5 Books to Read This Summer.

Over the past few months, I've rekindled a love affair with a very favorite old pastime - reading. It's been so long since I spent my days nose-deep in a delicious fiction about someone quirky from another time, doing something wonderful or scandalous or noble. It's just the best. I've started making more time for things that I love and reading is one of those decadent indulgences. As a child I used to cuddle up with Nancy Drew and all the Judy Blumes, sit on top of the heating vent on my living room floor and pull my nightshirt over my knees, keeping all the warmth close to my body while I voraciously turned the pages. It's so funny to think about that now, because when I look at a heating vent that's what I remember - that little girl with an insatiable appetite for the alternative world of The Neverending Story, Where the Red Fern Grows and let's be honest, The Babysitters Club. I was hungry for a good story, and it's interesting to see how that desire has evolved as I've gotten older, through songwriting (and writing here!) and acting and of course, reading again! It's been a wonderful season, picking up books that I bought years ago and neglected to read, dusting them off a bit and breaking back the binding. Books are meant to be read! And read I shall! I've just finished The Age of Innocence and started Sense and Sensibility, so I'm kicking it old-school right now and loving it.

A few old (and new!) loves of mine, that I would heartily recommend to anyone looking for a summer read:

I Feel Bad About My Neck - Nora Ephron
How did Nora Ephron manage to voice every thought in the mind of every woman on Earth? She was more than a gifted writer, she was a gifted human with a heartbreaking, warm, appalling and hilarious voice. You might not think you know who she is, but you do. She was a brilliant screenwriter, penning the infamous lines from When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, You Got Mail, Julie and Julia and this particular book is a wonderful compilation of essays from her life - all written in that familiar voice of hers. I loved reading this and relating to the major and minor life crises that she went through - moving from the Upper West to the Upper East side (gasp!), interning for President Kennedy, and of course, feeling bad about her aging neck. Read it. I pledge that you will love it.

East of Eden - John Steinbeck
I wished I was a part of a book club while I was reading this one, because I wanted to have conversations about the meaning of this epic generational tale. Alas, there was no one to really discuss it with, and since it's such a heavy book, it's not really the kind of thing you can bring up around people. Also, Steinbeck tends to be kind of intimidating because he was kind of a genius, so that just adds another layer of, "what did he mean?!" when he wrote certain chapters certain ways. He was a total genius. This book is super thought-provoking and not necessarily feel-good, but it makes you feel a lot of feels. It's one of my absolute favorites! If there were ever a time for a big read, summer is it.

The Picture of Dorian Gray - Oscar Wilde
I know I sound like a dork, reading all the classics, but seriously - this book is the most elegant commentary I've ever read about narcissism and vanity. It's hilarious, chilling and salaciously smart. Everything by Oscar Wilde makes me giggle, but this one reeeeeally makes you think. He knows how to turn an argument right on its head. And that's why pretty much everyone hated him when this particular work was published.

The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho
Ah, I love this one because the story tackles self-discovery and following one's dreams - especially when they seem impossible. Perhaps you've read a lot of books like that before, but this one is different. Perhaps because this particular story tells it much more interestingly and exotically than most. And in a different time period and curious part of the world and it just makes the whole story so mysterious and alluring. I love this one.

Blog, Inc. - Joy Deangdeelert
I received this as a book when I lived in Boston, and it has been one of the most inspiring and helpful guides as I continue to evolve in this strange and wonderful venture called blogging. This is the kind of book that I continue to pick up, year after year, reading different passages and finding new inspiration every single time. Reading the same words but feeling a fresh sense of enlightenment. I love that it's peppered with stories about other creative souls who have found a passion for blogging along their journey of starting businesses, families, non-profits and careers in creative fields. And I also love it's sister book, Creative, Inc. which addresses creatives at large - full of business tips, practical guides and stories. If you're a creative person, this books will become much like your business bible :)
 

And a few honorable mentions, because these are totally worth the tears and/or laughter (and also because I can't edit and just leave these off the list) - Bossypants by Tina Fey, The Help by Kathryn Stockett and The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. All are fabulous reads.

What are you reading right now, friends? Any summer books you can recommend? Please share in the comments! I need to add to my stack of "must-devour" books :)

Weekend in Ellijay, Georgia.

