Have any of you read The Bride Stripped Bare?

Well, I just finished this-anonymously-written novel several days ago. In the Afterword, the author revealed that she chose to write it that way because it was the only way she could write it: as a mother, a daughter, and most of all, a wife.

This novel explores a woman’s secret life. To all who know this woman, she is the Good Wife: happy, devoted, content. But then she finds out that her husband had an affair with her very best friend.

She then decides to start a “new” life and meets a Spanish-English virgin whom she teaches-practices sex lessons to. Yes, she’s having an affair as well. Many afternoon-lessons affairs.

But later she realizes the new feeling for her husband. Something she isn’t expecting. That she still wants him. She doesn’t want to lose him and desires their marriage to last.

One day, her husband asks whether she has slept with that man. She says no.

That’s because she doesn’t want to ruin their marriage. She wants their love to come back like it used to be.

…Ummm, that’s all about the book review.. I think I’m not really good at it …

I just want to know about your opinion here. If you, happen to have an affair with someone whom you feel so contented with, but you have this once-a-beautiful-marriage, what would you do?

I know it’s hard, in a relationship, to be completely honest… just as the author says.

But would you be honest if you are this woman? Or what would you do about this situation?

Well, you may comment anonymously, too, if you wish. Hope you’re not offended with this post, my dear readers…

Thanks a lot for reading…

PS. I just checked out at the Amazon that the novel now has the P.S edition. And the author is actually Nikki Gemmell…

What things do you usually -actually- do before and during the reading-to-your-toddler activity?

Based on her practice, Chris (Notes from the Trenches), mom of seven, has a list of funny, helpful tips for you on how to read a book to your toddler.

She even has the tip on how you distract your kid from the book. Yeah, you need to end it somehow, right? That’s really interesting, isn’t it?

Thanks a lot for sharing those exciting, valuable tips for us here, Chris…

Are you sending your children off to preschool or daycare?

If yes, you should be familiar with things that are considered to be important in these places, especially if you’re a first-timer.

What Mothergoosemouse is telling you is a very helpful, great list of dos and don’ts of working productively with your child care provider.

Such a great idea! Thank you for sharing it, Mothergoosemouse…

Spiderman Baby Hint: Tobey Maguire & Jennifer Meyer, It’s a Girl?
“Tobey Maguire and sweetie Jennifer Meyer are set to have their little ‘Spiderman’ baby in just two months. And now Life & Style Weekly believes they have the baby’s sex down pat.”

Eco-parenting: Clothing turn green as moms, dads embrace organic baby
“NEW YORK — Pink and blue are passe. The hot thing in the children’s market these days is green. Parents are increasingly turned on by the idea of organic products — clothing, creams and food made without chemicals that they feel are too harsh to be used on their pristine and delicate children.”

Non-Surgical Infertility Treatment Comes To Arizona
“A new infertility treatment, shown to be effective without drugs or surgery, is now available in Arizona. The therapy, known as the Wurn Technique(R), is a hands-on physical therapy treatment that feels similar to massage”

Morning After Contraceptive Pill Now Available Without Prescription
“American women over the age of 18 can now buy a controversial drug that acts as a contraceptive after unprotected sex. The drug is called “Plan B” and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved its sale with without a prescription. As VOA’s Melinda Smith reports, Plan B is still the focus of strong debate.”

When you are asked which birthing method you’re going to use for labor, many of you will answer a normal one.

What about giving birth in water? Have you ever heard about it? This could be your choice, too. If you haven’t got any information regarding this method, the article below provides a general knowledge about this. Have a nice reading!

Giving Birth in Water - Benefits and Methods
By Michael Russell

For many soon-to-be parents around the world, giving birth in water is still not a top choice but there is a growing interest in this birthing method because of its many mother and child-friendly benefits.

(more…)

As it is time for Blog of the Week, the award goes to Mary (Owlhaven). She’s been married to the guy she met in math class when she was 17.

I choose her as the Blog of the Week because… Yesterday was their 20th Wedding Anniversary! That is amazing! Happy Anniversary, Mary!

It always brings a pleasant feeling when reading about wedding anniversary. So will you when you read her beautiful post, especially in the part when she says that they once lived in their bunnyhole: a tiny basement apartment only minutes from the college their daughter is now attending. Time flies…

Speaking of wedding anniversary, MochaMomma also had their 12th about two months ago.

And talking about marriage, I remember that I wrote about Save Your Marriage last month, relating to Stephanie’s post. She and her hubby have done wonderful efforts to preserve their marriage. How awesome!

So, I’d like to say it again… It’s lovely to read about how a marriage works…

And Happy Anniversary, Mary!