I Am A Boss Bitch And You Can Be One Too...Here's How

It seems like there is a need in today's work landscape to provide women with the tools to not only set goals for success but also to blow those goals out of the water. But how? We all know about leaning in and claiming our spot at the table but some of us need a few more specific tips and tools to become the Boss Bitch we know we can be. Enter Nicole Lapin's new book Boss Bitch: A Simple 12-Step Plan to Take Charge of Your Career. This book is great for three kinds of working women: those who are learning the basics of being the boss of their own lives and career, those who are in a leadership role at their company, and/or those who have aspirations of being the boss of their own company.

I found the first two sections especially relevant for my career goals, but I think there really is something for every woman here. Lapin presents the info in a fun chatty voice and offers up one of the best business glossaries in the back of this book. She demystifies many of the business words that make us pretend we know what is being talked about and simplifies them. Probably worth the cover price of the book in and of itself.

This book would make a great graduation gift, as well as an excellent addition to any Boss Bitches' book shelf.

Blogger Note:  I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for an honest review. This review is entirely based on my opinion.

The Moth Presents: All These Wonders

It's been a long time since I read a book that made me feel something long after I had finished reading it. Enter, The Moth Presents All These Wonders, a small book comprised of 45 personal "true stories about facing the unknown" by people of every walk of life. These stories were all read aloud to audiences as part of The Moth storytelling series over a 20-year span.

Every story was different. Some were easy to find yourself relating to (Modern Family, Go The ^&$% To Sleep) while others took the air out of your lungs with an audible swoosh sound (The Shower). There were stories about David Bowie (The Girl From Beckeham) and stories penned by Louis C.K and Tig Notaro. Stories about things both all-encompassing and minute. These stories, though on a personal level were about facing the unknown in one very particular circumstance for its author, also stood out as stories with a universal undercurrent that had the amazing power to pull us under for a little while and when it finally managed to release us, it left us stunned in wonder.

Blogger Note:  I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for an honest review. This review is entirely based on my opinion.

Instant Happy Journal Makes Journaling a Snap!

I love Karen Salmansohn's whimsical Happy Books so there was no doubt in my mind that her new guided journal, Instant Happy Journal: 365 Days of Inspiration, Gratitude and Joy was a must-have for me.

Instant Happy Journal

I really like guided journals because it helps me to think outside the box of the usual ideas to write about. This one focused nicely on the idea of creating happiness which is something everyone is seeking. The pages are not incredibly long which makes it incredibly un-intimidating and writer friendly, especially for someone who is a beginner journaler.

This is perfect for keeping on your nightstand as a way to think back over your day or to meditate on the day ahead, or it's also a great gift for just about anyone.

Blogger note: I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review. This review is entirely based on my opinion and contains my honest evaluation.

The Time Garden is a Fun Way to Lose Youself in the Trend of Adult Coloring Books

Adult Coloring Books. Simply put, the artful trend of the moment that is more like a way for adults to reconnect with their childhoods. The Time Garden by Daria Song is a gorgeous adult coloring book that is incredibly well-illustrated and tells a charming tale. It was easy and enjoyable for me to sit down with this book, some colored pencils, and a cup of tea and just lose myself in another world for a little while.

Have fun with this adult coloring book, The Time Garden by Daria Song.

This coloring book experience allowed me to relax and just enjoy the simple pleasures of coloring. Added bonus: I instituted "coloring time" in my home and my son and I both colored our respective coloring books side by side. Peaceful, stress relieving and a great way to unwind. I definitely recommend this book for anyone who wants to play with coloring books all over again!

Blogger note: I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review. This review is entirely based on my opinion and contains my honest evaluation.

In the Age of Social Media, Do you REALLY Know What You Like?

The concept of liking things has become practically synonymous with social media. Whether you are liking a friend's status on Facebook, retweeting a celebrity's hilarious tweet on Twitter or showing some love for a brand's newly uploaded photo on Instagram, liking is a quick way to support or show approval for someone else. But what about the deep down concept of enjoyment? Do we really have a firm grip on what we as individuals truly like in the age of digital liking bombardment?

Go Ahead and Like it

Go Ahead and Like It by Jacqueline Suskin is a little gem of a book that encourages the reader to delve into what makes them tick. Step away from technology for a little while and just focus on your surroundings. Think about your favorite memories. Recall simple pleasures that leave a 500-watt smile on your face. Tune into your likes. Then start making a list. That's all there is to it!

