My first e-reader came to me by force. It was many Christmases ago, when my logical-to-a-fault husband took a look at the guest room wall (floor-to-ceiling built-ins essentially vomiting paperbacks), noticed how much extra weight my suitcases carried on vacation (“But I don’t know what I’ll want to read first!”), and took the bold and courageous step of purchasing me a Kindle Touch.
I won’t say I felt like my dog, Shadow, unwrapping a box of flea and tick medication … or an electric collar. But, well, maybe a little.
But alas. While I hate to admit it. (Especially in writing to the entire world.) He was right and I was wrong.
As much as I railed against them in the beginning, it’s safe to say that I’m an e-book convert. In fact, it was my idea to upgrade my Kindle Touch to a shiny new Kindle Paperwhite a couple of years ago — and this time, opening the package was like opening a box filled with puppies sporting big, red bows on their heads.
Before e-books, spending a week in Punta Cana with twenty-three possible titles was a thing of fantasy. Before e-books, I wasted countless hours trying to predict what I’d be in the mood for this day or that. Before e-books, I actually had to use a book light if I read in bed while hubby was sleeping — a struggle that never seemed to work quite the way I wanted. And before e-books, millions more trees met untimely ends in order to stock our shelves. How’s that for an Earth Day connection?
Hypocrite warning: I’m not against paper books. And if I LOVE LOVE LOVE an e-book, there’s still a good chance I’ll purchase the paperback just so I can place it on that lovely guest room wall and make easy reference to it later. I did this with all three Hunger Games books (The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay), for example, and have absolutely no regrets. But I’m also likely to purchase the Kindle version of something I have in print because it’s more portable — and yes, the chance of me getting to everything on that bookshelf is slim to none.
Yes, it’s a sickness. But I love it ;)
Need help choosing an e-book for Earth Day? Try an Amazon #1 bestseller like Desperately Ever After or its sequel, Damsels in Distress. The trees will smile and so will you ;)
P.S. Thanks to the wonderful ladies at #chicklitchat for flooding Twitter with this lovely graphic and the #readgreen hashtag.
It’s 11 p.m. My adorable menace is sprawled out like a drunk freshman in her crib. My dog, who’s still coming to terms with said menace’s arrival, is seeking solace in a ball at my feet. My husband is in the next room watching what sounds like a particularly terrifying episode of The Walking Dead. And despite accomplishing a fraction of what I intended before the day’s exhaustion set in, I’m capping the pen for the night.
But in honor of Valentine’s Day, I must first pass on Heather Havrilesky’s hilarious article for New York Magazine about the true definition of ‘romance.” Hint: It goes a heck of a lot further than the credits in a Rachel McAdams movie.
One of my favorite lines: “When it’s 10 p.m. and you crawl into bed like two old people and tell each other about the weird things that your kids said that day and laugh and tell stupid jokes and giggle and then maybe you feel like making out or maybe you just feel like playing a quick game of Candy Crush, all the while saying things like, ‘This game is stupid, it sucks’ and ‘Your feet are freezing’ and ‘My ass hurts,’ that’s romantic.”
Granted, her marriage still has three years on mine, but the sentiment still resonates — freezing feet and all ;)
Happy holidays everyone! The most magical time of the year is upon us — or so they say — and I hope it feels that way to you, wherever you are.
For me, December is a time to stand still and take stock of where I am in life. What have I accomplished in the past year? What would I like to do better next year? Do I have that light-at-heart feeling that puts me at peace with the world? Or am I hanging on to regret, fear, or guilt over one insignificant thing or another?
Personally, I’m proud to say I loosened my grip on two of those three things over the past year: Regret and guilt. They have no place in a happy household or a happy life. Vowing to live without them has made me more conscious of everything I say and do. It’s made sleep easier because I’m not constantly rationalizing or fretting over the day’s events in my head. It’s given that age-old advice about “picking your battles” a whole new appreciation because 99 percent of the time those “battles” seem like such anthills in hindsight anyway. And it’s helped me to appreciate the many wonderful things that I do have while I have them.
But there, with those last four words, appears that other feeling I’ve let breed rather than shrink this past year: fear. I could blame it on becoming a parent. I could blame it on reading the news. I could blame it on the state of the world. But mostly, I have to blame it on myself. And diminishing it is my number one resolution in 2016.
