Category Archives: Books

The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook

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Before Gabby was born, when “free time” was abundant, I use to spend most evenings sitting on our couch, reading cookbooks and sipping wine. Yes, I would actually read cookbooks! I found it to be relaxing and inspirational. Some of my favorites are My Father’s Daughter by Gwyneth Paltrow, Great Food Fast by Martha Stewart Living Magazine and Everyday Italian by Giada De Laurentiis.

But I think I have a new favorite. The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook was released on October 30th and it seems that people are raving about it everywhere. While driving to work a couple of weeks ago, I heard this interview with the author, Deb Perelman, on NPR. Time Magazine called it “one of the best fall books.“ Even my favorite blogger posted about it! I cannot wait to get my hands on a copy. Now all I need is some “free time”!

P.S. I think this would be a great gift for any foodie in your life!

{image: A Cup of Jo}

Give Me Grace

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Life is starting to get back to normal at our house. The doctor has assured me that this cold virus can take 10-14 days to work its way through the body. 10-14 days!? But, I am going to keep positive thoughts streaming and hope for the best.

Even when Gabby is sick, she still loves her bedtime routine. And one of my favorite parts is reading stories after her bath. We love the book Give Me Grace by Cynthia Rylant. It is truly uplifting and delights the soul. I even catch myself thinking of verses throughout the day.

Give Me Grace by Cynthia Rylant

Monday make me good and kind to all creatures that I find. Help me love God’s whole creation. Make my life a celebration.

Tuesday teach me faith and caring, teach me wisdom, teach me sharing. Raise me up and make strong. Be with me the whole day long.

Wednesday make me full of light. Guide my heart both day and night. Give me gladness give me grace. Shine your love upon my face.

Thursday open up my eyes to your angels in the skies. Let me know their wings are near me, and that they will always hear me.

Friday keep the ones I love. Comfort them from up above. Left their hearts and hold them dear. Help them know that you are here.

Saturday in early morn make me thankful I was born. Give my spirit peace within. Let each day with hope begin.

Sunday in a quiet time, bless this little life of mine. In the wonder of each day, let me live a holy way. Amen.

 {image: Amazon}

Happy Weekend!

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Hi friends! Happy Friday! How are you? How was your week? Are you ready for the weekend? I am, but I have to admit that I am nervous about our dinner club on Saturday night. We decided to make a dramatic change of plans… instead of serving the Mediterranean menu, we are doing something totally new and different. I promise to tell you all about it on Monday (with photos)! Until then, keep your fingers crossed for us and enjoy these links from around the web…

A cool new place to buy art.

Yum… Milkshakes.

I wished I lived in Seattle so I could try all of these.

Gabby’s school has a blog. It’s so cute!

A parenting guide for the rest of us. LOL

Boden’s Fall Sale (25% off!). And boots! I’m ready for fall!

My alma mater, MSU is playing Notre Dame tomorrow night. GO Green!

And finally, a very BIG Happy Birthday wish to GOOTZ! We are excited to celebrate with you tonight! xxoo

{image of sunset: unknown}

Bedtime Book

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Gabby and I have a favorite bedtime book and honestly, I am not sure who loves it more! Every night I look forward to cuddling and rocking with her and reading this book. It warms my heart and puts my mind at ease. Love! xxoo

I’ll See You In The Morning
by Mike Jolley and Mique Moriuchi
I’ll see you in the morning.
For now it’s time to sleep.
I’ll stay and watch a while…
…till you are counting sheep.
Don’t be afraid of darkness.
Don’t be afraid, my sweet.
The night is just a blanket
that helps the earth to sleep.
Creatures great and creatures small
will all be sleeping soon.
Under the same blanket…
…under the same moon.
So close your eyes and go to sleep
by the light of the moon above.
I’ll see you in the morning
in the light of the sun, my love.
Dream your dreams of moonbeams.
Let the night become your friend.
The twinkling stars will keep you safe
till morning comes again.
I’ll be here if you need me.
I’m only steps away.
So close your eyes and go to sleep
and dream of a brand-new day.
Good night…
Sleep tight…
…I’ll see you in the morning!

Fall TV

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I don’t know about you, but I am ready for some new tv shows! Luckily, September is just around the corner and it brings a full line-up of fall premieres. After reading Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling, I am dying to see her sitcom The Mindy Project. It is a new comedy that follows a woman (Mindy!) who desperately needs to break bad habits in her life. She tackles exes, awkward dates and snarky co-workers in her role as a thirty something OB/GYN, who also happens to love sparkly minidresses. Set your DVRs – it premieres on Fox on Sept. 25th at 9:30PM EST.