What I like most about this book is that it's very thought-provoking. It made me realize how infrequently I take a honest look at what moves me and brings me joy. This book would make a great gift for anyone who could benefit from a little quiet reflection. And honestly, that is pretty much all of us these days.

Blogger note: I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review. This review is entirely based on my opinion and contains my honest evaluation.

Journaling Made Easy

There was a time when I would happily journal, page after page, year after year. That time was between 5th grade and my mid-twenties. Then after that two things happened: 1. My life settled down (which while being quite nice, also left a big void for self-reflecting journal fodder) and 2. The Internet (personal blogs that always seemed to start off well-intentioned but usually fizzle out quite early on).

Each new year, one of my constant resolutions is to get back into journaling. I certainly have enough to write about, though my main road block is my lack of time. If only I could capture snippets of my life in journal form quickly and easily! Then I'd be sure to have some follow through and something to reminisce back on years from now.

Queue the big bold flashing lights and ringing bells!! The solution...THIS BOOK. This cutesy little portable gem is Q&A a Day: 5-Year Journal. I love it because it is easy to follow and use consistently. Each day is a question and you answer it, easy as that. And you do this for 5 years, so you can see how your answers/choices/opinions/preferences evolve through time.

I also like that the publisher has put out a slew of simple "one a day" themed mini journals that range the gamut of One Line a Day (good for capturing a snippet of a memorable conversation) and Q&A for Kids (good for those parents who always mean to capture their kids memorable quotes but never have time).

This is the way to ease yourself into journaling, whether you are a first-timer or someone looking to get back into it after a hiatus. Also great for writers to use as prompts.

Blogger note: I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review. This review is entirely based on my opinion and contains my honest evaluation.

Make Up by Michelle Phan is Just What Her YouTube Fans Ordered

If you know who Michelle Phan is, than you hit the bulls eye for this book's demographic. Are you scratching your head and wondering if I've insulted your age? Don't worry, I fall in the upper 30s category (wink wink) and this book still offered some useful advice to me as well.

Make Up by Michelle Phan

Quick back story of Michelle Phan because really, that is what makes her such an internet celebrity. Michelle is a self made celeb (which is quite refreshing!) who made a name for herself by creating How-To Makeup tutorials on YouTube. She amassed a HUGE following and created both Ipsy (the full-size monthly beauty box subscription service), as well as her own cosmetics line, em. Quite an impressive accomplishment for a twenty-something.

Make Up is Phan's first book and is basically three books in one. First is her autobiography, Second is the guts of the book (make up tips, tricks and tutorials) and the Third section about how to cultivate your own business/brand.

I think that this book is perfectly targeted for the tweens through twenty-year old set, as it gives them lots of useful advice (both style wise and career wise), but for anyone a little older, this information may all be old news to you.

Having said that, I found certain aspects of the book to be useful (the smokey eye instruction because I can never quite nail the perfect technique!). There were also ample reminders about Do's and Dont's in the age of oversharing and social media.

Definitely gift this book to a young girl in your life. She'll be impressed that you even KNEW who Michelle Phan was!

Blogger note: I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review. This review is entirely based on my opinion and contains my honest evaluation.

Literature Lovers: Here is a Home Style Book JUST FOR YOU

Being the self-proclaimed book lover that I am, I couldn't resist the book NOVEL INTERIORS by Lisa Borgnes. The concept behind this beautifully photographed book (courtesy of Ivan Terestchenko) is how to live "in enchanted rooms inspired by literature". Great idea for any book lover.

Novel Interiors

First of all, I can't stress how truly enchanted these rooms actually are. While flipping through this coffee table book, I could easily envision myself wandering through these magically inspired rooms and being transported to some of my favorite literary settings. Taking a cue from such authors as Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, Henry James, Willa Cather, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Isak Dinesen and Marcel Proust, the book is all about an eclectic mix of collections, styles and charming touches that are a true blend of traditional literary touches and livable esthetic. The message is simple: Embrace what you love about your favorite literature and bring it home to adopt into your everyday life.

While many of the rooms and homes showcased are a bit out of the league of the typical homeowner, you can take these ideas and incorporate the parts that speak to you quite effortlessly into your own home.

Feel free to get lost in the pages of a book that takes its inspiration from plenty of good novels. A perfect gift for the book lover or home interior decorator in your life.

Blogger note: I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review. This review is entirely based on my opinion and contains my honest evaluation.

A Letter to My Cat is The PURRFECT book for any cat lover!

Cats are kind of having their big moment in the media. From all the hilarious internet cat videos, to Grumpy Cat's Christmas Movie that just debuted to impressive numbers, it's no surprise that people love cats.

