The Cupcake and I are ROAD WARRIORS, so we really enjoy audiobooks together. (And, she doesn’t like reading chapter books.) Here’s a list of our favorite series and authors (yes, I’ve left a few off that we didn’t care for) – most of which we checked out from the...
What to Read
Let’s be reasonable and add an eighth day to the week that is devoted exclusively to reading. – Lena Dunham
A book nerd at heart, but a mom on the go… I’ve always got a book with me. Some good, and some not so good. I’m sharing my finds for autobiographies, kids’ books, books to help you organize your life and even a gorgeous adult coloring book to help you unwind and destress.

BLOOM by Alli K Designs
This post is in collaboration with Alli K Design. I was provided a review copy of her newest book. All opinions are my own. I met Alli at my favorite boutique. She was just a student back then, but it was clear that she had a flair for design and how it...
Book Review: The Property Brothers’ “It Takes Two: Our Story”
Celebrity does not easily sway my kid. I’m pretty sure that’s a good thing. Occasionally, I will toss out an opportunity for my daughter to meet someone that she might consider somewhat of a role model, only to learn she is SO not impressed. However, she is a bit of...
Whiskey in a Teacup Review
“Dorthea always said that it was a combination of beauty and strength that made southern women ‘whiskey in a teacup. ’We may be delicate and ornamental on the outside…but inside we’re strong and fiery.'” — Reese Witherspoon
Review of Beth Moore’s The Undoing of Saint Silvanus
I will admit, I have never read anything by Beth Moore. I know she has a cadre of hard-core raving fans, but I haven't read a single book of hers. Until now. And I probably wouldn't have if the Cupcake hadn't dragged me into random bookstore and Beth Moore's new...
Review: This Life I Live by Rory Feek
Seeing the news of Rory Feek’s grammy win this morning brought tears to my eyes and a smile to my heart. Sunday for Hymns That Are Important To Us was the last project of Joey + Rory, and the most meaningful. If you don’t know, Rory is one half of the famous country...
Is your home guest-ready?
Okay, I'll admit. I'm one of those who has a house that is a constant flurry of projects and activity. I love it when friends pop in, but let's face it. I wish they'd only do it on the days the maids come. If I know they are coming, I'd have to spend a --...
Thriving, Not Surviving: A Magnolia Story Review
The Magnolia Story" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines with Mark Dagostino is out and I’ll admit to devouring it in 24 hours. As infectious as Fixer Upper is, I was relieved to find it's flavor seamlessly translated...
Review: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (no spoilers)
Y’all know what a Harry Potter fan I am. This weekend was momentous in that the next “book” in the series was released at midnight on Saturday night, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Mine arrived before 1 a.m. not by owl, but really the next best thing… Amazon Prime...
Dean Fearing and great shopping at Anteks Curated
Did you know that Dean Fearing, chef of Dallas notable restaurant Fearings in the Ritz Carlton, authored a cookbook. Called The Texas Food Bible, it not only looks gorgeous on any coffee-table worthy, it also causes spontaneous salivation just flipping through the...
Lunch with NYT Best Selling Author Julie Murphy
NYT Best-selling author Julie Murphy and I are best friends. See? See that hug? You only get that kind of hug from people who love you. We're obviously besties. What?! Haha, I’m TOTALLY kidding (it's a bit of an inside joke), but I did get to have a giggle-laden lunch...
Six of Crows Review and Meet Leigh Bardugo
UPDATED WITH PHOTOS AT THE END! A while back, a friend of mine started posting updates on social media that made references to “Grisha” and “Ravka” and I had no idea what the heck a “Heartrender” was that she was talking about, let alone a “Etherealki.” She had plenty...
This Book Teaches Kids About Bad and Hurtful Words
The Princess Cupcake just turned 6. Developmentally, it’s been a big year and we’re both learning a lot about how to navigate the social waters of elementary school. I’m not especially pleased with how mean the kids in Kindergarten can be to each other. Cliques,...
The Sneaky Chef comes to Dallas
Like most kids, the Princess Cupcake has a standard cache of foods that are deemed acceptable to eat. Spaghetti, hot dogs, hamburger, chicken nuggets, steak, fish, tortillas, cheese, yogurt, nuts, crackers, chicken, sausage, broccoli, peas, carrots, corn,...