A BIG FALL READING LIST...

Gosh it seems like yesterday when I posted my summer reading list - and now here I am posting a list for fall. Time is moving way too fast!! Anyway, did any of you read anything from the summer list?? I mentioned in a post a few weeks ago that this book was my favorite. So good...  This book was a close second. For the fall list, I'm highlighting four books and two cookbooks. AND I'm also including a list of 16 additional recommendations at the end of the post for your perusal!! So many of you have told me that you enjoy these posts, so I wanted to hook you up!! :) Enjoy!

1. The Magnolia Story by Chip & Joanna Gaines: Peeps - I got this book when it was released last Tuesday and finished it two days later - full-time job and week-long migraine included. If you think you know this couple just by watching marathons of their HGTV show, Fixer Upper, think again. This inspirational, super-sweet, hard-working couple has been THROUGH IT. The story starts when they met ends where they are now. What happens in between is proof that life and love can be hard - yet so rewarding, polar opposite personalities can thrive off one another, that hard work pays off, and that God is very real. Their journey (romantic and all!) filled me with so much inspiration - the kind that makes you feel like anything is possible. If you need a little lift in the midst of all of this mayhem going on in the world, then read this book - regardless of if you watch their show or not. I promise you won't be disappointed.

2. The Things We Wish Were True by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen: I admit that I don't really care for books where each chapter is about a different character. All that back and forth can be a bit much for me. But I like this one!! It involves a cast of characters in an all-American picturesque neighborhood in North Carolina. But things aren't as perfect as they seem. In the beginning, each character seems to have their own separate lives, but as the book goes on, they all intertwine - in good ways and in not so good ways. And it all starts with an accident at the neighborhood pool. Childhood secrets among the characters are dispelled and unforgiveness looms. Things and people aren't always what they seem and this book seems to be proving that...

3. The Woman In Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware: I love to curl up with a good mystery and this one looks good to me! Journalist Lo Blacklock has been invited on a small luxury cruise liner for work. The scenery is amazing, the food is good, and the cabins are lovely. Things are going well up until she witnesses a woman being thrown overboard. Despite what she saw, all of the passengers are "accounted for" and the cruise moves on as if nothing happened. She makes several attempts to report the story, but to no avail. Hmm...

4. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman: The craziness in today's world makes me appreciate feel-good stories (real and fiction) now more than ever. Ove is an old, pist off man who is unhappy with everything and everyone for seemingly no reason. One day, he gets a new set of neighbors - a chatty couple with two young daughters. The couple sets him off by accidentally running over his mailbox with their U-Haul. But it seems like that's just what needed to happen in order for the couple to make a profound difference in Ove's life - and attitude.

5. The Seasoned Life by Ayesha Curry: My diet is so crazy right now that I have honestly shied away from buying cookbooks - which has been SO HARD to do. But a friend of mine recently invited me to Ayesha's book signing (which included a copy of her book), and I am so glad I went (see the pic of the two of us here)! She was super sweet in person and beautiful! I have to say that her cookbook is really, really good. The recipes are easy to make, family friendly, and healthy - yet they look incredibly delicious and flavorful. Lucky for me, they are really easy to adapt to my diet!! The first season of her show, Ayesha's Homemade, on Food Network debuted last Saturday, so you know her food has to be legit!

6. Celebrations by Danielle Walker: I totally admit that I've been kinda leery about Thanksgiving and Christmas due to my diet limitations. Eating however much of whatever I want is off the table this year... Ugh. But I think there is hope now because of this cookbook! I flipped through this book at a local bookstore last weekend and I came home and ordered it immediately! It has so many tasty-looking Paleo and adaptable AIP-friendly recipes that would be perfect for any type of celebration - especially Thanksgiving and Christmas - and any type of diet - good or not so good. The recipes are healthy, but they don't have the dry, tasteless, healthy look about them. I love that.

