptoed around miles of track and trains while a certain 4 year old was having a panic attack over the safety of his railway.  The Little Prince has been carrying the DVD booklet around with him, sleeping with it, studying it.  If I had put this much energy into high school textbooks I would be a Phd in something by now.  But that's another story....

Little Prince:  Mommy!!  Have you seen this?  It's the Tidmouth Sheds Playset!  (I guess I did remember what it's called after all)
Suburban Princess:  Oh?  Yes, very nice. 
Little Prince:  I need to get it!!!
Suburban Princess:  Hm, how do you think you will do that?
Little Prince:  I don't know
Suburban Princess:  Where would you get it?
Little Prince:  The Tidmouth Sheds Playset Store!!
Suburban Princess:  Where is that store? 
Little Prince:  I don't know *starts to look a little bit sad*
Suburban Princess:  Who could you ask?
Little Prince:  *thinks for a few moments*  Maybe Pierce Brosnan knows?
Suburban Princess:  *chokes on a cup of morning coffee then sits down to write a blog post*




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Pinklette - A new shopping experience!

When I came across Pinklette a little while ago I was so excited to find an online shop with so many great preppy items.  I love that they have gathered them all into one place - every piece is a winner!

The owner is delightful and will ship internationally.  Shipping within the US is around 8.00.  Shipping to Canada is around 16.00 (that must be Priority shipping) and international shipping is by request.

I have picked out a few of my favourites (you have no idea how hard it was to narrow the list down) so you can see just how appealing this e-biz is.

 The Derby Bracelet

Arkballows Hull Outlook Earring

 Knot of Love Earrings

Confetti Necklace

Lippy Muffy's Hearsay

Classic Fleur de Lis Post Earrings

 The Lux Bracelet

Park Avenue Necklace

Spade Earrings (several colours available)

Enamel Starfish Necklace (several colours available)

 Monogrammed Shoe Clips

Most Pinklette items are under 50.00 so very affordable for items that appeal to preppies everywhere.  Stop by and say hello, let them know I sent you!

*hint*hint* My birthday is coming soon!  I would love to find any of these waiting for me all wrapped up in pretty paper.


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A Chilly Winter Day Outfit

I've become very unimaginative in my dressing these days.  It's too cold to think much about what to wear, thank goodness I have the same pieces in every colour.  The jeans, shirt and cardi are repeated in my closet about 10 times each, all in different hues and patterns.  It's like Garanimals for harried mommies.

Nothing beats some cognac neutrals - they go with everything.  No thinking, no stressing. 

Pearls carry me from yoga class to rubbing elbows with the muckymucks.

I wore this to a lunch meeting with someone who works with the homeless.  He told me he isn't used to such well dressed people sitting down to hear what he has to say.  Our fundraiser is tomorrow night.  Obviously he had something powerful to say.


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Downton Deliberations

Happy Tuesday!  I feel like I'm a day late and a dollar short - apologies for being tardy with this post.  The Etiquette Guy had his posted right on time but Monday just got away from me - four meetings in one day will do that!  But here we are, discussing this week's episode of Downton Abbey.  I admit I realized too late that it was a double episode so my review is just for the first half.

Next week's episode is the Christmas Special.  I will confess, I've seen it.  But then you should know that as I have the entire season posted on my blog.  Have your tissues handy.

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People will stare.

 

People will stare.  Make it worth their while. Terrific advice...don't you think?

It takes just as much effort to look like a slob as it does to look presentable.  If your hair isn't washed, put on a cute chapeau.  If you don't feel like fixing your face (not that it needs to be fixed but it's such a quaint expression) a swipe of powder and a tinted lip balm will take you from Wintery washed out to polished in under one minute.  A long coat hides a multitude of sins (even jammies tucked into tall boots for a midnight run to the drug store - trust me on this one). 

It has been another whirlwind few weeks - meetings for every committee under the sun, lobster dinner, business excellence, civic awards, young professionals, politics etc.  Oh and on top of that I have Royal Ribbons to run and business is pouring in...so I'm hopping all day long.  Not to mention my little part time job - I got a message last night to come to work on Saturday morning.  Good thing I have a wardrobe ready to take me anywhere!

I discovered one of the moms from the Little Prince's school just got her yoga certification so I took her very first class last night.  I am thrilled to have yoga in town again! 

I took the Danish exchange student to a community dinner that is put on by the poverty coalition.  It started at the seedy hotel and was frequented by welfare types and drug addicts but the guy in charge has done a tremendous job of building it up, getting people the help they need, and cleaning up the hotel.  Now the dinner is open for anyone to come so we stopped in, had a bite to eat, chatted with some people and helped clean up. The Cheeky Reaper and I are hosting a fundraiser for this group - we have 150 tickets to sell to a movie screening and champagne reception so it was nice to spend time with the people we are doing it for and some of the people on their board of directors. 

