Does the Zodiac Academy series deserve its description as the adult version of Harry Potter? Ok, so I’m more than four books and 2,430 pages into the massive Zodiac Academy series co-written by sisters, Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti, who define their writing...
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.
Scary Books for Kids of all Ages
Whether I’m “Booing” the neighbors or putting together a Halloween giftie for my own little ghoul (she’s a teenager, I can say that), I always have my eye out for the perfect items to give. And because I’m always trying to trick her into reading, I think these ghost...
Audio Books for Kids!
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 audio books for kids, including series and authors (yes, I’ve left a few off that we didn’t care for) – most of...
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 effortlessly...
Do Your Children Believe?
One of the biggest challenges that I faced when taking the Cupcake out of her private Christian school to attend a local STEM school, was that I’d be removing her daily walk of faith. Part of her curriculum at the private school was daily devotionals, prayer, and...
I can draw!
Ask my art teachers, I have never been able to draw anything. Even my stick figures are devoid of talent. I like to doodle in my notes when the presentations are boring, but even my doodles are embarrassingly primitive so I won't indulge in a quick sketch as I am...
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 -- ahem --...
Thriving, Not Surviving: A Magnolia Story Review
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 into the book, satiating my craving to know what makes this...
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...