Freedom: A Novel

I had been hearing rave reviews about Freedom for a while now.  It had been recommended to me by a few bloggers (and ok, also Oprah), so I decided to give it a read.  I honestly can't say I have ever read another book like this one.  When I was reading it, it was hard to put down.  However, once I put it down, it was hard to pick back up.  It was not what I would consider light reading, but the story was really good.  

via

Freedom moves back and forth through time, starting in the 1970's and ending around 2008.  The story is not told chronologically.  It begins with an account of the Berglund family from the point of view of their neighbors.  Then the book goes back in time, and in the form and an autobiography tells the story of matriarch Patty Berglund.  It then shifts to the points of view of patriarch Walter, their son Joey, and Walter's best friend Richard, and back to Patty (in no particular order). Though they looked perfect from the outside, their lives were full of heartaches and disappointments, and the story goes into this in great detail.

Overall, I would give this book 3 out of 5 stars.  It is an interesting story, but sometimes it got a little heavy.  The story was well-written, and the characters fully developed.  I think I just really enjoy fluffier books.

Next up, Waiting to be Heard: A Memoir, which is the story of Amanda Knox's murder trail.  So far, it is a fascinating read.  

My So-Called Instagram Life

Hi Everyone!  Sorry I have been a bit M.I.A.  My work-life balance has definitely been way off lately, and I have been logging long hours at the office.  I am hoping it will stop soon, but until then, my blogging may be sporadic.  However, it does mean I have saved up a lot of pictures to share with you.

 I like to text pictures of myself and the pups to my husband when he isn't home.  Sometimes I get fancy and send him collages (yeah, this may be kind of weird).  

We grew carrots!!  They aren't the prettiest carrots, but they are really sweet.  Hopefully I can get a garden update up this week.

I found these adorable planters at Home Depot.   

This is how Meatball and Petunia like to sleep.

I accidentally matched my toes to my skirt the other day.  I think it worked well.

I found this awesome task organizer at The Container Store.  It is huge, and I can't wait to start using it.  It is supposed to grip to any smooth surface.

A close-up of our Walla-Walla onions.  They are almost ready.

I can't pass up anything Middleton, especially while standing in line at the grocery store.

Our first bunch of red onions this season.

Another gratuitous shot of the pug sleeping.   

I love arranging flowers, and nothing is lovlier than peonies.

I have been considering getting a pair of Supergas to wear on my trip (and everywhere else).  Does anyone have a pair?  What do you think?

The Slanted Door

I have told you about one of my favorite buildings in the city, The Ferry Building.  I have also told you about some of my favorite stops there, Miette, Baccolone, and Hog Island Oyster Company.  There is also a very famous restaurant called The Slanted Door, which I love.    

The restaurant describes itself as creating modern Asian cuisine, and the food is meant to be shared (so bring your friends).  Even if you are unfamiliar with Vietnamese cuisine, you will find lots of familiar flavors (think won ton soup and vermicelli).  I recommend ordering a few dishes to sample and pass around.  The bar also makes a mean cocktail.  

If you are visiting San Francisco, this restaurant is worth checking out, but make reservations.  Bonus, it is located right on the bay.  If you have been, what did you think?

What I Need Now...June Edition

I'll be the first to admit that my mind is on my upcoming vacation.  I still have about two months to go, and I am having lots of fun shopping for it.  I may have also started my Christmas list.  It's never too early, right?

I have been searching for a very low-heeled pair of sandals that would allow me to dress up an outfit, but still be comfortable enough to do some walking in.  It was pretty much love at first sight when I discovered these, a rare mix of super-cute and practical.  

The Whistlestop Sandals by Madewell  $138

 I don't necessarily want this for my trip, but I would love to have it to wear with my rose gold watch.

Roseland Disco Wrap Bracelet  $28

I have come to the conclusion that this will make a great travel bag.  The best part is, it folds into a very compact square that makes it easy to slip into my suitcase if I don't need it.  

Longchamp Le Pliage Large Tote  $145

Anthropologie had a similar jacket to this last year, and I missed out on it.  When I found this version at Nordstrom, I stalked it until it went on sale, and then I pounced.  It is all about the business in the front and party in the back.   The crocheting adds so much uniqueness, and makes it stand out from the pack of surplus green jackets that are just about everywhere today.  It really is a fun piece.

Gibson Crochet Back Surplus Jacket  $70.80 (on sale!)

Obviously, this isn't for my vacation.  I need a new place to store my jewelry, and I love the way this armoire is organized.  I may need to put this on my Christmas list.

Hayworth Jewelry Armoire  $399.95

Of course, I need to commemorate my upcoming trip with new charms for my Pandora bracelet.  

Pandora Bracelet Charms in London Bus and Big Ben  $45 each

What is on your wishlist this June?

June Photo A Day

If you are on Instagram, you have no doubt seen the monthly photo a day challenges that *Chantelle over on Fat Mum Slim posts.  I have participated on and off for the past year, and have decided that June is the month that I will attempt to stick with it every day (a feat which I have never accomplished before).  

The rules are simple.  Every day, there is a prompt for what kind of picture to take.  They are open to interpretation, so you can be creative with it.  Post your picture and tag it with #fmsphotoaday so others can see what you posted.  There are no other rules, and it is never too late to start.  

It would be lots of fun if you guys wanted to participate in this too.  You can help keep me motivated to post pictures daily, and I can see what kind of creative ideas you come up with.  Win-win.  If I don't follow you on Instagram already, please leave your id in the comments.  If you would like to follow me, I am @iluvpugz (Yeah, I know.  Big surprise.).  I hope to see you over there!!

The prompts for June

B is for bumblebee.  It was in my lavender outside.

A moment:  I captured 3:30 in the afternoon.  The minute the girls decided it was time for me to feed them.  Oh, the longing and desperation.

 *  I am not affiliated with her blog.  This is just for fun.