A Letter to My Cat

But why? A person's relationship with their cat is as different as, well, snowflakes! In the book A Letter to My Cat: Notes to Our Best Friends by Lisa Erspamer, you will find a collection of essays from celebrities, veterinarians, kids and your average cat owner. Heart tugging, humorous and always truthful, these essays touch on what makes each feline-human relationship special and endearing. Colorful photos accompany each essay, giving the book a complete feel of getting a glimpse of each special bond.

This book would look great on any cat lover's coffee table or be a great holiday gift! Get your paws on it for the holidays and make the cat lover in your life very happy.

Blogger note: I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review. This review is entirely based on my opinion and contains my honest evaluation.

DIY Type: Stencil Your Heart Out the Easy and Fun Way

Despite my best efforts, crafty is not a word I would use to describe myself. But that has never stopped me from testing the waters of different artsy-medium with varying degrees of success. I've been a big fan of typography, so snagging a copy of DIY Type: 50+ Typographic Stencils for Decorating, Crafting and Gifting by Dana Tanamachi with the intention of trying out some of the typographic projects was a no-brainer.

DIY Type by Dana Tanamachi

The Good: Typography really doesn't get much easier than what is presented in this book. Tanamachi has set this up basically as a book of alphabet stencils with 2 sizes for each letter, and then a short overview of ideas for projects ranging from home decor, wardrobe and entertaining. Simply trace the stencil on your desired medium, fill in with your stylistic preference and voila!

The Bad: I was hoping for more projects to inspire me. While the stencils alone are a great starting out point, as someone with little innate creativity, I need more visual examples of what I can do with them. This book, paired with another that includes specific project ideas would have been a perfect match.

All in all, this book provides the starting point for some fun projects (or just rainy day doodling), considering you have a bit more of a creative jumping off point than I do. Grab a sketch pad, some sharpies and just act like a kid again. It's fun!

Blogger note: I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review. This review is entirely based on my opinion and contains my honest evaluation.

Extra Virgin: The Cookbook Your Italian Grandmother Would Be Proud toSee in Your Kitchen

This cookbook can easily be confused as a coffee table book. The photography is stunning! Gabriele Corcos and Debi Mazar transport the flavors and family atmosphere to your home through their book, Extra Virgin: Recipes and Love from Our Tuscan Kitchen.

Extra Virgin by Gabriele Corcos and Debi Mazar

Beautifully presented, Extra Virgin provides the recipes that are authentically Tuscan and will impress even your picky Italian Grandmother! There is something for every occasion, season or craving, from your pasta to your soups and even Tiramisu. All of the ingredients were easily accessible and the recipes were clear and easy to follow.

My favorite thing about this book though had to be the was that Corcos and Mazar infuse this book with their personal stories. It comes across as a mix of cookbook/family album that just adds to the authentic Tuscan vibe.

Blogger note: I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review. This review is entirely based on my opinion and contains my honest evaluation.

Reasons My Kid is Crying: The Perfect Book to Kick Back with After anEspecially Trying Day of Parenting

Hey parents, do you frequently visit hilarious parenting blogs? Then chances are good you are familiar with the blog, Reasons My Son is Crying. (No? I'll wait while you go check out the site. Really, you must. It's a gem!)

The blog, and subsequently the book, is the brainchild of Greg Pembroke who decided in the midst of one of his 3-year-old son's tantrums, to start documenting the reasons behind the outbursts. Needless to say hilarity, as well as an instant web-following of parents, ensued.

Reasons My Kid is Crying is dubbed as "Part Diary, Part Therapy, Completely Hilarious" and is everything a time-starved parent looks for in a book: concise, funny and reassuring. It is presented in the same style as the blog: a photo of a toddler sobbing alongside a caption describing what caused the meltdown. My favorites include: "He met Bill Murray", "His Aunt wouldn't let him play with the ax" and "I wouldn't let him crawl into a 400 degree oven". I mean who hasn't been there??!!

This is the kind of book that you sit down on the couch and read with your spouse after you put the kids to bed. It is a solid reminder to parents that everyone's child will occasionally act like this and that the best way to get through it is to laugh (and ok, sometimes take pictures and document your kids' absolutely illogical but nonetheless pricelessly entertaining explanations for their tantrums).

Makes a great gift for a new parent or someone whose child is about to enter the everything-they-told-you-and-more-is-true realm of the terrible twos.

Blogger note: I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review. This review is entirely based on my opinion and contains my honest evaluation.

photo courtesy of: http://crownpublishing.com/