by Jen Lancaster

Jen’s still a little rough around the edges. Suffice it to say, she’s no Martha Stewart. And that is exactly why Jen is going to Martha up and live her life according to the advice of America’s overachieving older sister—the woman who turns lemons into lavender-infused lemonade.

By immersing herself in Martha’s media empire, Jen will embark on a yearlong quest to take herself, her house, her husband (and maybe even her pets) to the next level—from closet organization to craft making, from party planning to kitchen prep.

Maybe Jen can go four days without giving herself food poisoning if she follows Martha’s dictates on proper storage....Maybe she can grow closer to her girlfriends by taking up their boring-ass hobbies like knitting and sewing.…Maybe she can finally rid her workout clothes of meatball stains by using Martha’s laundry tips.… Maybe she can create a more meaningful anniversary celebration than just getting drunk in the pool with her husband....again. And maybe, just maybe, she’ll discover that the key to happiness does, in fact, lie in Martha’s perfectly arranged cupboards and artfully displayed charcuterie platters.

Or maybe not.

Oh my goodness, this is my first book by Jen Lancaster, and it will definitely not be my last! It's also another memoir, not a genre I typically pick up. That will change after I seek out all of Jen's other titles. This book was hilarious, but at the same time contained lessons about life, and a sweet tribute to a beloved pet. Jen gets herself in all sorts of situations while she's trying to live a year following the teachings of Martha Stewart. Her husband Fletch, himself a very funny guy without even trying, has to redirect and rescue her efforts on many occasions throughout the book. I could relate to many of the scenarios, especially since whenever my husband and I attempt any household improvement, it always takes on a life of its own 🙂 I flew through this book since I couldn't wait to find out what kind of project/calamity was going to occur next. There is no life altering advice within the pages, but it is sheer delight from an entertainment standpoint.

My advice for you when you read this book is to do it within the confines of your house, unless you want to attract attention while you laugh until you cry! I'm off to find more from Jen Lancaster.