High Five for Friday

1. I love Erika's goal of making mornings magnificent this year. I've definitely been working towards becoming a morning person (especially since figuring out a few months ago that I had become neither a morning nor a night person). I've been working on moving my phone further away, waking up to NPR (which is one of my favorite things) getting out of bed before hitting snooze, and enjoying time with B and my coffee before getting ready for work.  Geneva has some great tips; but it's a work in progress for me. 
2. Speaking of my morning coffee.  I've been researching new methods for coffee brewing. I've always been torn on the keurig.  I received one as a gift a few years ago.  I love the idea of quickly brewing just enough for myself, but the wastefulness of the k-cups and the fact that you are flowing extremely hot liquid through pretty thin plastic have always given me doubt.  I had tried several BPA free, reusable K-cups but I never found one that I loved, most left the coffee just a tad gritty.  Then I read this article a few months ago and it sealed the deal, I've decided to find another option, preferably one that doesn't involve a reservoir or flowing nearly boiling liquid .  I've been looking for a coffee maker ever since (obviously not too quickly). This seems interesting and I've read a little on the Chemex. Have you used either of these? Have a better idea?
3. I have been eating all the carbs I can find in effort to stay warm in my ridiculously cold, old house.  Recipes for vegetable pot pie and mashed root vegetables coming soon!
4. Also, my daily struggle http://www.popsugar.com/smart-living/Why-People-Late-36043892.  I can completely relate to trying to do just one more thing before leaving.
5. And on a completely ridiculous note, I've started watching the bachelor (I'm pretty sure I've previously mentioned that I'm never the first on a trend).  But why is this show so addicting?  I was originally drawn in by Kardashley and the crazy Auburn grad, but I haven't missed an episode since either's departure. Whatever this crazy show is, it's definitely entertaining. And even more so are the various live tweets and this recap http://www.drpsychmom.com/2015/02/23/the-bachelor-recapped-by-someone-who-still-wants-to-know-if-britt-showers/

stocksnap.io  

French Women Don't Get Fat

I started to purchase How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are a couple of weeks ago, but felt too guilty to add another book to my collection of books I'm totally going to get around to reading. I started reading French Women Don't Get Fat, by Mireille Guiliano, over a year ago - right around the time I started my job and realized working full time is exhausting compared to the part time retail job I had previously held. Once I moved into my new apartment, the book took up roots on my book shelf where it was forgotten. I just recently picked it back up and have really enjoyed this light read. 

I don't read self-help books, and kind of thought this was something different when I ordered it off of Amazon. However, I have so enjoyed Guiliano's advice and discussion on French culture. The book includes recipes and encourages moderation of the less healthy and avoiding "diet" foods but also discusses the French culture that revolves around food. Between rushing out the door in the morning, eating lunch at my desk and finally crashing in front of the TV or computer to eat dinner, it's hard for me to imagine taking a time out to eat each meal and really savor my food. Guiliano also advises cooking for yourself, eating natural food, and being active, which I think we can all agree are positive and achievable goals. 

Come to find out, Guiliano has since published several books on French culture, including French Women Don't Get Facelifts, which sounds awesome.  I will definitely be adding it to my reading list. 

Have you read French Women Don't Get Fat or How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are?