Additional Recommendations:

Novels

The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

Who We Were Before by Leah Mercer

When I'm Gone by Emily Bleeker

Five Stages of Falling In Love by Rachel Higginson

What She Knew by Gilly McMillan 

All The Breaking Waves by Kerry Lonsdale

Love Warrior by Glennon Doyle Melton

Better Than Before by Gretchen Rubin

Two by Two by Nicholas Sparks

52 Lists for Happiness by Moorea Seal (not a novel, but you know I love a good list!)

Cookbooks

Cooking for Jeffrey by Ina Garten (obviously!)

Skinnytaste Fast and Slow by Gina Homolka

Small Victories by Julia Turshen

French Country Cooking by Mimi Thorisson

Damn Delicious by Chungah Rhee (love her blog!)

MY SUMMER READING LIST...

I took one book with me on my recent vacation- a book that I couldn't finish because it turned out to be quite a bore. I read solely for the escape of it all and I don't finish books that aren't making me escape. I don't feel bad about it, but don't you hate when that happens?? So instead I spent time researching books to read and reading lots of samples to determine what books would make my official summer reading list! Here are the books that made the cut...

1. "Truly Madly Guilty" by Liane Moriarty -  Liane is by far one of my favorite authors, so I am really excited about her new book. The style of her writing is perfection - sharp, funny, suspenseful, sad, and inspiring all in one. I love books that explore the dynamics of marriage, family, and relationships -  and this one is just that. In this book, Clementine and her husband get a last minute invite from her friend Erica to attend a barbecue. Clementine accepts the invite and from then on wonders what her life would have been like if she had declined the invite... What happened at that barbecue??? Can't wait to see what that's all about.

2. "The Third Wife" by Lisa Jewell - If you liked "Gone Girl" or "The Girl On the Train", then you might like this book. I read the sample at the beach and was perturbed when I got to the end of it. It totally left me hanging - in a good way! So it obviously made the list. In the beginning of the book, the inebriated third wife of a man steps out in front of a moving bus and dies. Was it suicide or an accident? Hmm. She supposedly had a good relationship with her husband, his prior wives, and their children. Or did she? Was this just an accident caused by her inebriation? Did someone have it in for her? Or was she just overwhelmed by the minutia of being... the third wife??

3. "The Hopefuls" - Jennifer Close - I've seen this book on just about every summer reading list, so I have to assume its going to be good! It explores the political lives of a young husband and wife who make a new move to Washington, D.C. As the husband is fulfilling his political dreams, his wife is navigating the D.C. scene - the dinner parties, the political clicks, the fashion, the gossip, questionable "friendships," and the pressure of just trying to fit in for the sake of her husband's career. Can their marriage survive this new life? I'm sure they are hopeful...

4. "One True Loves" by Taylor Jenkins Reid - I recently read "After I Do" by Reid and I'm now a big fan. In her most recent novel, Reid writes of a woman who was married to the love of her life until he dies in a helicopter crash. She moves back home after his death and then runs into an old friend - who eventually becomes her fiancé and her second chance at happiness. But then her first husband shows up - alive. Now what??

5. "The Children" by Ann Leary - The family drama is this book has me totally intrigued. The book is told by Charlotte, a 29-year-old blogger who lives and works quietly at her mother's beautiful New England estate. Her mother is "allowed" to live at the estate via a provision in her late husband's (Charlotte's stepfather) family trust. The family has certainly had their issues, but all is sort of calm until Charlotte's stepbrother, Spin, who formally owns the home, brings his new fiancé home to meet everyone. Although she seems splendid, it's around that time when family secrets, lies, and resentments surface. And did I mention that Charlotte is quite a famous blogger - and no one in her family really knows that???