For the next few weeks, however, I’m going to concentrate on the “magic” of December — the dazzling lights; the songs of peace and love; the sappy made for TV movies; the warm, holiday reunions; the bright, shining star illuminating the darkness; and now, my daughter’s face as these things begin to astonish and inspire her as they did for me so many years ago.
What are your resolutions for 2016? What does the holiday season mean to you?
Even though it’s hard to avoid in times like these.
Even though I do it for the same reason I try to watch scary movies to the end — because I want to find out that everything turns out okay.
Even though I know that last sentiment is impossible. Because this isn’t a movie. Because the bad guys don’t always stumble when we want them to. Because we aren’t actors who get up at the end of a death scene, walk away, and go home to the people we love.
I’m not going to pontificate about all the world’s evil. It’s nothing you haven’t already heard or aren’t already thinking. And you’ve probably already poisoned yourself enough.
So instead, here are a list of “happy” news websites. I’ve written about them before, but some things are worth repeating. And if you’re going to get lost in something, get lost in something that comes with a side of hope.
A few nights ago, I sat in a circle with six other women, a clump of burning sage, two lit candles, and all of the positive energy we could muster. We chanted. We meditated. We visualized our deepest selves and tried to hear — in a world full of so much anxiety and so many distractions — what our souls wanted to tell us. We turned our greatest fears into confetti, and willed our strongest desires to be.
And even though it’s almost Halloween, this had nothing to do with witchcraft. There was no blood, just paper. Instead of daggers, we used pens. And rather than kneeling in a clearing in the middle of the woods, we sat on mats and blankets in a yoga studio. (Yes, I realize all of these images are of stereotypical “Hollywood” witches, but at least I didn’t mention pointed hats!)
I’m writing about this because a few years ago, it’s the sort of event that I might have given a bemused smile but passed over. A few years ago, I never would have opened myself up to a group of complete strangers the way I did the other night. Perhaps this change is due to motherhood. Perhaps it’s because two letters have rocked aspects of my life that always seemed like a given. Perhaps it’s because the world is a very scary place right now — or because I’ve reached the age when people realize just how scary it’s always been. Most likely, it’s because no matter how positive I think I’m being, or how often I try to deflect the bad when it rears its ugly head, stress and worry still find a way to seep in. If that doesn’t happen to you, I’d love to hear your secret. Continue reading →
When you’re one of those people who start counting down to December 25 on January 2, making a top ten list of Christmas movies is a Herculean task. Nevertheless, after going back and forth with my Twitter friends over the past few weeks (“You’ve never seen WHAT?!”) I figured it was for the greater good.
So here, in no particular order, are my votes for the top ten Christmas movies of all time. Or at least of my time. Please let me know what I’m missing out on. I’ve got room on the shelves!
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1. A CHRISTMAS STORY
Why: Umm, electric sex gleaming in the window. You’ll shoot your eye out. Triple dog dare. Fra-geee-lay. Ohhhh fudge. Pink nightmare. The Bumpuses’ dogs. I could go on forever. Whether you grew up in 1940s Indiana or 1980s New York, this nostalgic look back at one little boy’s childhood resonates with everyone. Why else would TBS air it on a 24-hour loop on Christmas Eve?
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2. LOVE ACTUALLY
Why: SO many studios have tried to pull off the ensemble cast epic story, but no one comes remotely close to Love Actually. It’s the one movie that gets played every year in my house without even the slightest complaint about stale old traditions. It is heart-warming, funny, sweet, and has great comedic timing. Honestly, the trailer doesn’t even come close to capturing how good this movie is. If you haven’t seen it, just buy it.
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2. NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION
Why: Chevy Chase at his finest. Plus, let’s face it, there’s no such thing as a non-dysfunctional family. Embrace it, grab the popcorn, and be prepared to laugh your butt off. This one gets quoted in my house at least once a week—even in the summer.
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4. IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
Why: I continue to be amazed by the number of people who have never seen this movie. In my opinion, if you live your entire life without seeing It’s a Wonderful Life at least one, you’ve missed out on one of the greatest films ever made. And there is probably a little Potter-sized hole in your heart because of it.
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5. THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL
Why: There are a million adaptations of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, so why the Muppets? Well, with the exception of one boring song between young Scrooge and Belle (which got cut from the theatrical film but unfortunately made it into the home video), it’s one of the most entertaining versions I’ve ever seen. Michael Caine is fantastic, as are Rizzo the Rat, Gonzo, and Kermit. And whoever decided to cast crotchety critics Statler and Waldorf as the Marley brothers is a genius!
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6. ELF
Why: It’s the kind of movie you can just put on in the background (after watching it half a dozen times, of course) while decorating your tree. Is there anything funnier than a human being raised by Santa’s elves, then finding out why he’s five times larger than all his friends and being thrust into the whole confusing, “naughty” world of Manhattan? Well, yes. Making that human Will Ferrell.
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7. WHITE CHRISTMAS
Why: Whether you despise old movies or are still clinging to your VCR, nothing says Christmas better than Bing Crosby. This musical (yes, it’s a musical too!) has been dear to my heart since before I hit double-digits.
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8. DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS (1966)
Why: Sorry, Jim Carey. Even with all that revolutionary makeup, the original 1966 animated film was just too priceless.
* Update (2026): Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch, the 2018 animated film that dives into the classic villain’s backstory, gets a huge honorable mention here. It is heartwarming and funny and sweet, and Benedict Cumberbatch does a fantastic job voicing our crotchety green friend.
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9. WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING
Why: Okay, okay. So this isn’t a traditional “Christmas movie.” But it is probably my very favorite romantic comedy ever, and it takes place at Christmas time. Sandra Bullock is as beyond adorable, and Bill Pullman is in his sexy years, so… don’t miss it.
10. A MUPPET FAMILY CHRISTMAS
Why: This 1987 musical TV special is an annual tradition in my house. It is quoted year-round, and the merging of worlds in those 52 minutes is just incredible. Where else can you see Oscar the Grouch hanging out with Rizzo the Rat, Kermit the Frog exploring the world of Fraggle Rock, the Swedish Chef angling to cook Big Bird, and Jim Henson himself cleaning the dishes. Add in Miss Piggy’s posing, Fozzie Bear’s comedy (with Statler and Waldorf’s heckling), a chaotic performance of The Night Before Christmas, Animal (anything Animal), and one of the best holiday sing-a-longs ever recorded … and you have probably the best family Christmas tradition of them all. Unfortunately, what makes it amazing also makes it nearly impossible to find. Licensing issues up the wazoo :(
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Honorable Mention
(Whittling down to ten was tough!)
– Scrooge (1970 with Albert Finney. This one goes out to my dad. “Thank ya very much.”)
– Scrooged (I originally had this in my top ten, but had a change of heart. But Bill Murray is pretty amazing here and hubby loves it. Plus it has that bad-ass chick from Indiana Jones.)
– Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
– The Nightmare Before Christmas (to be fair, it did make my Halloween list)
– The Holiday
– A Bad Moms Christmas (I added this in 2026, after the original post. It is absolutely hilarious, and extremely relatable for any mother AND every daughter. Just keep in mind it gets quite raunchy!!)
– A Charlie Brown Christmas
– Mickey’s Christmas Carol
– Miracle on 34th Street (both 1994 and 1947)
– Meet Me in St. Louis
– Home Alone
– Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (see #8 above)
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What will YOU be watching this Christmas? Tell me what I’m missing out on! .
Someone very special picked these up for me the little one a few weeks ago. Talk about a perfect addition to her nursery … since that’s where I tend to do 90 percent of my work these days anyway!
Can’t wait to watch her spin her own stories with them someday ;)
I have a confession to make. I’m a wuss. Not when it comes to roller coasters, thrill rides, or soaring around Hawaii in a doorless helicopter, mind you. But put me in a haunted house and I might clock some poor 15-year-old “zombie” in the jaw … while screaming at the top of my lungs and flinging metal props to aid in my escape.
Yet despite all that, I love Halloween. I love the colors, the fanfare, and the ability to embrace some inner wild side for a day and not care what anyone thinks. (So yes, the same reason your nice muffin-baking neighbor is reading 50 Shades of Grey … again.) That said, I could do without the psychopaths in hockey masks. And the pea soup vomit. And the creepy children with long black hair who move like spiders and climb out from abandoned wells.
