One Book Down - 59 More to Go

First of all, the weather here is horrific. Freezing cold and extremely windy. This has resulted in my desire to NEVER LEAVE THE HOUSE AGAIN!!!!! Seriously, it's positively frigid and miserable. Don't be fooled by the clear skies. I know I could probably be snapping all sorts of great pics but I'm wholly deterred by the temperatures. Please spring, come soon. . .

Despite staying in my PJs all day yesterday and binging on The Wire season two and holiday cookies, I managed to get through Jen Lancaster's Pretty in Plaid.

I'm not saying "managed" as in the book was miserable. It was quite engaging.

Jen Lancaster writes memoirs. . .clever, easy to read, hilarious, and occassionally poignant memoirs. This, her fourth book, does not disappoint. This book examines events, fashion faux pas, and life lessons learned prior to her first memior Bitter is the New Black.

Jen Lancaster does likely appeal to a female audience. It's not the type of book I could see my Husband or Brother reading. However, there are parts of all of her books that I've read to my Husband, and he does laugh out loud. I suspect he's laughing because they sound like things I've done or pausibly could have done. . .

Which I think is part of her draw: She's like your hysterically funny best friend. Her quest for the perfect handbag, a decent job, and a smaller waistline is recounted in a hilarious banter with enough self awareness to allow the reader to empathasize with her. . .even when she is enaging in some positively ruthless, bad behavior.

I enjoyed this book just as much as the previous three. Go Jen Lancaster!

d's Fav Sleepless Internet Haunts. . .

Or even when I'm not so sleepless. . .In no particular order. . .Here's what I'm checking out tonight. . .

1. Jon Katz - Bedlam Farm Journal - He's known for his writing. Get to know his photos. The farm journal also gives you a glimpse into his heart. Katz inspires with enough regularity it's worth hitting the subscribe button. http://www.bedlamfarm.com/

2. Jen Lancaster - Jennsylvania - She's hilariously honest and mildy unkind towards herself and others. She's shown us behind her proper pearls is a riotous intelligent shrew and behind that is a genuine sweetheart. Big hugs and love to Jen Lancaster.
http://www.jennsylvania.com/

3. Danny Evans at Dad Gone Mad - He's hilarious, refers to his wife as "Hot Wife" clearly adores his children. He also bravely chronicles his bout with depression in a newly released book that is getting rave reviews http://www.dadgonemad.com/

4. Sonnie at Sunshine Recycles. She offers all the creative encouragement of your Mom. She offers more zen and centering than your yoga instructor. She offers all the wicked sense of humor of your best friend. She offers awesome environmentally sound advice and products. http://www.sunshinerecycles.com/

5. Anonymous Lawyer - we all know he's a fictional hiring partner at a major law firm. . .We all love him anyway. Jeremy Blachman continues to make my career path a continual (and far more interesting) adventure! http://www.anonymouslawyer.com/