A London Home in the 1890s

This third and last installment of Molly Hughes' enjoyable memoir sees Molly finally marry her Arthur and start a family. This book also has its share of downers, but Molly and Arthur generally seem to get through life with wit and humor.

I'm saying goodbye now to my Victorian friend, and I am going to miss her. But I thoroughly enjoyed our brief time together - I bet Molly was a lovely person to have known.

A London Home in the 1890s

A London Girl of the 1880s

This is Molly Hughes' second book in her trilogy of memoirs, and it's just as interesting as the first. Most of this book is about Molly's schooling and her training to become a teacher. Again I was struck by the depth of learning, even for "just a girl." I mean, she drops Latin phrases like we're all supposed to know what they mean! We are also introduced to the man who Molly will eventually marry, Arthur Hughes.

I was also struck by Molly's and her mother's ability to make do with what they have, and to never seem to resent the things others have that they don't. For instance, as far as I can tell, Molly never has more than three dresses at any given time, and that seems to be the exception rather than the rule. Can you imagine anyone today (at least anyone who has the means to read this blog) surviving on just three outfits?

This book, like the first, ends rather abruptly and with a sad event. But I guess Molly considered those to be natural ending points, when her life changes. I've already started the third book, and I'm looking forward to see how it goes.

London Girl of 1880'S

Update on Suzanne Somers Diet

As promised, I followed Suzanne Somers' diet tips this week and I said I'd let you know how I did. Guess what? I LOST 2 POUNDS!! Yep, that's right. Now, for full disclosure, I didn't follow the diet exactly. I did cut out all "funky foods" except caffeine (I figure one cup a day doesn't hurt). And I did once or twice have carbs with dinner. Also, I had my usual Greek yogurt every afternoon and I'm not sure what kind of food that is - it's protein, nonfat, but with fruit - is it funky? I can't find any mention of it in the book or online.

Anyway, I also did my usual hour at the gym every day. But I think these are some valid guidelines if you want to lose some weight, and it wasn't terribly depriving, although I was definitely hungry when mealtime rolled around. I can see myself doing this diet during the week, but not on the weekends - I gotta have my wine on the weekends ;-).

Happy Friday!

A London Child of the 1870s

What a lovely little book! Thanks to my friend Shari for lending it to me (and the sequels, so more to come). This memoir by Molly Hughes recounts her childhood in Victorian London, the youngest (and only girl) of 5 children. She's very clear from the start that they are a normal family, no one is famous, they're just regular, real people.

What's most interesting to me is how keen for knowledge Molly and her brothers all seem to be. With no television or video games, they are all extremely well-read and learned in a variety of subjects. Even Molly, who is schooled at home by her mother, learns Latin and history and geography in addition to reading whatever books she seems to be able to get her hands on, and all this before the age of twelve.

If you are into the Victorian Era, or just enjoy learning what life was like in the past, I highly recommend this book. I've already started the sequel and am enjoying that just as much!

A LONDON CHILD OF THE 1870S

Suzanne Somers' Eat Great, Lose Weight

First, I have to admit that I just skimmed the book. I didn't read any of the "success stories" or the recipes. I just wanted to get the gist of what Suzanne and her endocrinologist think you should do to lose weight. And I'm going to share it here with you!

1. Eliminate all funky foods.
2. Eat fruits alone, on an empty stomach.
3. Eat proteins/fats with veggies.
4. Eat carbos with veggies and no fat.
5. Keep proteins/fats separate from carbos.

So it's low carb, but it's also about food combining. And funky foods include some surprises, like avocados, nuts, and bananas, in addition to the obvious alcohol, potatoes, and white flour.

I'm going to try it this week and see what happens. Based on comments on internet diet sites, some people lose 5 or more pounds the first few weeks of this diet (what the hell are they eating before the diet?). I'm going to weigh myself Friday and see if I've lost anything. I'll let you know.


Suzanne Somers' Eat Great, Lose Weight

The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen

I know, I know - not more Jane Austen. But I have to tell you, if you are a Jane fan you have to read this book, it is that fabulous. The author, Syrie James, does such a great job of capturing the tone and feeling of Austen's work that I had to keep reminding myself that this isn't a REAL memoir written by Jane herself.

The memoir covers most of Jane's early 30's, prior to publishing her books, during which she has a secret love affair. Now in reality there is no record of Jane having any affairs - there were one or two male "friends" and one proposal but no great loves. But I think there must have been one... for how could a woman who never knew great love have written about it the way she did? I think that is James' point too, and why she wrote a great love for Jane in her "memoirs."

James really weaves in the characters, locations, and events in Jane's novels, making it seem that Jane was inspired to write certain things based on true-life events. I guess that's why makes this made up memoir feel so real.

Okay, I promise, no more Jane Austen for awhile.

The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen