2014 Book List

photo source

Here in Wisconsin, we're dealing with a winter that won't quit. Rather than state the obvious and complain about slush, salt and cold temps, let's wrap ourselves up in the positive. Wisconsin winters are the perfect time to reflect, read and warm up with a cup of hot chocolate (or three). Here's a list of books to read in 2014:

Nine to Five Inspirations 
After devouring Lean In, I discovered that this was the first book on career development I've read since hanging up my college graduation gown. Gulp. Let's expand our knowledge on the subject by reading:

• Ogilvy on Advertising 
• I Shouldn't Be Telling You This: Success Secrets Every Gutsy Girl Should Know 
• Pour Your Heart Into It

Parenthood
I once read that the best parenting advice will come from your friends, family and other new moms. This was from a parenting book, oddly enough. Even if the best tips come from other moms, I loved the philosophy behind Happiest Toddler. I'm looking forward to reading these others:

• Loved Reading: Happiest Toddler on the Block 
• The Good Mother Myth 
• How To Talk So Kids Will Listen: How to Listen So Kids Will Talk 

Good ReadsI've heard nothing but good things about the following five. After watching here on The Daily Show, I'm especially excited about I Am Malala. 

• Me Before You
• The Casual Vacancy 
• I Am Malala 
• The Fault in Our Stars
• Relish: My Life in the Kitchen 

What are you reading these days? Any books that should be added to this list?

You Are My I love You

You are my I love you

I am your parent you are my child

I am your quiet place, you are my wild

I am your calm face, you are my giggle

I am your wait, you are my wiggle

I am your audience, you are my clown

I am your London Bridge, you are my falling down

I am your carrot sticks, you are my licorice

I am your dandelion, you are my first wish

I am your water wings, you are my deep

I am your open arms, you are my running leap

I am your way home, you are my new path

I am your dry towel, you are my wet bath

I am your dinner, you are my chocolate cake

I am your bedtime, you are my wide awake

I am your finish line, you are my race

I am your praying hands, you are my saving grace

I am your favorite book, you are my new lines

I am your nightlight, you are my sunshine

I am your lullaby, you are my peek-a-boo

I am your kiss goodnight, you are my I love you

Waiting for Birdy: Favorite Lines

Last weekend we took a much needed road trip to Minnesota to see family and friends. With the car packed up the night before, we left on time, but not fully caffeinated. Ingrid was out cold until her seat belt straps tightened. She then opened her eyes and proclaimed "We're going to Minnesota! I so excited!" 

The car ride was unlike any I'd ever experienced with her. By that, I mean it was pleasant. Ingrid read, colored, requested movies and snacks. We've entered another stage of parenthood. A stage? No. She's growing up.

Although the car ride was nice, I found myself wishing for more. Daydreaming about the day when she'll let us know she needs to use the bathroom. It takes a present mind to remember this parenting classic: don't wish it away. 

It's an easy thing to do, really. To wish away the teething pains, the tummy time grunts, the constant feeding, swaddling, diaper bag packing, bottle washing and toy wrangling. To pine over the next stage of development. To wish for a start and an end.

After dreaming of what's to come, I remembered one of my favorite reads this year, Waiting for Birdy by Catherine Newman. 

I reread the highlighted sections and felt inspired to share a few. The book is about the author's family awaiting their second child. Although I'm content with one, I nodded along while reading. Now, I'm not a fan of articles, books, quotes or eCards that paint motherhood to be this magical, secret society where kids are insane, amazing and no one has time to shower. I preface this because some of my favorite lines are flowery and moving. Balance these sentiments with honesty and that's why I loved every page:

"There is the love that balloons so enormous and breathtaking that it lifts you up, past sleep, into some other kind of place, where joy is immeasurable, and fear is everywhere. Where "bittersweet" is always the flavor of the day."

"Speaking in earnest proverbs is new to me since becoming a parent. But now, every day, some or other cliche pops into my head as if it were an original thought." 

"But when I looked into that serene little face, the world stopped and started, and I became, in an instant and forever, a mother." 

"Put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others with their masks." 

"There is no way to understand the joyful desperation of parenthood until it is already upon you, like a flash flood." 

"Sometimes, when I go to put the kids to bed, I breathe a sigh of relief after they fall asleep, like 'Thank God that's over with!'...'Don't wish your life away', my mom used to say when we were impatient as kids. I'm sincerely trying not to.

That oxygen mask line has proven to be my motherhood mantra.

This book armed me with more tips than some of the "recommended" reads for moms with toddlers. 

What books - not necessarily on the topic of motherhood - have stuck with you? 

Five Things

The name of the game this weekend: relax with Ingrid. Dan is gearing up for his printmaking convention and is working around the clock (from one procrastinator to another, I totally get it). Ingrid and I are enjoying making grilled cheeses, watching movies and getting excited for homemade Skinny Shamrock Shakes tomorrow (Ingrid's totally into avocados in shakes. Or, she will be.)

Here are a few things that made the week sweet:

Ingrid loved creating little "burritos" out of these Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps.

photo and recipe via 

I recently read that sipping on sweet, rich tasting tea can help curb cravings so, I picked up some Red Velvet Chocolate Tea. I find that it's best WITH a little sweet treat.

Folding laundry with a toddler leads to excessive, unnecessary, fashion-forward, adorable layering.

Good Reads is a great site. At first, I was a little hesitant to sign up for (another!) online account. Seriously, is there really a need to track my thoughts on BossyPants? But, I've found that it's great for keeping track of book recommendations. So often, I'll be talking to family and friends about books they enjoyed, make a mental note to remember (or jot it down on some random post-it) and then forget about it 10 minutes later. I'm excited to read Tell the Wolves I'm Home. After finishing Run Like a Mother - which has connected me to a new running online community and honestly, helped motivate me to run...sometimes.  

via

Last weekend, Dan and I went to Milford Hills Hunt Club with friends. It was my first time at a gun range - I had only previously shot a gun in my friend's backyard (welcome to Wisconsin folks). Things started to look up after I adjusted the ear protection and stopped crying about the noise. You need to pull your ear up and really jam those ear plugs in - who knew? Probably everyone but me.

Anyways. It was a little scary to load, hold, aim and shoot a gun. And it was also exhilarating. I felt a little silly about how scared I was to load the gun. At one point, Dan had to remind me that nothing would happen until I pull the trigger. Still, the experience was overwhelming and I was happy to end the day with some cocktails and surprisingly delicious appetizers.

That's the week: skinny recipes, tea, Ingrid in a sports bra, books and guns. Happy Saturday!