6. "The Year We Turned Forty" by Lize Fenton & Lisa Steinke - The first thing I will say about this book is that I don't think you have to be anywhere near 40 to enjoy it. It makes you think about the decisions you are making right now no matter what age you are. The book revolves around the lives of three best friends who hit 40 and start contemplating past decisions and missed opportunities. Jesse is tackling her personal issues that resulted in an affair that ended her marriage to her ex-husband - a man she still loves. Gabriella chose to focus her fertile years on building her successful career and now she wants a baby more than anything else in the world. Now she must convince her husband to want the same thing. Claire spent most of her adult life raising a difficult daughter who has finally blossomed into a beautiful young adult. Now she has time to think about a man who got away and the bond she wished she had with her mother. We always wonder if the grass would have been greener, but I guess we never know until we try to find out...

What are you reading this summer???

LATELY...

{My new everyday bag, which is probably one of my favorite bag purchases to date. It's quality, classic, and so convenient for all my random stuff that I "need" every day! }

Hello!!!! This is a blog post! Can you believe it? I have to start off by thanking each and every one of you who reached out to me regarding the last few blog posts. I was completely blown away by your support. So many of you shared your personal stories with me along with wonderful suggestions on how I can get through this. I'm so thankful for you. I'm still getting used to my new diet and trying to get enough rest. But, I am feeling better and have more energy as time goes by, so things are hopefully on the up and up.

Anyway, I dusted off my camera over the weekend to shoot a few things that I'm loving at the moment. Gosh I miss my camera! Hope you all have a good week and thanks again for your thoughts and prayers!

{In all honesty, my love for fashion has increased since my diagnosis. I've always loved clothes, but since there is no such thing as gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free clothing, then I love clothing even MORE now! As long as it fits, is almost more of a need than a want, and is in my budget, I can have it. That makes me happy. This skirt is a new colorful addition to my closet. It was 50% off and I just couldn't pass it up... } 

{Once I started resting a lot more (a requirement of my diagnosis) I quickly realized that I needed to up my pajama game. These pajamas my friends, are the most comfortable pjs I've EVER owned. They are super soft and are the exact same size and texture after I wash them. I swear I'd wear them each and every day if these met my business casual requirement for work. So very good. }

{And while I've been resting, I've been reading. "Lies & Other Acts of Love" by Kristy Woodson Harvey is one of my latest reads and it was a good one! I loved Kristy's first book, "Dear Carolina," (see my review here), and she sweetly sent me a copy of her new book a few weeks before it was released. It's a beautifully written novel all about love, relationships, and the power of family. That's my kinda read... It's the perfect summer read if you are looking to load up your Kindle!

{I have a college reunion coming up and needed a pair of heels to go with this simple dress. I saw these Sarah Jessica Parker heels in the store and immediately bolted to them. I've wanted them since they first out! Lucky for me I nabbed the last pair in the store. And they were and still are on sale!! And they are so comfortable. Go a half size down from your regular European size if interested!}

{And yes. I still love flowers... :) }

SIX READS & NETFLIX SHOWS ON MY CURRENT RADAR...

So I am so happy to say that I have read more books this year than I have in the past few years combined! I'm quite excited about that accomplishment! That has all been in part to actually having more time to reading and making more time to read. My Kindle lives in my purse now instead of on my nightstand. So instead of tinkering with my phone, I read during lunch, when I'm waiting for an appointment, and at night before bed. If I'm too tired to read (because there is such a thing), I've resorted to something entertaining and sometimes educational on Netflix - because prime time TV in the summer can be horrific. Here are a few of my favorites as of late...

1. Dear Carolina by Kristy Woodson Harvey: Design Chic just happens to be one of my favorite design blogs and the blogger behind that blog is now one of my favorite authors. The most enjoyable books (and TV shows for that matter) for me are those that involve relationship and family issues - and the ultimate resolution of the issues. It's a treat if the resolution proves a good moral. This book has all of that. The simple moral of this story is that things happen when and how they are supposed to happen - and they happen all in God's perfect timing. Khaki, an interior designer and mother of one is dying to have another baby, but her endometriosis is making it difficult. Jodi, Khaki's husband's cousin, is a recovering alcoholic who ends up pregnant, alone, and broke. Jodi's new baby girl ultimately brings these two mothers together in such an emotional and beautiful way. Once the baby is born, they both take on new lives that neither one of them ever imagined that they would have. It's just a beautifully written piece of Southern fiction that has easily become one of my favorite books...

