Like to Know it – Page 8

American Spy by Lauren Wilkinson

March 9, 2019 RaeAnna

Reading American Spy on a cruise. | Cute and comfy one-piece swimsuit.

Worth A Read Meh
Length 304
Quick Review I wouldn’t read American Spy for the mystery, but I would read it for the nuance, depth of understanding, and style. Lauren Wilkinson makes an impression in her debut novel.

Lauren Wilkinson sets her novel, American Spy, against the backdrop of the spread of communism during the Cold War. Wilkinson writes a beautiful novel about the ferocity of a mother’s love.

Marie Mitchell is a former FBI operative of Caribbean descent. When her home is broken into late one night, her past compromises the safety of her children. Marie writes about her journey to the FBI and operations with the CIA to explain to her past and decisions to her two young sons. A love story unfolds as Marie, the American Spy, is pulled by country, love, duty, and relationships.

I really enjoyed reading American Spy, but I would not come for the mystery. It is absolutely predictable and not terribly interesting. Then again, I never have any difficulty predicting love stories or mystery plots. What is interesting is Wilkinson’s ability to weave a story and her ability to delve into the complexities of human nature, feeling, and personal history. She also utilizes French words and sayings to add authenticity to Marie’s Caribbean heritage. Wilkinson doesn’t over simplify the French but makes it accessible to non-francophiles.

American Spy has a really interesting organization. Time is not linear, nor is there any specific organization. It reads the way the diary of a distraught person would. A bit jumpy. Talking about the past, the present, important people, events, and minor tangents. It’s a brilliant way of transporting the reader into Marie’s mental state. The majority of the time, Marie is telling a story but often utilizes “you” referencing her two sons.

Wilkinson explores the complexities of human nature and racial charges. American Spy is charged with the difficulties of being a professional woman and a professional black woman in the white, good-ole boy club. Wilkinson demonstrates so many prevalent issues throughout her novel without ever seeming preachy or condescending.

I enjoyed reading American Spy; it is definitely a great vacation read.

Memorable Quotes
“My parents had nothing but their children in common.”
“I think that conclusion was drawn too neatly – people are too complex for such simple arithmetic – but I understand the purpose it serves.”
““I don’t like to say what I’ve read. That’s how you disclose the most about yourself. I never make notes in a book or underline passages either. That’s even more revealing.””
“But for you, for black American boys, the middle class can’t help guarantee your safety.”

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Title: American Spy
Author: Lauren Wilkinson
Publisher: Random House
Copyright: 2019
ISBN: 9780812998955

Books, NonFiction

Work Optional by Tanja Hester

February 21, 2019 RaeAnna

It’s hard not to feel like a pretty at Oak Alley. | Missguided Dress | Target Shoes | Jean Jacket | Sunglasses | Book

Worth A Read Yes
Length 288
Quick Review Whether you’re trying to retire in your early 40s or just trying to get a handle on responsible spending, Work Optional by Tanja Hester is a great motivational book.

Tanja Hester retired at 38 with her husband. She began her Work Optional life before her 40th birthday. In her book, she lays out the steps she and her husband took to save money without cutting back on the little joys.

Hester emphasizes the importance of balance. There is a balance between saving and living because living for retirement should not be the time people start living. We have only one life, so it should be a priority to enjoy all the moments of it.

Work Optional seems to be about money and finance. It is. It definitely is. More importantly, it is about prioritising or reprioritising based on the things that bring joy into one’s life. Hester spends the first part of the book discussing how to frame life and make a game plan in order to enjoy that life to the fullest. The next part is how to go about making that happen by making feasible financial plans. The last part is how to put those plans into action. Hester peppers the book with personal anecdotes and anecdotes from others who have also successful started making plans. The inclusion of others’ experiences helps cater to the vast variation of lives being lived.

Hester takes a topic and spins it into something entertaining and inspiring which could otherwise be incredibly dry and boring. Financial matters can be terribly unbearable to read if they are done poorly. Hester weaves the personal with the numbers to make the numbers into something relatable and worth working for.

I enjoyed reading Work Optional because it is motivating to spend on what is important and not on the unnecessary. I am lucky to work doing what I love, but someday, I would love to cut back those hours to enjoy living. This is a great resource to start planning for those days.

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Memorable Quotes
“I was barely out of college even I realized that I could be super successful on paper and even earn loads of money, but shirk probably ever fulfill me the way I hoped.”
“When it comes to sticking to financial goals, simple is virtually always better.”

[I love being able to travel with my work. I took these pictures at Oak Alley in Louisiana just outside of New Orleans. It was chilly, but I love this dress from Missguided. It’s a knockoff of a very expensive dress, which I bought for under $20. Yay sale shopping! A jean jacket goes with everything. Even on overcast days, I like to have a pair of sunglasses handy; these pastel purple shades are super cute and inexpensive. I’m also in love with my Target shoes.]

Title: Work Optional
Author: Tanja Hester
Publisher: Hachette Books
Copyright: 2019
ISBN: 9780316450898

Books, Reading Lists

Cruise Reading List

February 17, 2019February 17, 2019 RaeAnna

My suitcase is packed. My books are packed in my favorite weekender. I have my sunhat ready to go. Wearing my comfiest shoes and yoga pants for a roadtrip!

I’m off on another adventure. Technically, it’s my first adventure of the year. The year rolled over while I was on my last adventure. I’m spending a few days with family in New Orleans before heading on my first cruise. A bunch of my mom’s side of the family are taking a cruise to Mexico to celebrate my grandma’s 80th birthday!

I am working the next couple of days, but I am not working while on the cruise. Well, I’m not working three of the four and a half days on the cruise. Those three days will be the first days I’ve not worked in…. years. I’ll be doing work for the blog like taking pictures and writing. I like to think of that as fun(work). It’s work, but I love it.

I will actually get to sit down and read. Actually dedicate time to reading. I’m super behind on my reading list, so hopefully, I can catch up over the next few days. Fingers crossed. Besides reading, I get to actually put on clothes and look like a human being!!!

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Work Optional: Retire Early the Non-Penny-Pinching Way
Tanja Hester
I’m currently reading this. It’s full of lots of great ideas. I kind of feel like I’m living a work optional life because I have the freedom of taking my work with me everywhere I go.
We Were Eight Years in Power: An American Tragedy
Ta-Nehisi Coates
I’m really excited to read this one.
Mother Winter
Sophia Shalmiyev
I’m looking forward to this memoir about emigration and motherhood.
The Bold World; A Memoir of Family and Transformation
Jodie Patterson
I love the cover, and I’m looking forward to reading about a mother’s journey with a trans child.
French Quarter Fiction; The Newest Stories of America’s Oldest Bohemia
Editor: Joshua Clark
I love New Orleans, and this is an obvious choice since I’m in the city.
American Spy
Lauren Wilkinson
I love the cover a whole bunch. The story sounds pretty great too.
Dreyer’s English; An Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity and Style
Benjamin Dreyer
My inner language nerd is going to have so much time reading this. This is my version of porn.

Books, Fiction

Homeward Hound by Rita Mae Brown

February 16, 2019 RaeAnna

Should I Read Meh
Length 336
Quick Review Traditions refuse to change in Homeward Hound even when a snow storm threatens the Christmas hunt. Everyone makes it home safe except one.

Homeward Hound by Rita Mae Brown is comprised of elements, which should make me like it. Unfortunately, they are just that. Elements failing to come together to create a memorable book. What I thought would be a huge cast of dynamic characters was a bland smoothie.

The basic gist: A whole bunch of characters are gathering in the Virginia countryside for the traditional run days before Christmas. The run is steeped in 400 years of tradition and hierarchy. The hierarchy is further bolstered by the social structure of the area they all live. Toss in a pipeline and a wealthy gentleman, who goes missing.

Brown begins Homeward Hound with a list of characters including the humans and the animals. Each character was accompanied by their traits and role within the group. I like the concept when there are so many characters involved because the story doesn’t have to explain it in the story. Unfortunately, the story still felt the need to, so it was basically a waste of time reading those pages. Brown has one family and their “African American”ness was emphasized. Instead of feeling inclusive, it felt racist for needing to point out this otherness in rural Virginia. I got it, they’re black in a sea of white folk in a literal blizzard.

Having a pipeline and a missing person were the main driving forces behind the plot in Homeward Hound, but neither did a great job of making me want to read more.

My favorite part of the entire novel was the way Brown decided to deal with dialogue. The animals had conversations among themselves in the midst of human interactions. The human dialogue was noted in the traditional way with quotes. When the animals spoke, their conversations were italicized, so the reader would know an animal was speaking instead of a two legged character.

I do really like the cover art and the concept of Homeward Hound. The elements just did not come together in a cohesive and compelling enough way to make me enjoy reading the book. I like the cover more than the content.

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Memorable Quotes
“nonagenarian”
“Because those people on the hunt field measured up to sartorial tradition close to four hundred years in practice.”

Title: Homeward Hound
Author: Rita Mae Brown
Publisher: Ballantine Books (Penguin Random House)
Copyright: 2018
ISBN: 9780399178375

Drinks, In The Kitchen

Valentine Drinks

February 14, 2019February 14, 2019 RaeAnna

I love this Nasty Gal dress. (Valentine’s Perfect.) | I slip into these light pink Target shoes all the time. | Champagne Flute | Martini Glass | Cocktail Shaker

I don’t drink alcohol anymore for a lot of reasons. (I’ll probably talk about that stuff later.) Before my freelancing took off and after my short-lived corporate career, I bartended. I did that for about two years. I wasn’t great, but I wasn’t too bad! I have always had a love of stemware. Even in college, I had a set of wine glasses, champagne flutes, and martini glasses. I just feel classy drinking out of them!

Anyways, I came up with two Valentine’s inspired drinks. I am including the alcoholic version and a virgin alternative. They’re super yummy both ways. For the guys, embrace your masculinity and enjoy these pinky/purple drinks. One is a fancy martini, and one is a super simple champagne drink. You can drink these without martini glasses or champagne flutes, but it’s not nearly as fun in my opinions. I do suggest having a shaker with a strainer; it makes the process faster and cleaner unless you know what you’re doing.

