Birthday Wishes for homeless kids

Birthdays are a big deal to me. I think they should always be celebrated, no matter what age you are. So when I came across the BirthdayWishes organization I was immediately drawn to it. This group throws birthday parties for kids in homeless shelters. It can't cost very much - less than many of us spend on dinner out or throw pillows. But a simple gesture like this can bring so much joy and many happy memories to a child that may not have much else to be happy about.

I plan to organize a goody bag stuffing party and hope to volunteer at a party soon. If you have some time and a few spare dollars consider donating something as simple as the cake mix, or a few party supplies. It's a small gesture that can mean everything to a child.

Save money on home improvement AND do a good deed

I just got this month's issue of Real Simple, which featured a link to the Habitat for Humanity "ReStore". I had no idea this existed, but apparently the charity sells home improvement items that it can't use at a deep discount. Renovators get materials at a low price, and the proceeds go to a great cause. This is a fantastic idea, and one I would definitely use if I had a home to remodel (someday!). Here is the link for those of you into the DIY home repairs:

habitat.org/restore

My Favorite Things: Summer Reading Books

It's almost summertime, and for me that means long warm afternoons by the pool with a good book. I haven't figured out what I'm going to read this year, but wanted to share a few of my past favorites for others to enjoy:

American Wife by Curtis Settenfield - A fictionalized story based on the life of former First Lady Laura Bush. It's a great story, and I was surprised how many of the anecdotes turned out to be true. You have to keep in mind it's fiction, but it sure explains alot!

Jen Lancaster's entire body of work - Jen Lancaster is HYSTERICAL! I laughed out loud (much to the chagrin of my fellow airline passengers) at all four of her autobiographies. They are, in order, Bitter Is The New Black; Bright Lights, Big Ass; Such A Pretty Fat; and Pretty In Plaid. The footnotes are the best - it's snarky but will make you laugh until you cry.

In addition to these books, I love everything by Emily Giffin and Jennifer Weiner.

I devoured Wedding Belles by Haywood Smith on a recent trip to Aruba.

Read it a few years ago, but I loved Best Friends by Martha Moody.

And Judy Blume's adult books are also great - Summer Sisters and Wifey.

Last summer I read Beach House by Jane Green, which was fantastic. I also liked Second Chance and Swapping Lives by the same author.

Lipstick Jungle by Candice Bushnell (of SATC fame) was excellent. I haven't loved some of her other books, but this I enjoyed very much.

If I find any more this summer I'll post again, but this should be enough to get you started!