2. The Good Neighbor by A.J. Banner: The cool thing about owning a Kindle and being an Amazon Prime member is that you get to download one free book a month. And the choices they give you are always interesting! This book was my free download for August and it's gonna be a good one! In this psychological thriller, Sarah moves to a beautiful town in Washington state and settles in comfortably with her new husband. Tragedy strikes soon after the move and she begins to question everything - her marriage, her friends, and her neighbors. Apparently it begs the question, "Just who can you trust?"

3. Lawyer for the Dog by Lee Robinson: I found this book via Bookbub (a site that I LOVE). Sally is one of Charleston S.C.'s most esteemed attorneys who seems to have her life sort of figured out. Then her ex-husband, a judge, appoints her to be the attorney for Sherman, a miniature schnauzer involved in one of his divorce cases. She deals with the dog, her mother who has Alzheimers, her crazy ex-husband, and her new attraction to the dog's vet, all at once- which begins to make her question everything she ever thought about marriage and love - and pets. If you are a pet-lover like me, then this might be a good one...

4. Dessert for Two by Christina Lane: You know I had to throw a cookbook in here! Sometimes after lunch or dinner on the weekends, I just want a little something sweet. But I don't quite have the knowledge of how to correctly break down a recipe so that it makes enough for just me or me and one other person. Ya know? This cookbook does just that. Christina turns really good desserts like Mississippi Mud Bars, a Banana Split Cheesecake, and Oatmeal Cream Pies into desserts that are just enough for two people. Love that...

5. Chef's Table: If you have an appreciation- a real appreciation- for good food, then you need to watch this Netflix series. The series highlights six chefs of award-winning restaurants who have made and continue to make ultimate sacrifices to pursue their passion for food and cooking. I knew that being a chef was hard work, but the amazing cinematography in this documentary shows you how hard it really is. But it also shows you that hard work pays off and that hard work can be enjoyable when you are working on your passion. This documentary will leave you with a bigger appreciation for the art of food - and a little hungry to say the least... :)

6. Bloodline: As I mentioned, I love a good family drama. This Netfix show is just that - a whole lot of good suspenseful family drama. The show revolves around Danny, the oldest son and black sheep of a prominent family in the Florida Keys. Danny has caused nothing but trouble his whole life and his family has always helped him out only for him to disappoint them once again. But he's finally ready to turn things around and come home to help run the family business. But once he comes home, he exposes the family's dark past - and it ain't pretty - but it's really good to watch.

What are you reading and/or watching these days?

SIX READS ON MY CURRENT RADAR...

So I'm still working at accomplishing my goal of reading more this year and it is working out quite well!  I used to be a "read one book at a time" kind of girl, but I am learning that in order to read something daily or nightly, I need to read something that is of interest to me at that particular moment.  That could be novel, a magazine, an article that I printed off earlier in the day, a cookbook, or a nonfiction book about something really interesting to me. Here are few books that I plan to add - or have recently added- to my growing stack of options that are currently on my nightstand...

1. Food 52 Genius Recipes: The Genius Recipe column of the Food 52 website is one of my favorite reads, so I have a feeling that this cookbook will be one of my favorites as well. The column as well as the cookbook features 100 typical recipes that are not-so-typical because of the unique way they are made or what they are actually made with. Think "Roasted Waffles," "Red Salad," "Potato Dominos," and "Caramelized White Chocolate." Roasted waffles - gosh that just sounds delish to me...

2.  The Sprouted Kitchen Bowl & Spoon: This book is not honestly not on my radar. It's sitting right here next to me on my nightstand as I write this post. It arrived on Monday (the release date) and I've had my nose stuck in it since then. This is the second cookbook by Sara Forte, the food blogger behind the lovely blog, "The Sprouted Kitchen." I adore her take on whole and healthy foods, but I especially love her take on this book. All of the recipes in this book are not only healthy and whole, but they are made for bowls. That got me. I eat most of my meals out of bowls. Bowls make eating anywhere other than the table much more comfortable and it's an easy way to control portions. Plus, I love mixing my food together. My grandmother used to eat her meals out of bowls, too, so perhaps I get my love of it from her. Eating healthy requires creativity to avoid boredom, and Sara's recipes are far from boring in my opinion. They are all made from a mix of ingredients that are colorful and go extremely well together. Most importantly, they all look simple to make. Her recipes for Double Chocolate Pudding, Strawberry Tabbouleh, Cauliflower Gratin, and Key Lime Eton Mess are certainly on my list of things to make. Oh and Sara's husband, Hugh Forte, should get some kind of special award for his food photography in the book. It's so, so, so pretty. You can see Sara and Hugh's beautiful introduction to the book here.

3. The Girl On The Train: I've been seeing this book EVERYWHERE and this past weekend I found out why. I was in Costco and had some time to waste until meeting a friend for dinner. I saw the book as I walked past the book section. I backed up, picked up the book (because I just had to know WHY I kept seeing it everywhere) and I opened it to Chapter 1. Well - I was almost late for dinner. I literally stood there in the book section of Costco and read the first few chapters of the book  - totally oblivious to anything around me - and as if Costco was a library. The book sucked me right in and I immediately downloaded the book to my Kindle when I got home. From what I read in Costco, it is about a girl who rides the train to and from her job in London every day. She pretty much sees the same things outside the window of the train each day - until one day. She sees something different that day - something not so good - and everything changes. She's got a lot going on in her personal life too that seems quite interesting. It's been compared to Gone Girl, but I can't and won't confirm that comparison until I read the whole book! I'm currently finishing up the sequel to this book, so I'll be reading it soon after I finish!

4. What Katie Ate On The Weekend: Katie Davies received a James Beard award for her stunning food photography in her first cookbook, so.... naturally I'm a lover of her work. Her blog "What Katie Ate" has been on my blogroll since my early days of blogging and I adore it. In her second cookbook, she features more of her inspirational photography of simple recipes that can be shared with friends during weekend dinner parties or brunch. She also offers tips on how to make the most of your time enjoying those friends as opposed to spending that time in the kitchen. You know I love cooking on the weekends, especially for others, so this book is certainly on my list...

5.  Deliciously Ella: I think Ella Woodward is such a charm. I've seen her really good-looking food on Pinterest and have linked to her recipes a few times. But I spent a little more time on her blog as I was doing research for this post and I have to say that she is a new favorite of mine. She developed Postural Tachycardia Syndrome about four years ago, which lead her to her current diet that is a whole-foods, gluten-free, plant-based diet. She credits that diet to healing her, putting her illness into remission, and teaching her how to cook things other than eggs and pasta! Ella finds really creative ways to make not-so-good for you foods out of simple and unprocessed ingredients. I'm so interested to know how she has used those ingredients to create her Classic Carrot Cake, Cinnamon Pecan Granola, and Sweet Potato Brownies. I also love her YouTube channel. It's so informative and I just might love her British even more...

6. The Body Book: This book is another book that is actually sitting on my nightstand as I write this. This book has been out for over a year, but I am just now hip to the game. Learning more about health, body, and food and how all three of them relate to each other has become a huge interest to me - as you may be able to tell from some recent blog posts and cookbook selections here. I am getting older - like 5 years away from 40 and I'm starting see and feel differences in my body. Overall I feel great and I want to keep feeling that way as long as possible. In the book, Cameron Diaz really breaks down- in layman's terms- how nutrition, fitness, and the mind can all work together to create the most optimal level of health - specifically for women. Yes, Cameron is an actress, not a health professional, but she talks about what she's learned from her experiences with food and fitness and I quite frankly believe her and find her journey to be so interesting. In the book, she presents good facts about healthy food and goes into detail about how the food provides for the body. She also talks about how the body should actually work in general, how to know when it's not working properly, and how the way we think has a huge effect on the body. I often put the book down at night wanting to treat my body even better the next day. That to me is a good read.

What are you reading??

I'M READING...

So this year, I made a goal to read more. The funny things is that I make that goal every year, and every year I fail miserably at it. But this year, I am sticking to it!!! I have more time at home in the evenings now and I've made the decision to sort of pull back from blogging a bit at night so that I can really focus more on reading. Reading gets my mind off of myself and all of the 1000 things I need to do. Plus I sleep like a baby every time I nix the TV and/or Internet surfing in exchange for an hour of reading before bed. And you know how much I love good sleep...

So the book I'm reading now is by Gayle Forman, an author who might be familiar to you if you are an avid reader. But she's new to me and I'm quite smitten by her writing. I'm reading "If I Stay," which is about a lovely girl named Mia. Mia endures a horrible car accident with her family - one of those cute, laid-back, happy, and really supportive families that everyone wishes they had. Mia barely survives the accident and ends up in a coma. She spends just one day outside of herself deciding if she will stay or if she will go. She spends that one day explaining her life in a such a way that certainly could make one hope that she makes the decision to stay in spite of the many reasons one would want to go. The plot itself is not a new concept, but the book is written in a way that makes it incredibly interesting and different. I'm midway through and am dying to see how it goes. The book was also made into a movie that was released last year (which I will see after I finish the book). AND there is a sequel called, "Where She Went," so my next book is already lined up!

Have you read the book or seen the movie?? If so, what did you think??

SIX NEW & NOTEWORTHY COOKBOOKS FOR FALL...

I LOVE cookbooks. I think I've mentioned that a few many times here before. I'm always on the hunt for cookbooks that teach me something new about food, save time in the kitchen, and most importantly - provide recipes that will satisfy my taste buds! Here are some new cookbooks that were recently released or will be released soon that caught my interest and just might catch yours. I think they would also make great gifts for this upcoming holiday season... 

1. One Pot by Martha Stewart Living: I have a busy schedule. I love warm, cozy, food. And most importantly, I hate doing the dishes. Therefore, this new cookbook had me at its title. This book is full of recipes that can be made in just one pot. That pot could be a dutch oven, skillet, pressure cooker, slow cooker, or stockpot. There are soups, stews, gratins, and even desserts that can all be made in just one pot. I gotta have this book...

2. Make It Ahead by Ina Garten: Ina is my hero. She has taught me so much about cooking and I've loved every single recipe of hers that I've made. I can't say that for many other chefs/cooks. Ina's latest cookbook (due out on October 28th) features recipes that can be made ahead of time along with great tips on how to master the make-ahead process. "Make ahead of time" is one of my favorite phrases, especially when it comes to cooking. The recipes in the book include a Make-Ahead Roast Turkey (just in time for Thanksgiving) and a Decadent Chocolate Cake that just happens to be gluten-free. Naturally, I've pre-ordered this book... :)

3. At Home In The Whole Food Kitchen by Amy Chaplin: I love sweet treats, but my normal routine consists of healthy and whole foods - so I'm always on the lookout for good whole foods cookbooks. In this vegetarian cookbook, which was released yesterday, Amy features great tips on how to properly stock a whole foods pantry. You can see Amy's pantry in this video (LOVE). She also tells you how to turn those ingredients into healthy and simple dishes that are satisfying and nourishing to the body. Apricot chutney, roasted fig and raspberry tart with a toasted almond crust, and black rice breakfast pudding are just three of the recipes in this book that have peaked my interest...

