My End-of-Summer-Reading Hit List

I haven't read as many books this summer as I originally intended. Well...that's not entirely true. I have read a lot of books--it's just that I've read the same ones over and over again (ahem...Twilight...).

But now that summer is nearing the end, there are a few gems still on my list that I endeavor to tackle while the sun is still shining and the pool is still warm.

For instance, I am very excited for the August debut of Amanda Soule's newest book, Handmade Home. I'm an avid follower of her blog, SouleMama, and know already that the photography and project ideas from this book will be an inspiration.


Of course, like so many others, I am also intrigued by Julie and Julia. The pending movie release notwithstanding, I'm eager to dive into Julie Powell's memoir about blogging her way through a year of cooking. Could anything be more up my alley, I ask? I think not!

And as per the recommendation of a good friend (and voracious reader), I'm also itching to get my hands on Julia Child's memoir of her life in France as well. Part of my motivation to read it, I'm sure, is rooted in my desire to spend my life in France. I guess I'll have to live vicariously through her...

Speaking of books written by bloggers about cooking, The Homemade Life by Orangette's author, Molly Wizenberg, is chock full of short stories about the recipes that have made up the building blocks of her life. This food memoir, which I've skimmed in the bookstore and aspire to bring home soon, makes me want to hit my kitchen--and I don't even love cooking!

Finally, I've also skimmed through Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross and marveled at the pages of airy patterns and summery prints. Yes I will take a weekend sewing, thank you very much....

The only thing I suppose I need to do is cart myself to the bookstore and grab up these printed delights--although probably not all at once since my husband tends to faint when I come home with an armful of books and a long receipt.

What books are on your end-of-summer-reading-list? Share by posting your comment here!
Happy reading!

Previous Related Posts:
Soaking up to the End
Reading for Gold Stars
Dress Me Up!

Cozying Up (even if it is Vicariously Done)

Though Northern Colorado has had an admittedly fabulous, spring-like winter so far (sunny days, many of them above 60 degrees), today is a bit dreary, and the forecast calls for snow to roll in later this afternoon.  The change in the weather reminded me of one of the main reasons I started this Nesting series in the first place: because the thought of cold, dark winters made me want to focus on warm, cozy homes.

So far it's been a little too warm outside to crave cozy inside, but bloggers in other parts of the world are cozying up and writing about it for me.  

Thus, if you have the time today, take a gander over at two of my most favorite blogs: SouleMama, written by Amanda Blake Soule and Yarnstorm, written by Jane Brocket.  Amanda lives in the Northeast which is incidentally covered in snow.  Her photos of both inside and out will warm you right up (or remind you of winter in the case of us Coloradoans!).  Jane writes from England where snow days and freezing temps have her snapping shots of brilliant flowers forced from bulbs blooming in front of frosted windows.  A perfect Nesting image.

Hope your Tuesday invokes as many cozy thoughts as mine has, even if you have to live vicariously through others!

Previous Nesting Posts:

Nesting Your Life

Nesting is Creating

My Kind of Afternoon

Deviancy and Compassion

When I was younger--nineteen, to be exact--I spent a year living in inner-city Philadelphia, volunteering in the community and at a local high school.  It was easy during that time to be mindful of the needs of others, especially in a neighborhood where provision for the basics wasn't always easy to come by.

Since returning home to Colorado, however, it has not been as easy to be so mindful.  I am fortunate to live in a community with good schools, safety, and relative wealth.  Those fortunes make it seem like everyone is blessed, when really I know that they are not.  Even if the people in my community are provided for (which I know some are not), there are millions around the world who struggle just to find the basics--food, shelter, water, health.

I mentioned earlier this week that I didn't want my new, flexible, work-from-home lifestyle to just benefit me.  I sincerely feel that if I can't help others, than what is the point?  And so I submit that one of the key tenets to Deviancy 101, in addition to working grassroots jobs and going off the grid, is to be a helper of those in need.  Now, I haven't figured out exactly how I personally want to do that through my life and business (there are so many options!), but I know that it is important to start.

Fortunately there are examples all around of women who are doing just what I'm talking about.  Amanda Blake Soule of Soule Mama for instance (one of this Fall's Marketplace Mavens) recently launched a project to provide caps and receiving blankets for new babies in Haiti.  Her project demonstrates well the notion that "Don't Deviate Alone" means that as women we take special care to care for others, and to reach out beyond the shelter of our own lives.  I admire the Mama to Mama project, and any woman who is using her creative talents and passions to help those in need.  Note: she also has links to other "craftivism" projects on her site ("craftivism"--isn't that a clever way to phrase it!?)

Maybe you know someone who also demonstrates the kind of creative compassion I'm talking about.  I'd love to hear more about them and their special project!  Please share by emailing me at shillberry@comcast.net or commenting here.  Or tell me your thoughts on how we busy, modern ladies can be more mindful of others and actively compassionate.  I'm open to any tips or ideas you might have!

A peek at what is to come:  I'm wrapping up Deviancy 101 at the end of this week, and am really excited to start a new series, Handmade Holidays, soon!  We'll talk about some great DIY projects, oogle over gift ideas, and I'll wax poetically about how supporting "grassroots jobs" is good for us as women, and good for the world.  Stay tuned next week for more!

Marketplace Mavens: featuring Amanda Blake Soule of Soule Mama

Welcome to my first Marketplace Maven post! In this weekly series I hope to inspire you with stories of women who are taking on the challenge of being creative leaders in the economy. They are talented entrepreneurs who are expressing their passions through their work, often in ways that are distinctly "female" (like emphasizing relationships and flexibility).

For our first Maven I want to highlight Amanda Blake Soule of the popular blog, Soule Mama, and author

of The Creative Family. Amanda is the mother of three (soon to be four) living in the far Northeast. Her talent? Taking creative parenting to the marketplace and setting an example through her day-to-day living.

Find her work at:

Soule Mama: a popular blog read by scores of dedicated followers, Soule Mama brings daily tales of the creative life of the Soule family. Read about Amanda's latest knitting project, or about her children's latest creative ventures in "unschooling." Or enjoy her photography. There's lots to see!

The Creative Family: her most recent book. While skimming an excerpt on Amazon you'll learn that Amanda values creativity as a "job responsibility" for parents, and her book is chock full of ideas to nurture that creativity. Ideas like turning off the tv and turning on nature. A great find for parents (and aspiring parents like myself).

Handmade Home: her next book, coming in 2009. I can't wait!

Amanda Soule.com: her website, where you can learn more about her book and read interviews and press coverage.

Amanda shows us all that passion for simple living can go a long way in a marketplace that often favors flashy. Way to go Soule Mama!

Join me again next Monday for another inspiring Marketplace Maven story! To read more, visit www.stephaniehillberry.com.