a lifestyle blog for book lovers

I hope you have a lovely weekend ahead of you. Around here, we’re celebrating a birthday, having dinner with friends, and reading lots of good books.

My favorite finds from around the web:

• Meet the Great British Bake Off illustrator. A unique behind-the-scenes look at the show my family is obsessed with right now.

• Not everything is a side hustle. “Messing around with a stand mixer or a sewing machine is fun for me because it’s not work. Personal pleasure is what makes a hobby a hobby.”

• Here’s why clothing sizes are the way they are. “If the last hundred years of women’s clothing struggles have taught us anything, it’s perhaps to realize just how arbitrary the number on the tag really is.”

• The things I learned when I became a bookseller.

• My entire family loved this recipe.

Favorite instagram:

This one wins for the comments: I asked you about the books every woman’s gotta read, and you responded with 414 comments (and counting).

Follow me on instagram @annebogel.

A new podcast:

I’m on the Satellite Sisters this week talking everything from blogs to podcasts to books (of course), including some on-the-fly literary matchmaking. Listen here to hear me completely blank on the title of a memoir I think is perfect for Lian’s book club. (Our conversation starts at about the 52:00 mark.)

On the blog:

One year ago: 17 great audiobooks for kids.

Two years ago: The words that keep rising to the top.

Three years ago: When we were in the fire.

Four year ago: The magic 5 hours for a successful marriage.

Five years ago: On letting my face speak what’s in my heart.

Have a great weekend!

7 comments

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  1. Rebecca says:

    My kiddo is going to love the link to the GBBO illustrator interview. It combines two of his favorite things – baking and drawing. He adores that show. Thanks for sharing.

  2. Heidi says:

    We love GBBO too! We watch an episode or two in lieu of bedtime stories when a new season is available on dvd. For Christmas, a family gift we gave the kids was a season 4 cookbook and a set of decorating tips. Jaffa cakes and mirror glaze, here we come!

  3. Heather says:

    I’ve always wondered about the illustrator for the GBBO. Thanks for that article! Interesting about the sizes. I’ve noticed that the sizes that I’ve worn have gotten smaller from when I was in high school even though I was smaller then. I live in the Portland area and all of the people that work at Powell’s are extremely nice. Did you know that the founder of Powell’s ghost (Walter) supposedly roams the bookstore? I wonder if Bart ever encountered him 🙂

  4. Meg says:

    Thanks so much for the “side hustle” article! It really gave me an “ah ha” moment! I discovered succulents a few years ago and love to make succulent topped pumpkins in the fall. Last year I posted on a neighborhood chat group about needing more pumpkins and when I showed a photo of what I make, I had a lot of unexpected interest! I was thrilled to be making umpteen pumpkins and for cash, no less! By the 15th pumpkin, the magic was gone & replaced by drudgery. I learned a great lesson and will stick to my succulent hobby instead of succulent business!

  5. Leanne says:

    The sound machine is key! I know not everyone is a fan of the “always listening” devices, but we put an Echo Dot in our bedroom to control our lights, set our alarm, and listen to music (it’s also connected to a bluetooth speaker on our dresser). Our neighbors are big fans of celebrating the 4th of July and New Year’s Eve with fireworks. Unfortunately, our dog does not feel the same way. So on those holidays, and the days following, we have Alexa play rain sounds extra loud in our bedroom and we, and the dog, sleep soundly.

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