Summer Reading

So, in case you are interested in some light reading recommendations-

 Oh, this book detailing the lives of outrageously wealthy Singaporeans is too much fun.  The New York Times decries the escapist read as this summer's "Bergdorf Blondes".  It's outrageous, and hilarious, as well as being a twinge educational about another culture.  Hey, we get our culture where we can during the summer months around here.  I'm a bit sparse on the intellectual front these days.

I downloaded this debut novel on a whim the other night, while suffering the throes of insomnia.  Although it's rather formulaic, this novel chronicling the travails of a young Manhattan divorce attorney from North Carolina is well-written and a fun diversion.  As a lawyer, I enjoyed the legal stuff (the author is a former divorce attorney) and depiction of big firm life, with all its insanity.

Finally, I'm reading some nonfiction with my remaining few brain cells.  Do not fear though, it reads like a novel.

It's a fascinating portrait of the 1960's, the space program, and the pressure placed on astronauts' families to be perfect.  Be prepared to have google image handy, because The Astronaut Wives CLub does contain pictures, but you will want to see more of each of the couples discussed.

I'm off to read about the Apollo missions now- can't put it down!

What have y'all been reading?  Obviously, I am mentally prepared for fluff only these days.  No heavy tomes allowed.

Five for Friday

I have been rather unmotivated when it comes to sitting down at the computer, so I thought a little linking up might inspire me.

1.  Okra Chips:
 Inspired by a Natalie Dupree recipe, this okra is Morgan and Dell Harper's new favorite.

Slice about 20 okra from tip to tip on the diagonal to get a long thin slice.  Toss with a couple tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt and a 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.   Bake on a rimmed baking sheet at 400 degrees for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.

These crunchy morsels taste just like fried okra without the added mess and waistline damage.  A perfect accompaniment to burgers fresh off the grill, this okra might not make it off the cookie sheet without being completely devoured.

2.  This tankini/bikini set from Target- I bought the stripey bottoms, and plain navy bottoms, a navy bikini top, and a striped swingy tankini top.  I can brazen out the bikini pre-lunch, then after my BLT throw the tankini top on over the solid suit.  Check out all the Mossimo mix and match suits- darling colors, and a great price!

 3.  I'm listening to Mary Kay Andrews' latest on my iPod right now (as an enticement for exercise or chores), and it is such a delight.  Now, don't be expecting any earth shattering literature here, but a light easy summer read about a. . . lifestyle blogger!  Ha!  I'm loving all the insider scoop on big-name bloggers, and their relationships with advertisers, plus a generous dose of home remodeling and of course, luuurrrvvee.

 4.  Speaking of home remodeling, ours is coming along.

We are coming along!  The shake will be painted the greenish gray of the gutters,  and a window will replace the plyboard hole.

You can really see in this picture how the roof line has changed- it used to follow the line of the stone wall.  I am going to feel like a princess in my redone digs- if you can't find me, I might be hiding/reveling in my new closet!

5.  Look at these darling fabrics Mama and I picked up at Hobby Lobby the other day-

We (and by we I mean Mama) are going to make some darling little reversible swingy tops and bloomer sets for Miss Priss.  With little pockets on the front?  With ric rac trim?  Too cute!  Ha, I laughed with my mom that we better get a lot of fabric, as Dell Harper will likely be three by the time she has a chance to make them.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!  

Calamity Jane

That's what my week has made me feel like. Y'all have all heard about the car incident.

Then Dell Harper was struck down by an ear infection (grumpiness starting Thursday, diagnosis Friday).  My sweet girl does not get sick very often, so when she does. . .

The world is ending, y'all.

Also, Morgan got in a fender bender last week (rear-ended), so he has been in a rental car.

Oh, and Buddy got sprayed by a skunk Friday night.

And the temper tantrums brought on by not feeling good?  I am attempting to combat a pesky fear that this is not feeling unwell, but instead a drastic personality change, but it keeps creeping into the back of my (tired) mind.

The child would not even eat a cookie tonight.  She's going back to the doctor for sure if that kind of behavior continues.

Anyway, I am reminded of an old column of Erma Bombeck's about communicating with toddlers-

                    When I said "No," they giggled; "Not now," they bit me; "Come to Mama," they ran into          
               traffic; "Let me see what is in your hand," they ate it; "The strained lamb is good for you,"  
               they blew it back into my face.
                    Communicate with a toddler?  I'd sooner take my chances with an untrained, excited    
               puppy on a new white carpet.

Sing it sister!

Anyway, tomorrow is a new day.  I'm off for a vat of wine, hot bath and a nap.  Probably simultaneously.

 Also, I owe so many people emails.  Please forgive me.  I am wading through my correspondence, after a deadly combination of summer lassitude and vacation bible school exhaustion.  Oh, and the aforementioned toddler.