 

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Happy Weekend!

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Hi Friends! How are you? How was your week? We are enjoying some cooler weather in Cincinnati. And it arrived just in time for a weekend full of entertaining. We are so excited to have not one, but two very fun nights (at home!) planned. Tonight we are having family over to celebrate Alex’s brother’s birthday! I am making this recipe from the Barefoot Contessa. It seems like the perfect summer dish. Then tomorrow, we are having good friends over for a grill out (mainly because I could not find a sitter and they were good enough sports to accommodate). Yeah! I love fun filled weekends! What are you up to? I hope you have a wonderful weekend too. Here are some fun things from around the web…

I wish I lived in DC so I could try ShopHouse. It is a “fast-casual” restaurant by Chipotle owners that lets customers mix and match Southeast Asian flavors to create their own rice bowls or sandwiches. Yum!

On a whim, I bought this book at the airport last weekend: It’s Okay Not to Share: and Other Renegade Rules for Raising Competent and Compassionate Kids. So far it’s a great read!

What do you think of boxed wine?

I think I need a few of these adorable Wet Bags from ItzyRitzy. I love the tagline… “What Happened?”!

Today is National Lazy Day! Which is the perfect reason to unplug and celebrate by not doing a single productive thing.

Have a pretty morning and a great weekend!

{image credit: foodtv.com}

Happy Monday!

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Hi! How was your weekend? Did you do anything fun? We spent a lot of time at the pool this weekend enjoying the cooler, less humid weather!

Unfortunately, I have a very busy week ahead. Tonight I fly to Chicago for work (yes, that real job again!). And I return home very late on Wednesday. Ugh! On Thursday, Gabby has a 15-month doctor appointment, which includes two shots. Double Ugh! But luckily I have something really fun to look forward to. On Friday morning, Alex and I are going to meet up with good friends (and Gabby’s Godparents) in Fishers Island. It is not easy to get to (our itinerary includes a flight, a car service and a ferry ride), but it is well worth the effort. We are looking forward to playing golf, laying on the beach and enjoying yummy dinners. Dreamy.

While I am tied up traveling, working and tending to a cranky 15 month old, here are a week’s worth of links to explore…

Did you watch the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Olympics? Here is a beautiful slide show in case you missed it.

And here is a great link to keep up with all the Olympic action, including great behind the scene photos.

Elizabeth Street. Where Stylish Moms Meet.

Andy Cohen loves NPR. And so do I!

From lululemon… 13.1 songs for 13.1 miles. Now go get your run on!

I finally finished Gabby’s First Year photo book. Yeah! I created it using this.

This honest toddler talks about dinner.

A play cafe just opened and I plan to take Gabby next week.

If you have a minute, I would really love it if you “liked” Pretty Morning on Facebook. Just click here.

As always, you can find more on twitter and pinterest.

Have a great week and a pretty morning! xo

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Funny Books

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I have been on a recent reading kick. I know, that sounds sad. I should read all the time, but quite frankly, it’s hard to find the time to read!

It all started with Tina Fey’s “Bossypants”. Hilarious. There are no other words to describe it. I started reading it in early April last year, when I was 37 weeks pregnant and time could not pass quick enough. It got me through those last few weeks, waiting for Gabby to arrive.

Next, I dove into Mindy Kaling’s “Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)“. Again, laugh out loud funny. I started this book once Gabby was sleeping through the night and I had some quiet time before going to bed. I think I read it in 5 days, which is a record for me. I highly recommend it to anyone that is a fan (or not) of  The Office.

Just last week (on the drive to Michigan) I finished Ali WentWorth’s “Ali in Wonderland: And Other Tall Tales”. Almost pee your pants you laugh so hard funny. Seriously. Here’s a snippet:

There is a moment in every woman’s life in which she becomes completely unzipped, demented, whacked, non compos mentis—for some it lasts minutes; for others, their entire lives. I have exemplary friends; many are CEOs of corporations or volunteers for nonprofits, almost all are meritorious mothers and ethical women. But if you gave them each a glass of pinot noir and a cushy ottoman, they would regale you with stories of the time they went bonkers.

If you didn’t notice, there is a theme emerging… I seem to love comedian’s biographies. Why is that? I have no idea. But I know that I would like to keep it up, so I just downloaded Adam Carolla’s “Not Taco Bell Material”. The title alone makes it seem very promising!