Ingredients
Blackberry Fizz Martini

Fresh blackberries
Fresh Mint
Vodka
Champagne/Sparkling White Grape Juice – chilled
Ice

Raspberry Sunrise

Fresh raspberries – frozen
Raspberry syrup
Champagne/Sparkling White Grape Juice – chilled

Instructions
Blackberry Fizz Martini

In the shaker fill halfway with ice. Add 1.5 oz vodka, five blackberries, four mint leaves.
Shake vigorously for thirty seconds to a minute.
Pour liquid through the strainer into the martini glass.
Fill the glass with champagne the rest of the way and garnish the rim with a blackberry.

Shake, shake, shake! | Shake well. | Fill martini glass with the fizz!

Raspberry Sunrise

Fill champagne flute with champagne ¾ of the way full.
Slowly pour raspberry syrup down the inside of the flute. The raspberry syrup will settle on the bottom creating the sunrise effect.
Add a few frozen raspberries to the top to keep the drink cold. You can also garnish the rim with a raspberry.

DSC_0581_1-01 — Pour the syrup gently down the side of the champagne flute for the sunrise effect.

To make these drinks non-alcoholic is very simple. For the martini, use sparkling white grape juice instead of vodka and champagne. For the raspberry sunrise, instead of champagne substitute sparkling white grape juice. For the sunrise look, it is really important to use white grape juice. The look of the drinks will be the same, but it’s perfect for the sober people, pregnant ladies, under agers, and anyone else. I love it. They are super quick, easy, and yummy.

No better way to toast your loved one than with a romantic cocktail. If you’re looking for a great red dress, I highly suggest this linen one from Nasty Gal! I love it. I’m ready for summer. I paired it with these light pink, faux-sued slip ons from Target. I wear them constantly and receive a ton of compliments.

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DSC_0701-01 — Clink to love of all kinds! | Champagne flute: Raspberry Sunrise | Martini glass: Blackberry Fizz

Baked Goods, In The Kitchen

French Silk Pie

February 9, 2019February 9, 2019 RaeAnna

Beau wanted to help with the pie… | Sweatshirt Dress | Sherpa Socks

French Silk Pie is one of those treats I have only ever bought because it’s French Silk Pie. It’s a hard pie to make, right? Actually, no. This pie was requested in place of a Birthday cake. Birthday people get what they want on their birthday, so I obliged. I did a bunch of researching online to find a good recipe. Which is when I realized, French Silk Pies have raw eggs in them… I had no idea. None at all.

I do what I always do. I found recipes and took the bits I like from several ones and added my own flair. I’m terrible at following recipes. I rarely find a perfect recipe, so I make the perfect recipe… Well, I think it’s perfect, but you should try it and let me know!!!

I like to make my own pie crust, but store bought are lovely too. Use your favorite pie crust recipes or a store bought. Either taste wonderful.

Ingredients

1 pie crust

Chocolate Filling

½ cup white sugar
½ cup butter
3 oz unsweetened or semi-sweet chocolate (whatever you like best)*
2 tsp cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla
Pinch of salt
2 eggs room temperature or 3 eggs refrigerated
½ cup heavy whipping cream, whipped

Whipped Cream Topping

1 cup heavy whipping cream
3 TBS powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

*The eggs are more elastic when they’re room temperature. To get the silky texture it’s important to have have that quality. So if they’re chilled add another egg to get the same property.

Instructions

Make and bake the pie crust according to the instructions. Allow it to cool completely before filling.
Whip ½ cup of the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Place in a bowl in the refrigerator to keep cold.
Whip 1 cup heavy whipping cream in a bowl with powdered sugar and vanilla (you can substitute almond if you prefer) until stiff peaks form. Place in a bowl in the refrigerator to keep cold.
Melt the chocolate in the microwave or a double boiler until smooth. Set aside to cool.
In a mixer, combine butter and sugar on medium speed for three minutes until a light yellow color and fluffy.
Mix in vanilla, salt, cocoa powder, and melted chocolate for a minute until well combined.
Add in the eggs one at a time beating for two minutes between each egg. The mixture will be silky and fluffy.
Carefully fold in the ½ cup of whipped cream.
Fill the pie with the chocolate filling.
You can either spread the 1 cup of whipped cream or pipe it (for a decorative effect) on top of the pie.
Place in the refrigerator for a minimum of two hours.
If you want you can shave or get fancy and twirl chocolate and sprinkle it over the top as decoration.

Cut and enjoy! It’s incredibly easy. It only takes about 20 minutes to assemble if you use a store bought crust. This is one of those classic pies I grew up eating on special occasions. I absolutely love how surprised I was at the ease of making this pie. I highly suggest it for your next event! Even Valentine’s Day or Galentine’s Day, which is coming up quickly!!!

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I love this sweatshirt dress. It is so cozy. Perfect for the Houston winters. I wear it a lot. Like a lot a lot. At home I live in these red sherpa socks. My new apartment has wood floors, and these keep my feet warm and padded from the hard flooring.