The Story/Book-Alli

Alli writes one of my favorite blogs to read (I'm not biased at all by her parents good taste in names). We also have locale in common; she's a midwesterner as well, and in great company living in the state of Michigan. Alli has a paper shop with lovely items that make me want to plan a party just so I have a reason to buy this and this. If you love beautiful, simple design as much as I do then Alli's blog will make you want to shout Hooray when you read it. 

Thanks Alli, for being a part of The Story/Book.

The Story~
Reading has always been a part of my life. Roald Dahl & Shel Silverstein sparked my imagination as a kid, and mystery books intrigued me in my early teens. And then in High School, I read Pride & Prejudice for the first time, and so began my love for Jane Austen novels. These days, I read a bit of everything.

The Book~

A good cover will easily pique my interest, as was the case with this African series by Nicholas Drayson. I just finished A Guide to the Birds of East Africa and recently started the sequel (this time, all about the Beasts), and the story is sweet and entertaining. It's filled with little facts and beautiful descriptions, and follows an older gentleman (and the woman he secretly has a crush on), his friends, and their adventures around Nairobi that involve politics, an old murder case, and African wildlife. It's such an enjoyable summer read.

Other Recommendations~

The Principles of Uncertainty Maira Kalman, The Commoner John Burnham Schwartz, French Women for All Seasons Mireille Guiliano

Thanks Alli, for being a part of The Story/Book.

The Story/Book- Bri

This is Bee. Doesn't she take the most beautiful pictures? And, not to make her blush, but she has gorgeous eyes and a snazzy sense of syle. She blogs over at The Secret Life of Bee where she writes about life, art vintage style and, oh yeah, takes amazing photographs. I've enjoyed her pictures and writing for a long while now.

Thanks Bee, for being a part of The Story/Book.

The Story~
I am excited to be over here talking about one of my favorite things in the world: books! I am a total bibliophile which I proudly get from my mother. My all time favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. For those of you that have not read it, it is about poverty, prejudice and loyalty in the deep south as seen through the eyes of a child. Like many people, I read it in high school. The particular teacher I had when I read it was so wonderful and really brought the story alive for me.

The Book~
I honestly don't have one specific reason why it's my favorite. There are so many pieces/people in the story that are dear to my heart: Atticus Finch, Boo Radley, Miss Maudie, Calpurnia, Scout, Dill. So many reasons to love all of these characters. Someday I plan on giving one of our children a name from one of these beautiful characters.

Other Recommendations~
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn Betty Smith, The Old Man and The Sea Ernest Hemingway, The Great Gatsby F. Scott Fitzgerald, As I Lay Dying William Faulkner, Life of Pi Yann Martel. 
I am always looking for more books, so stop by and let me know what your favorite is!

My mom was a great supporter of my reading habits too, Bee. Thanks again for being a part of The Story/Book.

Flea market

I have a deep love for vintage, antique and just plain old things. The mister and I were supposed to go to a flea market this morning, but it was closed or out of business (or never really existed, who knows?) So I still had a hankering to look at unique, beautiful things when I got home. Here are some of my favorites that I wanted to share with you.

hat, all the rest