4. Sunday Suppers by Karen Mordechai: Every time I see a new Sunday Suppers dinner on Karen's beautiful Instagram account, my dream of attending a dinner gets even bigger. She has a true talent for cooking, styling, and photography- three things that I enjoy as well. Entertaining more is on my to-do list, so referring to some of the 100 simple and seasonal recipes in this book that are designed for gatherings would be a great resource to start with...

5. The Baking Bible by Rose Levy Beranbaum: Award-winning Rose Beranbaum, who is also known as "Diva of Desserts" is set to release her fourth "bible" on October 28th and I am so looking forward to it! She has previously written "The Bread Bible" and "The Cake Bible" - both of which were hugely successful. This is a cookbook where one can truly learn to master the intricate details of baking. It's one of those "teaching" type books that I could see myself referencing on holidays to make sure I get the perfect result for that special dessert.  

6. Homemade Decadence by Joy Wilson: Joy Wilson's blog, "Joy The Baker" has been on my blogroll for a few years now because I just love her. Her food always looks amazing, she is a great writer, and she is hilarious!! I adore her personality. She recently released this cookbook that features 125 delectable sweet treats that look beautiful and are easy to make. She starts the book off with a chapter on brunch, which features Roasted-Potato Breakfast Nachos and proceeds with several chapters on desserts. Those chapters include a Mint Chocolate Chip Cake, Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Cake W/ a Lemon Glaze, and Champagne-Sorbet Floats. Yes. Yes. And yes. 

Are there any cookbooks out there (new or old) that you are loving at the moment?? Do share!

On My Reader...

Happy Monday! How was your weekend? Well, it rained here 90% of the weekend, so I spent most of my weekend at home reading on the couch with my curled up cat nearby. That may sound boring to some, but with my busy past and upcoming schedule, it was heaven to me. The weather made it almost impossible for me to take good photos this weekend, so instead of doing my regular Weekend In Pics posts, I thought I would share my latest reads with you...

Vegetable Literacy: I saw this book a few weeks ago in Anthropologie and fell in love with it. Most vegetables will be at their finest over the next few months, so the timing of this book is perfect. It includes tons of sweet and savory recipes that involve a myriad of vegetables. All of that is great, but I was sold on glamour shots of the vegetables throughout the book. They are quite gorgeous...

Lunch In Paris: This is on my to-read list. Paris. A love story. French food. Sold.

What Alice Forgot: This is the book I was immersed in over the weekend. It's about a woman who passes out after she falls off her bike during her spinning class. When she comes to, she thinks she is a 29-year old pregnant newlywed whose husband adores her. The truth is that she is in the midst of a divorce, has three kids and is almost 40. Good stuff...

Souper Jenny Does Salads: Jennifer Levison is the owner of Souper Jenny, a local restaurant here in Atlanta.  I could eat there every day! The menu consists of soups, salads and sandwiches, all of which are made fresh each day. I've never had anything there that I didn't absolutely love. Jennifer actually took my order the other day and I didn't realize it was her until I saw this cookbook at the register. I slightly screamed, "Was that Jenny??!!" Her food is amazing, so it was a celebrity moment for me.

The Design Cookbook: This is another book that had me at the stunning images. Designer Kelly Edwards shares ways to define and achieve your personal style, 5-minute decorating tips, setting a budget and ways to decorate each type of room in your home. A space by designer Dayka Robinson, who I credit to me starting a blog, is featured in this book. So it's a special book to me... 

Where We Belong: I heart Emily Giffin's books, so I can't wait to read this one. This one is about a woman who is living the good life as a producer in NYC. Her perfect life takes a turn when an eighteen year-old girl knocks on her door. Life isn't so perfect after that... Or is it?? I look forward to finding out!

What are you currently reading? Anything good I should know about??