The more I stay at home the more I read and I’ve always got a wish list going, always. A month ago when I did a job I treated myself to a book allowance and purchased used, but in great condition books on Amazon. The result? Pure book heaven. Especially lately, because when I am stressed and can’t stop worrying it’s my biggest escape. I’ve been reading books in a week or less lately, it’s a problem. Especially for my overcrowded bookshelves, but I can’t let go of them, they are a part of me.

I love it when you read a book(s) that are perfect for you at that very moment, the dosage you just needed. These books are just that. So inspiring and they really have touched me; even cried at certain points. They all touched me in different ways and for various reasons, but there is one great theme. All of these women in their stories, memoirs are in their late 20′s, lost and just trying to find their place in life. With the exception of Bitter is The New Black, they all include recipes at the end of each chapter. Really yummy ones at that, can you say hungry?

Eat Pray Love

It’s safe to say that just about every bookworm with estrogen has read it or heard about it, enough said. Who can resist? I loved her story, just amazing and so inspirational. The Italy section was my favorite, surprise. I literally would have dreams about it while I was reading it. My girlfriends and I that read the book are going to go see the movie next month, we’re big Julia Roberts fans. Can’t wait.

Bitter is the New Black

Jen Lancaster has quite a few books out, they are not a series so you can pick up any at any time. I happened to pick this one because I felt it was the story I could most relate to. A woman finding her way after being laid off from a 9-5 corporate job who starts a blog and becomes a writer-nice! I often had to cover my mouth when I read it in bed because she is so funny and I was afraid my outbursts would wake up Kris. She puts the pro in sarcasm, highly recommend.

I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti

This one took a bit to grow on me, but loved her humor and could really feel the emotions she went through. Even better her recipes are super easy and her titles are cute humorous.

Lunch in Paris

I love this one! It takes place mostly in Paris and it’s her memoir. A great story of her finding her way through the culture in Paris, learning the foods of Paris (yum) and finding her career all the while falling in love. Her tone is a lot sweeter than most of the authors in these books, but this girl still has a witty sense of humor. For sure a must read!

A Homemade Life

I’ve still got a few chapters on this one and I’m sad to end it. It’s so good I don’t want it to end. She’s a writer who now runs a restaurant in Seattle with her husband and is also the writer of the awesome and famous Orangette blog. This is going on my top ten list of all time. She even has great ideas and questions for a cooking or reading club, fantastic. It is very sweet as she dedicates it to her father who has passed. This one really made me cry a few times. She’s a really brilliant writer, it shows right away. Also very witty and smart. Her background is awesome, the woman has three degrees, still writes and runs a restaurant-SUPER WOW!

So there you have it, I hope you check them out if you’re a reader and they bring as much joy, laughter and meaning as they did for me. True gems sitting on my bookshelf. Of course my best friend, Annie and I mostly read the same books which is great because we have an unofficial book club going. I highly recommend it, it makes for great book swapping and conversation.

On the wish list now:

The School of Essential Ingredients

A Vintage Affair

Happy reading!

Listening to Ingrid Michaelson’s new album Everybody. I love her voice and lyrics.

I’ve been listening to this album for months, ever since it came out and I tend to drive Kris crazy when I play it over and over, but I just can’t help myself.

I’m making acorn squash soup tonight with bread. I’ve made butternut squash soup before, but never with acorn squash. I found a great recipe idea in Sunset magazine this month to cook the whole squash then scoop out the squash and serve it in the squash itself, once you make the soup of course. I’m sure it will make a pretty presentation for a Friday night dinner.

Reading this awesome cookbook. I love Alice Waters and her style and approach to cooking healthy organic foods. She started the Edible Schoolyard Program and of course co-founder of the very famous Chez Panisse restaurant in Berkley CA. What I love most in this book is that she has special notes in each section. Such as leaving a chicken out an hour in room temperature before roasting in the oven otherwise it won’t brown evenly in the oven. I could write a whole post just on Alice Waters, her books have really inspired me to cook differently and explore other methods of cooking.

That sums up my day. I’m also reading the users guide to Quickbooks for Mac and planning for upcoming photo sessions, but that’s all boring stuff that I’m sure you don’t want photos of. What are you up to today?