That’s why my top Halloween movies* are the fun-creepy kind. The kind you watch with friends, quote at random times, and follow with a good night’s sleep. They aren’t necessarily for kids — just kids at heart. So grab a bowl of candy corn, pick a number, and enjoy:
1. HOCUS POCUS
Why: I’ve never forgotten that sizzling rendition of “I Put a Spell on You.” The bully situation is SO early ’90s (he calls the hero “Hollywood” and is somewhat obsessed with his sneakers). It has the only CAT I’ve ever actually liked. I still want dress up as part of the Sanderson trio someday (any volunteers?). And Bette Midler’s lips in this are just, like, Wow.
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2. THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Why: It’s a musical for people who detest musicals. It’s extremely clever. It takes two polar opposite holidays and fits them together perfectly. There’s something about Tim Burton. And the animation is entertaining on its own.
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3. THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW
Why: Tim Curry in fishnet stockings and a bustier. Plus, the Time Warp is extremely catchy; you’ve been warned.
There’s never a bad time for Harry Potter, in my opinion, but October has got to be the best. With neighborhood lawns already filling up with witches, ghosts, goblins, and all sorts of spooky … what better time for a Patronus Charm?
Thanks to M’s Bookshelf and Sky’s Book Corner for finding this neat little quiz that predicts what your unique magical guardian would look like. A cat? A horse? A phoenix? I apparently share the latter with Dumbledore. Can’t go wrong with that!
(Warning: This post may contain spoilers from season 3!)
Summer may be the season of leisure, but there’s something truly magical about autumn. The kaleidoscopic carpet of red and yellow leaves. The smell of stripped earth. The early sunsets. The brisk nights. And the return of our favorite TV shows.
This year, however, winter descends early as the fourth season of Once Upon a Time returns with a new face in tow: Elsa from Disney’s hit film, Frozen. Will the cursed Snow Queen play a villain? A hero? A romantic rival to the long-awaited and much-celebrated “Captain Swan?”
What’s more, will the Evil Queen slide right back into her old ways now that her flame’s wife is back? Now that yet another “happily ever after” has been yanked from her grasp?
Many questions hung in the air as season 3 ended in May. Thankfully, the answers will finally start coming tonight!
“Laura Kenyon makes happily ever after desperately delicious!”
~ Stephanie Evanovich, New York Times bestselling author
“At times laugh-out-loud funny, and at times very touching, Desperately Ever After is the debut of a real talent.”
~ Elizabeth Blackwell, author of While Beauty Slept
“An explosive cocktail that will have you laughing out loud and wanting more and more!”
~ Lost in Chick Lit
“Empowering and hilarious, I think everyone should read this.”
~ Tea Party Princess
“It’s the perfect book to be reading this summer and it’s completely unputdownable!”
~ The YA’s Nightstand
“If you are looking for a fun and gossipy story to satisfy the holes left when Sex and the City and Desperate Housewives had their series finales (or even if you’re going through Once Upon a Time withdrawal come season finale time) look no further than Desperately Ever After.”
~ Chick Lit Central
“No more damsel in distress, useless without her prince, but modern day woman struggling with and enjoying love.”
~ M’s Bookshelf
“A cracking cocktail of a book.”
~ Compelling Reads
I won’t say I felt like my dog, Shadow, unwrapping a box of flea and tick medication … or an electric collar. But, well, maybe a little.
Before e-books, spending a week in Punta Cana with twenty-three possible titles was a thing of fantasy. Before e-books, I wasted countless hours trying to predict what I’d be in the mood for this day or that. Before e-books, I actually had to use a book light if I read in bed while hubby was sleeping — a struggle that never seemed to work quite the way I wanted. And before e-books, millions more trees met untimely ends in order to stock our shelves. How’s that for an Earth Day connection?
It’s 11 p.m. My adorable menace is sprawled out like a drunk freshman in her crib. My dog, who’s still coming to terms with said menace’s arrival, is seeking solace in a ball at my feet. My husband is in the next room watching what sounds like a particularly terrifying episode of The Walking Dead. And despite accomplishing a fraction of what I intended before the day’s exhaustion set in, I’m capping the pen for the night.
LauraKenyon.com 