I must admit I have always had an interest in self-help and advice books.  They are so tempting with their promises of  ”… turn your life around in 30 days” or “become a millionaire in five years.”  Even though I know that none of these things are going to happen to me – at least in the time-frame the title promises, I still figure I can glean a few worthwhile pointers.

Katie Couric's "The Best Advice I Ever Got - Lessons from Extraordinary People" is delicious and filling good food for the soul.

I found a book, however, that doesn’t make grandiose promises yet offers some advice worth remembering.

Even if she’s not your favorite TV news celebrity (actually I like her myself) Katie Couric has a written an advice book worth recommending.  ”The Best Advice I Ever Got - lessons from extraordinary lives” is chock full of juicy tidbits of advice and life lessons from celebrated people you want to hear from – people we all know that are respected in their field, from psychology to sports to chefs to show biz.

Some of the most memorable entries for me were:

Meryl Streep, Empathy Opens Doors

Chelsea Handler, Pay Attention!

Chris Evert, Get Off the Sidelines!

Matthew McConaughey, You were Just Having Trouble

Ina Garten, If You Love Doing It, You’ll Be Very Good at It

The trouble with many advice books is I’m not likely to read the whole tome.  It’s just not entertaining enough, or even interesting.  I find myself jumping around looking for the key points, then getting bored and putting the book down.  Not this one. It’s a quick and easy read that gets its points across without boring or preaching. Often the advice entries from celebrities and luminaries are dished out in one or two pages.  I give Katie Couric‘s “The Best Advice I Ever Got – lessons from extraordinary lives” TWO THUMBS up!

Gift worthy?  Yes – Christmas, birthdays, anytime

Beach read?  Definitely.  

New find!  If you really want some romance in your life, think about acquiring handmade romantic clothing like that found on Smocked Auctions.  As a lifelong sewing enthusiast, I must say I was thrilled to

We at "A Romance Renaissance" recommend you check out the beautiful clothing on this unique site.

find this site.  I haven’t tackled smocking myself yet, but I am working up to it.  Although it appears mainly children’s clothes are on Smocked Auctions, smocking can be quite elegantly incorporated into adult articles as well.

Take a look!  The extra drama of the auction makes this site all the more fun!

For unique jewelry priced from $2.00 to $100.00 visit our booth:

“A Romance Renaissance”

at the

THE SOUTH RIDING COMMUNITY Farmer’s MARKET special

CHRISTMAS MARKET

ONE DAY ONLY!
from 8 a.m. to Noon      Sunday, December 4th 2011

This Christmas bells pin with Swarovski crystals is one of the items that will be available at the Christmas Market on Sunday morning, Dec. 4 at Murrey Park.

 Get ready for Christmas!   Shop under the BLUE CANOPY with the white lace curtains!

LOCATION: Murrey Park, South Riding, Virginia  20152

Murrey Park is bordered by the intersection of Murrey Drive and Parish Street -AND – Land’s End Drive and Parish Street.
(behind Hyland Hills Pool near the Murrey Drive Tennis Courts). 

To find the park using GPS enter this address: 43250 Parish St South Riding, VA 20152
If you find the Hyland Hills Pool, drive East on Parish Street to the intersection of Land’s End. You will see the tents.