Things I've Said to My Children - Book Review

Book: Things I've Said to My Children

Author: Nathan Ripperger

Publisher/Publish Date: Ten Speed Press / September 15, 2015

Yep, sometimes as adults we say some pretty ridiculous things to kids. As an aunt, though not a parent, I can totally relate. Ripperger does a fun job of compiling and illustrating what I am sure are conversations he's heard in his own house (he has 5 boys!). For example: "Don't kiss your brother while he is on the toilet."

The title of the book pretty much tells you all you need to know about this humorous book. The books 96 pages of illustrations and quotes kept me entertained and giggling as I looked through it. And I am sure it would be fun to read with kids.

My favorite, which is something I'm pretty sure I've said to my nephew before: "I am not talking to you... until you are wearing underwear."

This book would make a great birthday or christmas gift for any parent, or as a book to have on your coffee table for conversation starters.

Disclosure: I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from Blogging for Books with no expectation that I would provide a positive review. The thoughts, opinions, and reactions are entirely my own.

Apartment Therapy Complete and Happy Home - Book review

Book: Apartment Therapy Complete and Happy Home

Author: Maxwell Ryan (Author), Janel Laban (Author), Melanie Acevedo (Photographer)

Publisher/Publish Date: International Marine Publishing / September 15, 2015

Having recently moved into a new apartment, and on my own for the first time, I started visiting the Apartment Therapy site multiple times a day. For advice on storage, living in a small space, how to fit all my stuff into my small kitchen, and how to make it MY home. I was excited to get a copy of their new book to review, "Apartment Therapy Complete and Happy Home," so I could lay on my new couch and stare at photos of beautiful homes for hours, and what enjoyable hours they were.

While this isn't Apartment Therapy's first book, I like that this one focuses on what can be really hard to achieve when decorating, "how it makes you feel." The book walks you through how to move in and decorate from scratch, shares photos of some gorgeous bedroom, and ends with a section on how to maintain it.

For me, the most helpful section was on hanging art. I usually just guess where it should go, so it was nice to get some advice on how to hang it so it feels right in the space. And the section on plants has me seriously considering a "no-lawn garden" when I move into a place with more outdoor space.

A great book to give anyone inspiration on redecorating, or setting up their first place. Only downside, I couldn't click "pin it" on the lovely photos;)

Disclosure: I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from Blogging for Books with no expectation that I would provide a positive review. The thoughts, opinions, and reactions are entirely my own.

I'm Happy For You (Sort of... Not Really) - Book review

Book: I'm Happy For You (Sort of... Not Really)

Author: Kay Wills Wyma

Rating: 4.5/5

GoodReads  •  Amazon

While I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, I was intrigued by the cover art and tagline on the cover "Finding contentment in a culture of comparison." 

Most, if not all people, yearn for contentment and peace in their life, though it is so hard to find and hold on to. Kay Wills Wyma does a great job of taking a step back and looking at what steals that peace and contentment, and how that effects our lives, and those of our friends and family.

The title comes from advice she gave her teenage daughter, and which I think is advice I need to take myself. What do you say when you are talking with a friend and they are telling you how they did better at a test, or got a promotion or a bonus, or they just bought a beautiful new house? When your brain wants to start comparing what they have to what you have, and it starts the downward spiral that comparison brings? Tell them: "I'm happy for you," and try to mean it.

This book goes on to give real life advice, as well as shares stories from some of the author's friends. In the end, it was an easy read, that hopefully has a lasting impact on the way I look at and treat those around me.

"It isn't what you have or who you are or where you are or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about it." - Dale Carnegie

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you, bloggingforbooks.com!