De-cluttering My Life 50 Things at a Time

I haven't yet read Gail Blanke's Throw Out Fifty Things: Clear the Clutter, Find Your Life, but I decided to take the challenge and throw fifty things out anyway. Inspired by Jess from Makeunder My Life, I attacked my room and soon had an overflowing pile of beauty products I no longer used. Even though it is hard to tell I got rid of anything, I must admit throwing things out (recycling, giving away, etc.) has given me a small sense of accomplishment.

My 50 Things

Going through my makeup made me aware of my tendency to hoard lip glosses and to hang on to almost empty containers. Also, beauty products don't last forever, so it's a good idea to go throw your makeup bag once or twice a year (see Glamour's shelf-life recommendations). Of course, the best part of cleaning out my makeup was discovering six MAC containers that I can trade in for a new lipstick. However, I should probably get rid of another fifty things before acquiring anything else.

Jane's Fame

If you want to learn about the rise in popularity of Jane Austen's novels, pick up a copy of Jane's Fame: How Jane Austen Conquered the World by Claire Harman. Harman examines Jane's life as a struggling writer with a small amount of success to her global renown today. The book is full of interesting information about the Austen family's reaction to her writing as well as fascinating quotes by other authors and contemporaries. I loved this line from Richard Whately, archbishop of Dublin: "Her heroines are what one knows women must be, though one can never get them to acknowledge it." This was my last book for the Everything Austen II challenge. Can't wait for Everything Austen III!

The Intrigue at Highbury

Mr. and Mrs. Darcy meet the Knightleys in Carrie Bebris' mystery, The Intrigue at Highbury. When Elizabeth and Darcy are robbed by a highwayman, they seek assistance from the local magistrate, Mr. Knightley. Mr. Knightley and his young bride, Emma, in turn ask the Darcys for help in solving the murder of Frank Churchill's uncle. I loved how the characters from Pride and Prejudice and Emma interacted with each other, and their attempts to solve the murder were entertaining. Moreover, Miss Bates talks about baked apples so frequently, I had to make a batch of apple dumplings after finishing the book. I would, also, recommend a cup of tea while reading this mystery.

For more Jane Austen goodness, check out the Everything Austen II Challenge.

Don't forget to enter the Ms. Taken Giveaway (ends tonight)

and the Hair Fix Giveaway!

Murder at Mansfield Park

I just finished reading Lynn Shepherd's Murder at Mansfield Park for the Everything Austen II challenge and am so sad to have finished it because it was that good. Forget everything you know about Jane Austen's Mansfield Park and pretend she rewrote it as a murder mystery. Fanny Price is no longer the meek, good girl while Mary Crawford is the downtrodden heroine. When Fanny is brutally murdered, Mary sets out to solve the mystery. Intrigue, suspense, and a happy ending make this novel worth reading.

Lady Vernon and Her Daughter

I just finished reading Jane Rubino and Caitlen Rubino-Bradway's Lady Vernon and Her Daughter, a retelling of Jane Austen's Lady Susan. While I liked how Lady Vernon and Her Daughter captured Austen's style, I'm disappointed that Lady Susan is transformed from a calculating coquette into a damsel in distress. Instead of a captivating social climber, Lady Susan Vernon is a loving wife and mother who must shift for herself when her husband dies. Much like in Sense and Sensibility, Lady Vernon and her daughter, Frederica, are dependent on a male relation who refuses to offer them financial assistance or acknowledge that it is his duty to provide for these helpless women. I think if I had not read Lady Susan first I would have enjoyed this novel more.

Follow the Everything Austen II Challenge here!

Murder at Longbourn

To start off my reading for Stephanie's Written Word Everything Austen II challenge, I picked up Murder at Loungbourn by Tracy Kiely, and I have to say that this book was a lot of fun. Elizabeth Park attends her Aunt Winnie's New Year's Eve murder mystery party at her aunt's new B&B, The Inn at Loungbourn. When the town bully is shot and killed, it is up to Elizabeth to solve the murder before Aunt Winnie is thrown in jail. This book was a quick read. Every time the plot verged into the predictable a twist was there to pull me back into story.

Everything Austen II

As soon as I heard that Stephanie's Written Word announced the Everything Austen II challenge, I scurried over to Amazon to put together my reading list.

• Murder at Mansfield Park: A Novel by Lynn Shepherd
• Northanger Alibi by Jenni James
• The Intrigue at Highbury: Or, Emma's Match by Carrie Bebris
• Murder at Longbourn: A Mystery by Tracy Kiely
• Willoughby's Return: A tale of almost irresistible temptation by Jane Odiwe
• Lady Vernon and Her Daughter: A Novel of Jane Austen's Lady Susan by Jane Rubino and Caitlen Rubino-Bradway

As you can see, this list bends toward mysteries, so I've put together an extra credit list incase I tire of sleuthing or can't find the book at my local library, which happens way to often.

• Jane's Fame: How Jane Austen Conquered the World by Claire Harman
• Scones and Sensibility by Lindsay Eland
• Dear Jane Austen: A Heroine's Guide to Life and Love by Patrice Hannon
• Tea with Jane Austen by Kim Wilson
• The Jane Austen Handbook: A Sensible Yet Elegant Guide to Her World by Margaret C. Sullivan

The challenge runs from July 1st, 2010 to January 1, 2011. What books will you be reading this summer?

Rebecca

I just finished reading Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier for Laura's Reviews All About the Brontes Challenge. It is similar to Jane Eyre in that the young heroine falls in love with an older man, whose dark secret keeps them apart. While the young heroine remains nameless throughout the novel, it is the first Mrs. de Winter, Rebecca, who drips off every page, even though she has been dead for nearly a year. It is a beautiful story where the haunting is not supernatural but instead lives in the minds of those who live at Manderley. Alfred Hitchcock's adaptation is, also, worth watching.

Jane Eyre

I've read Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre a couple of times for school, so Laura's Reviews: All About the Brontes Challenge was a nice reason to read it just for pleasure. The first time a read Jane Eyre - I was about thirteen - I found the language of the gothic romance a bit confusing, but the cruel situations Jane faces always stuck with me. Reading it this time around, I was still moved by the death of her dear school friend, angered by the betrayal of the man she loves, and frustrated by her handsome and self-righteous cousin. Jane Eyre is a beautiful story and is all the more compelling when you discover Charlotte Bronte's tragic life. I think Jane Eyre is a must read for anyone who loves English literature, but Masterpiece Theatre's 2006 version of Jane Eyre is perfect for those who'd rather see the movie first.

Lady Susan and Other Favorite Books of 2009

For the Everything Austen Challenge, I had hoped to read Jane Austen's Sewing Box by Jennifer Forest, but I was unable to find a copy. Instead, I read Jane Austen's Lady Susan and was highly entertained by this often overlooked story. The novel is a compilation of correspondence surrounding the infamous widow, Lady Susan, and narrates the attempts Lady Susan makes to find herself and/or her daughter a husband. This is one of my favorite books to have read this year, and it's a quick read.

I've read quite a few books in 2009 but have been very bad about keeping track of what I've finished. There are a few books that stand out in my memory as worth a shout out, so if you haven't read any of these yet, do.

• The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley

Flavia de Luce is an 11-year-old science prodigy and amateur sleuth who is both charming and obnoxious. This book is definitely worth a trip to the book store.

• Bel Canto by Ann Patchett

I read this book upon the recommendation of a friend and loved it immensely. It's the story of terrorism, diplomacy, love, and music. I dare you not to cry when you get to the end.

• Beloved by Toni Morrison

This is one of those strange and beautiful books you don't expect to find, but when you do, you feel like a new person for having read it. Haunting and memorizing, the novel's depiction of slavery and the psychological fallout will stay with you long after you have put the book down.

January 1st is the start of Laura's Reviews All About the Brontes 2010 Challenge. I can't wait to get started!

If you haven't picked up a copy of my new book, The Fashion Planner's Guide, you can get 10% off until December 30th with the code HUMBUG. It's a great way to start off the new year!

Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict

Amazon

I enjoyed reading Laurie Viera Rigle's Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict, so I was eager to read her latest addition, Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict. Rude Awakenings follows 19th century Jane Mansfield's exploits in contemporary Los Angeles. Waking up in the body of Courtney Stone, Jane discovers that 21st century relationships are just as complicated as those in Jane Austen's time.

I found Confessions more entertaining but that may be because I rather read about Regency England than modern day L.A. Rude Awakenings is full of commentary on modern conveniences and relationships and makes interesting comparisons between our time and Austen's.

All About The Brontes Challenge

I'm almost done with the Everything Austen Challenge and can't wait to get started on a new challenge. Laura's Reviews All About the Brontes 2010 Challenge runs from January 1st to June 30th and the goal is to read or watch 3 to 6 Bronte related items. For this challenge, I will be reading:

1. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
2. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
3. The Brontes Went to Woolworths by Rachel Ferguson
4. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
5. Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier
6. Jamaica Inn by Daphne Du Maurier

Some of these books will be rereads for me, but I am excited to explore them once again.

Lost in Austen: Create Your Own Jane Austen Adventure

Growing up, I enjoyed reading create-your-own-adventure books, so when I saw Emma Campbell Webster's book, Lost in Austen: Create Your Own Jane Austen Adventure, I was very excited to add it to my list for the Everything Austen Challenge. The book is a lot of fun and includes characters from many of Austen's novels. You play Elizabeth Bennet, and your mission is to make an advantageous marriage. Throughout the book you are quizzed on Regency trivia, and your answers decide the next stage of your journey.

Lost in Austen

If you have ever wished you could step inside Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, you will probably like Amanda Price, the heroine of the UK miniseries Lost in Austen. When Amanda accidentally switches places with Elizabeth Bennet, it is up to Amanda to put the story to rights. Watching this movie for the Everything Austen Challenge was a lot of fun; I only wish the US version was the same as the UK series - why cut the Downtown number?

Pemberley Ball RSVP

vvb32 is hosting a Pemberley Ball on her blog. Create a Regency character, pick a dress, and find your perfect Mr. Darcy while attending the nights' festivities.

Pemberley Ball

November 20-22, 2009

3-day party

event postings will be up each day

from 6pm - 8pm PST

(you're welcome to participate when you can)

Photo

Alter ego: Lady Fiona Percy, raised in Ireland by Sir and Lady Percy but is actually the secret daughter of a Russian princess and a French spy.

Age: A lady never tells.

Marital status: Single

Marriage Portion: £30,000

Residence: A fashionable house in town.

Languages: English, French, and Irish Gaelic

Favorite pastimes: Reading, Playing piano, and Dancing

Imagines that the mysterious Mr. Darcy will look something like this:

Photo

RSVP for the Ball

Mr. Darcy, Vampyre

I have been wanting to read Amanda Grange's Mr. Darcy, Vampyre, so I was excited to add it to my list for the Everything Austen challenge. The book is now one of my favorite Jane Austen inspired books and kept true to the original characters - except, of course, for that part about Darcy being a vampyre. Grange makes her novel feel like a continuation of the story by weaving in bits of dialogue from Pride and Prejudice, but still keeping the story fresh. A very fun read for Twilight and Austen fans.

Northanger Abbey

A gothic romance is the perfect type of novel to read this time of the year, so for the Everything Austen and Readers Imbibing Peril challenges, I chose to read Jane Austen's comedic take on the genre, Northanger Abbey. After watching the 2007 TV movie, I fell in love with Henry Tilney, and he is just as wonderful on the page. The story centers around the imaginative Catherine Morland and the people she meets while vacationing in Bath. Her journey to maturity is entertaining and at times, all too relatable.

Sense and Sensibility

Sense and Sensibility has a very special place in my heart because it was the first Jane Austen novel I read. While I was reading it, I happened to come across the 1995 movie version (see photo above) starring Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet. I was immediately drawn to Kate's Marianne, but as I've gotten older I have come to appreciate Emma's Elinor more. The movie, like the book, always fits the mood I am in because I can identify with one sister or the other depending on what is happening in my life. The characters are very well cast and the minor characters add so much to the film. I have many favorite scenes from the movie, but I'll just mention one: Marianne standing in the rain whispering Shakespeare's Sonnet 116 while staring at Willoughby's estate.

In 2008, Masterpiece Classic brought to life Sense and Sensibility as part of their Jane Austen extravaganza. This mini-series is much closer to the book than the 1995 version. Costumes and cinematography are excellent but felt very similar to the 2005 Pride and Prejudice. This film, also, features very fine performances, but I missed the humor the 1995 movie injected into the portrayals of characters such as Mrs. Jennings and Charlotte Palmer.

For more Jane Austen, visit the Everything Austen Challenge.

Jane and the Barque of Frailty

For the Readers Imbibing Peril challenge, I chose to read Jane and the Barque of Frailty, part of the Being A Jane Austen Mystery series by Stephanie Barron. My first thought upon picking up this novel was, "What on Earth is a 'barque of frailty'?" About half way through the book, I discovered that a "barque of frailty" is used to describe a mistress or a very loose woman, and in the novel, Jane must confront many of these "bits of muslin" in order to solve the murder of a Russian princess.

The plot is far fetched, but then again, so is Jane being a detective. Jane and her sister-in-law, Eliza, are accused of murdering the Princess Tscholikova and stealing her jewels, so Jane must solve the case within a week or be charged with murder. I found the book rather slow moving, lacking the action of Jane and the Ghosts of Netley, and the ending was too abrupt, but if you like historical fiction, this is a good pick.

Readers Imbibing Peril

Stainless Steel Droppings is offering a book challenge. To participate in Readers Imbibing Peril, read one to four books from the following genres: mystery, suspense, thriller, dark fantasy, gothic, horror, and supernatural by October 31st. For this challenge, I will be reading:

• Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen, which I am, also, reading for the Everything Austen Challenge
• Jane and the Barque of Frailty by Stephanie Barron

Need a suggestion for the challenge? Pick up Alan Bradley's mystery, The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie. I just finished reading it this weekend and it was delicious. The story follows Flavia, a tart-tongued 11-year-old who lives in an English manor house during the 1950's. When a man is murdered in her family's cucumber patch, Flavia must uncover the truth no matter the consequences.