We spent Memorial Day weekend on an unexpected trip! I got a wonderfully welcome phone call on Friday evening at 5pm from a dear friend, Dana, letting me know that her mountain cabin was available for the weekend, and she invited us to take advantage of it for the holiday! Best call ever. Stevie and I eagerly packed up Everett and a car load of groceries and headed a few hours north of Atlanta for a weekend in the foothills of the Cohutta Wilderness. And I have to say, it was the best thing we could have done with our weekend. We needed a little family getaway together, to regroup and reflect on the year so far. It's been a busy and surprising one for us, so it was nice to slow down, drink it the gorgeous mountain views and spend time together.

Ellijay is a cozy mountain town with quaint shops and country eats surrounded by apple-laden farms. We enjoyed barbecue at Bigun's BBQ (get the pork plate and the mac and cheese!), fried muscadine and peach pies at Panorama Orchards (I should have doubled my order because WOW), pizza at Bunk's on the Boardwalk (where we ate outside and Everett learned how to play corn hole), and we hiked up to Amicalola Falls, which I will share about in a separate post.

These few pictures are so dear to me, because the moments are far and few between these days that my busy son will actually slow down long enough to snuggle with me. Yeah, maybe I had to play an Elmo game on my phone with him to keep him interested in lounging with me, but I still got to kiss his sweet hair and hold him tight in my arms for more than a few seconds and it felt SO GOOD. This little boy is just my sweetheart. I'm so lucky to be his mom.

Also, the Elmo phase lives on in this house. It's happening in a big way over here :)

One of my favorite parts about the weekend were the lazy mornings we spent on the porch, overlooking the southern swells of the Appalachians. Stevie and I rocked in the chairs, sipped on English Breakfast tea and watched the sun bend around the skyline, which had a quick way of warming the day for us. Everett jumped, hopped, threw sticks and was the picture of boyhood, bored to death with our morning routine and begging to "go outside" (which we technically were) or go in "the white car" (which is his favorite). We finally gave in when the humidity arrived, and got on with the day. But those almost-silent moments one the porch are still sealed in my memory.

We found this crazy perfect wall in downtown Ellijay. It was so intricately patterned with patina and aged layers of paint that it was almost too perfect (if there is such a thing), but we had fun frolicking around because we were on a pizza high. Or maybe it was the mountain air.

There are zero pictures of us as a family from the weekend because either me or Stevie were taking the pictures, and we didn't ask another person to take a group pic for us (what were we thinking?) But oh well. That's just real life, right? I look forward to the day when my little man is big enough to snap a photo for me. Oh the wonder that will be. But Ellijay, goodness, thank you for sharing your mountain top of peace with us - we could have stayed much much longer :) And thank you to Dirk and Dana for sharing your marvelous abode with us! We loved it!

I hope your Memorial Day weekend was wonderful, spent with your loves, remembering those who have served our country and celebrating the start to summer. It's going to be a good one, friends.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

I am so ready to unplug.

Aren't you?

This is it, the kick off weekend to SUMMER! How are you planning on spending this holiday weekend, friends? We are half-planned, half-unplanned. I like a bit of spontaneity when we have free time (because that practically never happens!) and I like having the freedom to do whatever sounds like fun on a whim. Like, "Let's take the golf carts and go get popsicles!" or "let's go to the food truck park and try everything that scares us!" You know, that sort of thing. Gosh that doesn't make me sound very cool. Guess the secret's out.

I love these pictures of me and Everett, taken a few weeks ago (before he got a much-needed haircut!) He is in love with his summer hat and was sweet enough to share. What a sweetie.

As for the plans for the weekend, Stevie and I staying over night in Atlanta tonight, to get some time away together. We literally can't remember the last time we went on a date (I know, that's so bad), so we have dinner reservations somewhere we've never been and then we are going to see our friend's show tonight. As for the rest of the weekend, there are so many fun things happening in the city, including the Atlanta Jazz Festival! Also, we kind of want to go to IKEA to get Everett a coloring table for his bedroom, because now that he's not in school, I want to do more crafty projects with him at home. Oh, and we have blueberry bushes to plant :) Reeeeeeally wild plans over here. But I'm excited for the three-day weekend!

How are you spending the weekend? Any fun ideas for creative things to do, even if you're staying in town? Have such a wonderful, refreshing, relaxing weekend, friends!

Dreamy Summer Bathing Suits for Gorgeous YOU.

It's swimsuit season. Whether you're ready for it or not, it's here friends. I know swimsuit season can strike a lot of terror in the hearts of women, but I am on a serious mission this year to dispel the body shame that seems to creep in with these summer months. Female bodies are BEAU-TI-FUL. These days I am feeling prouder of my body than ever before, because I've experienced it carry my baby, nourish my baby, and recover (sort of, ha) from the ordeal. Obviously, things are NOT the same, but I feel a lot more gracious towards myself after having gone through the experience of giving birth. More than ever, I am proud of what my body can do. And I'm not going to let a string bikini scare me from going outside this summer! Although the days of string bikinis might be behind me... who can wear those and chase a busy toddler around? #unicornmoms

With Memorial Day coming up this weekend, I wanted to share a round up of dreamy bathing suits that I'm crushing on. I am loving one-pieces these days (much to my husband's chagrin, he can get over it), because they allow me to be more active with my son. Plus, the designs are getting so cute, with creative cut outs and graphic prints - so fun! Of course, I'm always a fan of the Victoria's Secret Bikini Mixer, where you can mix and match the fit that is best for your body type with a zillion colors and prints. We ladies need to be able to customize!

Scalloped Halter One-Piece

Mara Hoffman Cross-Front One-Piece

Saha Floral One-Piece

Victorias Secret Knockout Bandeau Top & Knockout Bikini Bottom

Victorias Secret Bralette Top & Bow Bikini Bottom

Victorias Secret The Midi Beach Bandeau Top & Knockout Bikini Bottom

Miraclesuit Jena One Shoulder One Piece

Albionfit The Cabana One Piece

Mara Hoffman Fractals One Piece

Tell me - where do you swimsuit shop? Do you favor a one-piece or two-piece? Are you ready for pool/beach season? Happy shopping friends!

The Things Everett Says.

My child is talking up a STORM. He is the chattiest person in our house, and that's saying a lot - because I live there, too. It is an incredibly wild ride watching him grow from the baby he was to the talkative, vivacious toddler that he is. Yes, it's pretty cool that he can tell me what he wants and communicate so clearly, but I must say that there is a bit of a caveat to his verbal nature - it is accompanied by outbursts of all kinds, including the screaming, yelping rude public outbursts that always come at the most inconvenient of times. So although it's amazing that he is chatty and funny and all that - this development of his isn't without its own parenting challenges for me. The next time you see a child roaring like a lion, slamming his body to the ground and proclaiming "No no no no no!!!" on the floor of a restaurant/grocery store/any store with the vigor of a hungry hyena, please try to remember that that child's mother is trying, so desperately, to keep composed while simultaneously disciplining AND nurturing that child. Please have a bit of grace. And please say hello, because it could very well, be me with my kid :)

I thought I would share some of the funnier things Everett has been externally processing lately, because, well, I think they're just funny. And they keep me laughing even when I'm exhausted from this thing called motherhood.

"I want fa-pa!"
(I want pasta.)

"Watoo ew-wa-whooo!"
(Water everywhere. From the fountain. Or the bath tub. Or the cup he purposely spilled over so he could say "water everywhere!")

"Mommy es prrrretty."
(He says, as he rubs my painted nails. He notices every time I paint my nails a new color, and he always compliments them. Yes, it kind of makes me melt inside.)

"Vaminos!"
(Stevie's been speaking some Spanish words to him, and this one is his favorite.)

"Pa-pa-perrr eh bath in tees."
(The woodpecker needs a bath in the trees. Back story - I yell at a wood pecker every morning that tries to feast on our house. Everett is fascinated by the wood pecker and is very concerned that he doesn't take enough baths. All the live long day, he talks about the wood pecker and how he needs a bath up in those trees.)

"Fossee Mommy."
(Sorry Mommy. I laugh every time, because please say the word "fossee" out loud. It just sounds SO FUNNY.)

"Ma'am, ma'am"
(His way of saying "yes ma'am", which is usually accompanied with the above, "fossee, mommy".)

"Daddy home!"
(This is pretty straightforward, but he says it every time his dad comes home. From a work trip, or just work, he yelps with glee and jumps into his arms. If I were Stevie I would feel like a rock star every single time. Because that's how gleeful my child gets about daddy coming home.)

"Helping, helping."
(Goodness, he tries to "help" with everything. It's so hilarious especially when its totally not helpful. But he's super cute and tries to help with everything lately! He tries to put groceries on the conveyor belt at the store, throw his own trash away and bring things up the stairs.)

My little boy is growing faster than I can record. I want to remember every quirky, wonderfully raw moment with him, because I swear that I will blink my eyes and he will suddenly be a senior in high school. The time is going so fast, friends. *Cue the ugliest of all mommy cries.*