Book Club: Jane Austen Ruined My Life

Book: Jane Austen Ruined My Life

Author: Beth Pattillo

Amazon Summary: 
"Smart chick lit that's an absolute pleasure to read." --Booklist Emma packs up what few possessions she has left and heads to England on a quest to find the missing letters of Jane Austen, sneding Emma on a series of Austen-related tasks that bring her closwer to the truth. However, the sudden reappearance of Emma's first love makes everything more complicated. In the end, Emma learns that doing the right thing has very little to do with other people's expectations and everything to do with her own beliefs. Laced with fictional excerpts from the missing letters, "Jane Austen Ruined My Life" is the story of a woman betrayed who uncoers the deeper meaning of loyalty.

What I have to say: 
My sweet friend Lacey, from Charm & Sass, sent me this book as part of my Pamper Me Pretty Swap Package. This was a cute book...really easy to get into. I'm not a Jane Austen fan but it was cool to learn about her life- both her real life and her 'life' that was created for this book. The Jane Austen connection/storyline, I felt, was really fleshed out and enjoyable. While there is a 'romance' element.storyline, it leaves a lot to be desired...but I'm ok with that, as I wasn't expecting a romance novel. 

Would I recommend this book? Kind of. I wouldn't say to anyone 'you HAVE to read this book' but if someone was looking for a fun, easy read or if they ask if I read the book, I would recommend it. In fact, I've already lent my copy to my grandma. Even though I'm on the fence about recommending it to someone else, I would read it again...I did enjoy this book.

Keep It Beautiful

Everyone knows how much I love Canada and for the longest time, I have wanted to showcase Canada on my blog. So, I've decided to ask Canadian bloggers to answer 5 questions about their province.

This week, Alex, from NorthStory is answering questions about Ontario.

 
     
1. Where are you from:
The GTA (Greater Toronto Area) in Ontario. I've moved a lot in my life so I don't have a specific city or town here that I have always called home.

2. Favourite thing about your province:
We have a city in it that's the Center of the Universe. I'm totally kidding. Even though I've lived a huge chunk of my adult life in downtown Toronto, I would never think that was true. The older I get the more I develop an immense love of small towns.
 
3. What is your region (province and/or city) known for:
The CN Tower is probably the biggest landmark aside from Niagara Falls.

4. Where to:
a) Stay:
Blue Mountain Ski Resort is great winter or summer. I have friends that are die hard fans of camping in Algonquin Park. My parents really love and constantly go back and visit Manitoulin Island and Tobermory.  
b) Eat:
I am the absolute worst person to ask this to because I can't remember the last time we went out for dinner (we have young kids and babysitting is hard to come by). My favourite sushi restaurant was Crispy Roll on Queen Street in Toronto but it has since closed down. 
c) Go/what to do:
After you come visit during TIFF (The Toronto International Film Festival - my husband's Aunt and Uncle are huge fans and fly in from the US just for that each year) and do the whole Toronto tourism thing, get in a car and get out of Toronto. I know I am going to get killed for saying that but there is so much more to Ontario than just going to see the CN Tower and Eaton Centre. Go visit the small towns like Southampton by the shores of Lake Huron for the beautiful sunsets and check out the Southampton Market. Have a Beaver Tail pastry by the Rideau Canal in Ottawa and stroll the Byward market. Can you tell I like markets? One of the most beautiful smaller towns I have been to has been Goderich. Just get in the car, follow a road and drive. Each town has their quirks and small stores that are waiting to be discovered.
 
5. A "must know" about your province:
Yonge Street is the longest street in the world. Damnit, see I try to get out but I keep coming back to Toronto. Ok at the very least you can be assured that our baseball team (The Toronto Blue Jays) uniform colours will do you justice. 
 
And it doesn't snow around the GTA as much as it used to despite the myths of all of us living in igloos in Canada overall, but it gets really cold here in the winter. So bring a good parka, boots, mittens and a real toque. One that covers your ears not the ones hipsters use as a fashion accessory. One minute outside in the windchill and you'll be begging for heated glove inserts.

Thanks Alex for taking the time to answer these questions!!

For more information on Ontario, please visit Tourism Ontario.

Hey! It's Ok

Idea taken from Amber at Airing My Dirty Laundry One Sock At A Time.

To think Aaryn from Big Brother, despite all of her racism, is playing a good game.

That I have 122 unread emails. I don't know how it got so out of hand...I'm working my way through them all.   

To have struggled a bit with this months Cara Box theme (age and life stage). I was able to come up with something and I hope my partner likes it. 

That I LOVE Luke Bryan's new album!

To be counting down to Brock Homecoming (one month yesterday)! It will be a really fun weekend and I'm really looking forward to it!

Inspire Me: Never Too Late

Happy Monday! I can't believe we are at the start of a new week and that there are only two weeks left of August! I had a really fun weekend- Brewery Tour with Brock Alumni and seeing The Wizard of Oz in Toronto. I'm exhausted and could use a day off, but instead I'm headed to work. 

Here's some inspiration to help get through the week: