The Whole World Over by Julia Glass

I came home from work early today (something I ate did not agree with me), and after napping, I finished up this book. I borrowed it from a lady at work, and for the most part, I enjoyed it. The basic premise of the story (although there are many complex story lines that weave in and out), is of a woman who, while running her own bakery in New York city, is offered a job as the head cook for the Governor of New Mexico. She accepts the position, taking her son with her, while her husband stays behind in New York. She meets a former lover in New Mexico, and the marriage starts to fall apart.

I enjoyed many of the food references in the story, as well as the relationships between the characters. While the story sometimes dragged a bit, I am glad I stuck with the book.

What disappointed me was when about 90% of the way through the book, September 11th occurs, effecting the lives of all the characters (this was mildly spooky as I got to this part yesterday; September 11th). I felt like this was an unnecessary twist, one that definitely did not need to occur. It threw the story in a way I was not expecting (nor did I really like), but overall did not ruin the experience of the book for me.

Next on my list:

Kitchen Art

The three prints are actually ads from old Life magazines - I bought them at a local shop for about $4 each. Gabe bought me the frames, and I painted them red, to match everything else in my kitchen. I love them! They are so much fun. The one in the middle was even a surprise... I bought it for the picture on the other side (Vermont Maid maple syrup), but then when I opened the package, I saw that the other side was an ad about eating meat for breakfast, from the American Meat Council (or something like that). It fit in well with the other two (hot dogs and bacon), so I decided to use it.

Care Bear Cake

I made this cake after finding a Wilton Care Bear pan at the Christmas Tree Shop for only $3! As opposed to the $15 or so they usually are. It was just too good of a deal to pass up. :)

I decorated it as Good Luck Bear, and I think I did alright. I brought it to work and everyone thought it was great, but I guess the creator always sees the most fault in their own creation.

Next time I will pay closer attention to the details (namely the stomach insignia and the face), and make sure that I have enough frosting to do the proper rainbow over it's head.

Mmm, Cake and Pie!

You Are Strawberry Cake

Fresh, sassy, and romantic. You're a total flirt, who never would turn down a sugary treat. Occasionally you're a bit moody - but you usually stay sweet!

What Kind of Cake Are You?

You Are Apple Pie

You're the perfect combo of comforting and traditional Those who like you crave security

What Kind of Pie Are You?

So I thought I would start a blog just about books, but then realized that I probably don't read enough to make it interesting. Then it occurred to me to do something that encompassed all my favorite things to do. And here it is - enjoy!