I am getting my hair cut this afternoon.  I've been letting it grow out a bit over the winter but I think I will cut it back to summer length again.  I just don't have the time or inclination to blow it out every single day.  Stay tuned to find out how it went with my stylist!

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Downton Deliberations

What a great episode last night!  Jay, the Etiquette Guy and I have once again written our reviews of this week's Downton Abbey.  We both had a lot to say!  Pop over to his blog to read what we think of Ethel working for Isobel and Tom wanting to baptize the baby catholic.

 
Downton Abbey products are always available at Royal Ribbons and any of the images can be put onto buttson, magnets, pocket mirrors, mugs and notepads!  To order please email RoyalRibbon@yahoo.com


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Shotgun Needlepoint

Back in the fall the Cheeky Reaper and I went out to a farmer's field and I got to practice shooting skeet with a couple of his shotguns.  Proving I shouldn't be messed with I accomplished hitting a moving target, or as I'm told it's called...I smoked that bird.  Not only can I hit a moving target, but I can hit it with a 410 which is a lot harder, so I'm told.

I wore duck boots, vintage embroidered cords, a grey sweater and a puffy vest, and pearls, natch.

 

As a teensie little thank you for expanding my skillset, I made a keyfob for the Cheeky Reaper's gun locker key.  I found a shotgun pattern and went to town.  I love doing keyfobs as they only take a day or two, even with my busy life!

The other side...can't forget the shells!  I really do need to do a better job attaching the hardware.  Once again I took this one off and redid it before gifting it. I should also start blocking my work, one of these years!


 Have a fabulous day!

Lakers vs Raptors (I was just the chaperone)

Each year the Rotary club gives the exchange student a nice Christmas present.  Each year they get taken to the city with one of the members to see a play.  No one ever asks the student what they might actually like to do.

When the time came to choose a present for our current exchange student we realized after spending enough time with her, we knew we could find something she would like more than a play.  Not that there's anything wrong with tickets to a play, but we know this girl, we could do better.

One night the Cheeky Reaper picked up the exchange student and me to go to dinner and a movie and we got talking about sports in the car.  The exchange student said one of the things she wants to do while here in Canada is go to a Raptors game.  The Cheeky Reaper started the process the next day.

We managed to get three tickets in January to see the Lakers in Toronto and printed off a poster for her to open at the Rotary Christmas party.  She was so excited!  Talk about making a 16 year old girl happy!  She said it's the best Christmas present ever!

We all piled into the car last Sunday morning and made our way into the city, found food, and most importantly, a bar, then armed with cups of vodka and snacks we found our seats.  None of us had any idea we would be above the clouds!  I blamed the lack of oxygen for my exhaustion by the time I got to the top, but it is probably more about me being out of shape, and a little tipsy (yeah, I get it...worst chaperone ever).

I learned a few things - basketball is a very quiet game, basketball fans are not.  The game starts and stops without much fanfare, fouls are called for what seems like nothing (hurting someone's feeling perhaps?), and food/drink vendors are not Sherpas and will not climb to the rafters.

The only one of us who is into basketball is the exchange student so the Cheeky Reaper and I spent a few hours glazed over, checking emails, looking around...the Raptors Girls came out and he perked up quite a bit, until the exchange student said, "It doesn't seem like you need to do much to be a cheerleader"  *snicker*

I had no idea what was going on, something about point lines - heck, all this time I thought we were the purple team!  The exchange student had the time of her life and we had a fabulous day together.  A couple of hours later we were all home full of stories of the day.

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Downton Deliberations

 Oh my...wasn't that quite the episode?  I'm still reeling!

I wonder if Jullian Fellowes gets many death threats?

The Etiquette Guy and I have weighed in over at his blog...pop over and have a read.


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New Year, New Food - Grain Free Raspberry Chocolate Muffins

As we do when a new year is upon us, I went in search of some healthy recipes to take me through the winter months.  I stumbled upon Detoxinista and have been eating well ever since.  The website is run by a holistic nutritionist and is organized by category.  It's very easy to find yummy, healthy recipes that cater to those of us who have tummy issues, food sensitivities and who also just like to eat quality meals that aren't full of preservatives and all that nasty stuff we should be avoiding as much as possible.  No one with a bad diet was ever accused of being 10 years younger than they actually are.  Isn't that motivation enough?

