What To Read: Vol. 4

If you haven't noticed, I like books.  A lot.  And periodically, I like to share some of the recent ones I've read in hopes that you'll enjoy them too.

Source: flickr.com via Mary Kate on Pinterest

One of the best things about my Italy vacation was the chance to sit and read for hours in planes and trains.  Thankfully, so many of my blogging friends are bookworms so I had lots of good recommendations to go on.  The first book I read was recommended on my friend Erin's blog, Little e,  a while back, and I too recommend The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern.  The best I can say is that it's a beautiful book and you fall instantly into the story.  I've not read anything quite like it, and I think if you liked Harry Potter you will enjoy this too. 

Next, I read Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster by Dana Thomas.  I'd already heard of this book because of my work in retail marketing, but was reminded of it once again when Victoria posted about it on Vmac & Cheese.  It's a nonfiction book that offers a fascinating look into the brands everyone seems to covet, and how an "it bag" comes to be and which ones may be worth the price.  I was already somewhat immune to the draw of luxury marketing, and this book further changed how I will react to ad campaigns going forward.  If you're a marketing nerd like me, you'll love it.

 Next I read another book from Erin's list called Sex With Kings by Eleanor Herman.  It's a nonfiction, and bawdy,  account of the history of royal mistresses which is really interesting to a historical fiction reader like myself.  I'm not a fan of the author's writing style (she gets a little melodramatic) but I could tell the book was carefully researched and it was super interesting to learn what was socially acceptable 200+ years ago!

Next, I started what has become an obsession.  Where the heck have I been that I had never heard of the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon?!  I am in love with Jamie Fraser, and read the first three books (800+ pages each) in a week.  I'm now on book four of seven, and the eighth comes out next year.  The series doesn't fit a single genre, so it's Romance/Fantasy/Adventure/History all at once.  Someone read them and then chat with me about it!

And just for fun, here's what I agree to be the appropriate depiction of Jamie.  However, I want Chris Hemsworth and Emily Blunt to star in the movie, if there ever is one. 

  So, who else has good book suggestions?  After I finish my current series, I'll be reading The Family Fang and The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb.  What next?

Go get it: Design*Sponge at Home

Happy Monday!  I hope everyone had a better weekend than I did.  I spent 18 hours (yes, I counted) repainting our living area and hallways, and don't want to see another paint roller for a very long time.  However, I'm really happy that there are officially no more beige walls in my house!  We've gone for shades of gray throughout, and it looks so much nicer with our furniture and artwork.  I can't wait to get the new floors down so I can share photos of the finished rooms.

While I was painting, I kept thinking about kicking back with my new Design Sponge book and seeing if one of my favorite sites could also work on a printed page.  I'm happy to report that it does - the book is AMAZING and just jumped up to the top of my collection of decor tomes in terms of attainable inspiration.  The first third of the book is full of gorgeous interiors, but not the uber-designed variety that don't look like they house actual families.  There are quirky touches in most every space, and I got so excited as I work to make my house look great.  There are also great tutorials for arranging flowers and creating fun DIY projects. 

 all images via Design*Sponge

 I also liked the trailer for the book (which is not something I'd ever seen before):

Design Sponge at Home (Official Book Trailer) from The Panic Room Videos on Vimeo.

All in all, money well spent.  I hope the rest of you will check out the book and support a fellow blogger.  I'm super excited to attend the Dallas event on October 13th - will anyone else be there?