Category Archives: #lifestyle

Book Review: Caviar Dreams Tuna Fish Budget By Margaret Josephs

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Bravo’s Real Housewives of New Jersey, Margaret Josephs, opens up in her tell-all book about business and life.

Find the hardcover or check out the audio version.

Besides being a TV Reality Star, Margaret Josephs is the founder of the Macbeth Collection, Candie Couture, and more.

Genre: Biography

Read it if: You have simple curiosity lurking.

Breakdown: “The Marge,” as she calls herself, describes the less-than-idealistic mother-daughter relationship she survived and confesses how this role reversal affected her romantic relationships. Margaret also reveals the family-in-business dynamic she’s created.

Check out Margaret’s biography via Bravo here.

Is it funny: It’s not, sadly no. Some of the one-liners were not even close to comical but rather a bit uncomfortable to listen to; I don’t think Margaret needed to say some of them; they sounded forced and used more for added shock value.

The cover: Fascinating color scheme. Great choices, Margaret!

Do I recommend it: No. This book is an easy read for the beach; if you’re curious about the housewives of New Jersey and want to know a little more about what’s said on the show that the cameras don’t show. I don’t deduce this will alter your perspective on life. While Margaret does give life advice, I didn’t gain valuable insight, personally. The meat of the story (in my opinion) was the infidelity she committed (twice; one which led to her second marriage) and the sexual harassment she faced from previous business partners. Other than that, there was little depth. I was able to relate to the strained relationship she had earlier on in life with her mother, and that was a very vulnerable moment that I did appreciate.

I will note that I enjoyed Margaret’s positive energy she described throughout the hardships she endured. She sounds like a girls girl who would be great to go on vacation with or brunch. Hope this helped you choose your next read. 

Rating: ⭐️

Let Me Tell You Something by Caroline Manzo

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Find the paperback version or audio version

Genre: Humor/Non-fiction memoir

This non-fiction memoir jumps into Caroline’s core values; her classic outlook on married life, family, friendship, and beauty. Though I would like to agree with some of it, I can’t relate because I’m vain (in the beauty area), and I can fully admit that. .__.

TV reality star from RHONJ, Caroline, sounds like a great person to meet. She talks about family traditions, fan interactions, her thoughts on plastic surgery, and “Ask Caroline” sessions (advice). Truth be told, I would ask for advice too, but some of it sounds outdated regarding dating and plastic surgery, but again, I appreciated her take on things. Needles to say, I don’t think Gen Z’s would really enjoy this book? Maybe some Millenials.

Read it if: You want an easy, feel-good book that you can listen to while you’re driving to work or cleaning your house. Also, read it if you’re having relationship troubles and feel like you need advice from someone with life experience.

Breakdown: Caroline’s career and home life built on respect, family, and loyalty. Her life sounds so wholesome, and some of it tragic. At one point (which made me think), the author said that she doesn’t mind if her home gets dirty when she has guests over. I admire that because I’m neurotic about my home, yet it’s still messy. But she’s inspired me to change that. Plus, what’s the point of having a lovely home if nobody visits becuase you treat your place like a museum. Great tip, Caroline, thanks!

Is it funny: No, I was expecting some of it to be. Caroline has witty one-liners but nothing that will make you spit your drink out.

The cover: I want to sit right next to her. That’s the vibe I get. She looks like a “You can sit with us” kind of person. I like that.

Do I recommend it: Frankly, I don’t think this book is anywhere near in-depth self-help since there aren’t any specific measurable action plans. Not that it was supposed to be a self-help book, although most of her tips leaned towards that. The author does preface that she’s not a professional counselor/coach, which I appreciated. Caroline could have raised the bar more; it was very PG. It could be read as if she wasn’t candid or vulnerable. I don’t know if that’s who she is, but I still find her charming. If she does write another book, I would encourage her to be more vulnerable (it doesn’t need to be dramatic).

I will say that it was nice to have the author read her audiobook.

Rating: 3 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Review: Act Like a Success Think Like a Success by Steve Harvey

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Comedian and TV/Film Star Steve Harvey delivers generous sprinkles of humor, personal stories, and touching relatability in his book.

Paperback version or audio via Scribed

Genre: Self-help

Read it if: You have a great idea with a foggy plan and are on the ledge. If you’re asking yourself what to do with your life and have a hunch. This book will help you leap into your dream –with a plan.

Breakdown: Steve provides research, personal stories, and templates so you can move forward with your vision. This isn’t some overpaid celebrity talking fluff. At least not in this book. He provides strategies such as developing your SMART goals: (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-sensitive), along with a vision board and questions that really do help.

Is it funny: Yes, but it’s not really a book for sh**s and giggles. He provides stories of personal struggles that are always great and relatable. Beyond the worksheets, he includes information on family, health, money, mental states, and such.

The cover: The colors resemble power, stability, and a bit of a college text-booky vibe. Don’t worry; it’s not heavy whatsoever. Regardless, Steve looks successful and approachable. You also can’t miss his projector-sized teeth, which, I have to admit, makes me a bit jealous.

Do I recommend it: The one thing we didn’t agree upon, and it’s a personal choice, is God. I’m Agnostic, so I can’t really relate to this, but I respect him for it and appreciate his spiritual honesty. Other than that, this book is solid. Great job, Steve; I loved it!

Rating: 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️