I have spent countless hours trolling the Detoxinista site and have made a list of all the ones I want to try.  Normally I could live on cheese, vegetables, chocolate and coffee...but with the Danish Exchange Student living with us now, I am forced to actually come up with, and provide proper meals.  Fortunately she likes cooking and is always asking what she can do to help - I might just survive this experience!  We tried the avocado chocolate pudding - it was phenomenal and really tastes like the best chocolate pudding ever.  I don't like avocados but I couldn't even taste them in this.  The site also includes recipes for cauliflower pizza crust, spaghetti squash 'pasta' casserole, and vegan/gluten free mac & cheese.  There is something for everyone, gluten free, celiac, paleo, low carb and how about...simply hungry!

I was looking for something we could make that would be easy for us to take in the morning, rushing for school, starving between meals (I had no idea how much teenagers eat) or when I just can't see myself putting a meal on the table.  I found these yummy looking muffins and decided to give them a try...

Raspberry Chocolate Chip Muffins (Grain-free)

• 2 cups almond flour (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 whole eggs
• ¼ cup coconut oil, softened (butter works, too)
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• 1 cup fresh raspberries (or thawed from frozen)
• ½ cup chocolate chips
• 12 muffin liners

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F and line a muffin tin with 12 paper liners.
2. Combine all the ingredients– except for the raspberries and chocolate chips– and mix well, until the batter is a uniform consistency.
3. Gently fold in the raspberries and chocolate chips, until they are spread throughout the batter.
4. Using a ¼ cup to measure, drop batter into muffin liners and bake for 15 minutes at 350F, turning the pan halfway through for even baking. The final muffins should be golden brown around the edges and firm in the center.
5. Allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then remove to cool completely.

These came together quickly and I had them in the oven in under 5 minutes.  The mixture seemed very thick, much thicker than it looks on the Detoxinista website, but they taste good and held up well.  We will be keeping these in the food rotation with some variations from time to time.  Bananas and peanut butter perhaps?



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Downton Deliberations Etc

I am a day behind this week but don't worry, The Etiquette Guy and I have another installment of Downton Deliberations for you!  This week we discuss a naughty Irishman, Edith's future, and the tough choices a mother has to make. Please pop over to Jay's blog to read our take on this week's episode.

In other news...

I passed my long gun exam!  95% overall which isn't bad (I am sure there are people who fail it).  A couple of the questions were very hard to understand so I just guessed at them.  The instructors were great and made the course and test fun - I can't wait until the end of February when I do the handgun course!

I finally figured out how to get my blog to email me when someone comments - so expect some interaction from me at long last.  Now if only I could figure out how to get it to let me add a 'Reply' button to your comments...



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Mad for Plaid - OOTD

If you are like me and keep Tumblr and Pinterest open 24 hours a day, you will have seen thousands of fabulous outfits that appeal to old school preps like me.  I find is fascinating to see what the younguns do these days with traditional looks, with slight modern twists.  I am forever collecting photos for my inspiration folder, scouring Polyvore for exact or similar items, and I spend more time that is normal organizing and staring at my wardrobe.  One of these days I will post a photo of my closet - it's quite shocking how many pieces I have.  I can assure you though, there will never be a moment I say 'I have nothing to wear'.  I can pull together an outfit for just about any occasion without little effort.  I reap the fruits of my sartorial labours after spending 25 years building my very own boutique.

 

I spotted this gem on Tumblr back in the fall (if this is you please email me so I can give you proper credit) and knew I had to be seen in something similar.  Thank goodness ON hit it out of the park this last season with shirts and coloured jeans, cords and khakis.

Plaid flannel shirt, red skinny cords, navy blazer, cognac boots, purse and watch.  Pearls, natch.  I wore this to a Rotary dinner and when I walked in one of the men asked me where I parked my horse.  I told him I have two words for him and they are not happy birthday.  Interesting though, this same man smokes a pipe - something we rarely ever see here.  Surely he knows about making a statement!

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Exam Time!

I have my first gun exam today.  I've spent the last 10 days making a million notes, practicing, and generally stressing out.  I haven't had to take an exam in at least 15 years and am not used to studying and remembering mass quantities of information. I think I am ready to recite Canadian firearm laws on demand, and prove I can load, half c*ck (I really don't need any p*rn spam) and unload 5 different long guns without incident.  Once I get through this I can apply for the first license and hope they grant it.  Then it's off to the gun shop to buy a shotgun and a case of clay pigeons!

Wish me luck!


Have a fabulous day!

MondayMondayMonday - Music Edition

Happy Monday!  Downton Deliberations has been posted on The Etiquette Guy's blog - I hope you enjoy our take on this week's episode of Downton Abbey.  Don't forget you can purchase all sorts of Downton inspired items (pocket mirrors, buttons, magnets, ribbon and mugs) from Royal Ribbons.  The fabulous drawings have been done by a Toronto artist and all can be turned into any product you like.

I have yet another crazy week lined up and need some motivation to keep moving!  I love having music blaring while I'm doing my hair and makeup, there is nothing better than inspiring songs to get under the skin and start the day on a positive note (pun intended).

I recently discovered a band I can't get enough of, called Elbow, and love their album Seldom Seen Kid.

One Day Like This is my favourite song on the album and I think it's one of the best songs to play full blast before stepping out the door to take on the world.

What is your 'take on the world' song?


Have a fabulous day!

Pistols and Pearls

This past summer I took up shooting - and have loved every minute of it!  In Canada one must complete a course, take an exam, get background checks, and jump through hoops of fire in order to apply for a possession and acquisition license before purchasing any sort of firearm or ammunition...and there's more than one license.  My course started this week so it was fun to go to the firing range for a little practice.  Here one can only use a firearm when with someone who is licensed so the Cheeky Reaper took the Danish exchange student and me shooting for the afternoon...
 

 

The Cheeky Reaper brought a few handguns with him including A Beretta,  a .45, and an old police revolver.  Each one feels, fires and kicks back in a different way.  We started with a refresher on handgun safety and how each one works before we loaded them, applied ear and eye protection, and got to work.

 

Here I am with the .45.  I really like this gun and found it the easiest to aim and hit the target with.   Nothing feels better than actually being able to find your intended target!  Nothing sounds worse than running out of bullets and hearing 'click' when pulling the trigger! 

Here I am using the police revolver.  I don't enjoy shooting with it at all.  I find it awkward to hold and load, dirty and even tho it's a 'romantic' gun, I prefer using other ones.  It does inspire memories of Cagney & Lacey, although their revolvers are newer and smaller...

A pretty good representation of an indoor firing range, smoke and all!

 

I don't remember much about Cagney or Lacey...but I do remember the great hair!

The results - the one on the left is a combination of mine and the Cheeky Reaper's (who happens to be something like #3 in his class in Canada).  I was hitting all around the target so he took the gun from me and showed me there's nothing wrong with it by hitting the bulls eye.  Not to be outdone, my shooting suddenly improved and I hit all around his bulls eye.  The one on the right is all mine, 7 bullets, all on the target but one.

 
Here's what I wore - red skinny jeans, white shirt, navy toggle sweater, cognac boots, belt and watch.  Pearls, natch.


Have a fabulous day!

Good Reads

 I'm one of those people who has to have a book on the go.  I get twitchy if I don't have something read, even tho I have such little time to do it.  I am forever scouring the internet for book recommendations and keep my ereader and tablet filled, just in case there should be a sudden book shortage.

Lately I have read some wonderful books, always returning to my beloved Alexander McCall Smith, but also adding a few new authors....

Corduroy Mansions - I just can't get enough of AMS's writing.  This is the first in what I hope will be a long series about William French and his newly 'adopted' dog Freddie.  There is an array of characters, and in true AMS fashion, their lives all intertwine, making for a complex, wonderful story.

Portuguese Irregular Verbs - Written in the same style as most of his books, although I found this one a little bit harder to get into.  Once I got going to loved it and have continued reading the series.  Professor von Igelfeld's adventures, writing and clashes with his co-workers make for an amusing story.

 

Sway - I read this while in the throws of the local political battle last summer.  I learned so much about why people do the things they do and I highly recommend this book to anyone who has to deal with people at any level.  From toddlers to high powered politicians, everyone has the same instincts and this book explained so many of them.  I find myself returning to it over and over in conversations, meetings and out in the world.

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie - This is the story of Flavia De Luce, an 11 year old girl in the English countryside, set in the 1950s.  She is the most fascinating child, chemist and amateur sleuth.  I've heard her called a cross between Harriet the Spy and Eloise.  As with every Flavia adventure, there is a murder and she sets out to solve it.  Yes, this child is smarter than the police, and most of the other adults around here.  I'm on to the third book in the series and find myself thinking about Flavia at least once a day.

The Geurnsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society - This is such a wonderful book, written by way of letters sent between the main character, Juliet, her friends, and the inhabitants of Geurnsey (one of the Channel Islands).  It is set post war and Geurnsey is finally allowed access to the outside world after being occupied by the Germans for years.  I laughed, I cried, it was a masterpiece.


Have a fabulous day!