Um. This book scares me. The first sentence of this book’s description reads: “In this hip and utterly indispensable guide, two happily married husbands and regular guys reveal the secrets to getting a man down on bended knee — his most uncomfortable position.”

Now I’m sure authors Richard Kirshenbaum and Daniel Rosenberg are great guys. But I’m not sure I want to explore “the artful use of marketing tactics” to “reel in” The Beard. Or to convince him that “marriage is man’s best friend.”

I’m sure this book is cute. And I’m sure that leaving it laying around the house would scare The Beard, which is a huge bonus. But I think I’d rather sacrifice my relationship than forever wonder if I was married only because I’d duped some poor man into it or used sophisticated psychology to make the fellow believe he wanted to marry me.

In fact, I’ve told The Beard many a time that I certainly don’t want to marry anyone who doesn’t want to marry me just as much. Or someone who looks upon marriage as a lifelong sentence.

Am I wrong here?

On the subject of not dresses but dressing, I’d like to say that there is no one in the world whose personal style I would most like to emulate more than Audrey Hepburn‘s. Audrey Hepburn was not only a absolutely fabulous dresser, but also charming, humble, and kind. For Christmas this year, if anyone I know is listening, I would like a stocking filled with the Hepburn style. If anyone on your Christmas list has aspirations of being not only glamorous, but also giving, engaging, and gracious, consider surprising them with one of the books, movies, or other stuff below.

How to Be Lovely: The Audrey Hepburn Way of Life is a tome of Audrey’s wisdom and philosophy.

Roman Holiday was Audrey’s breakthrough film.

Who could forget Moon River? Not me. Which is why I want the Music From The Films Of Audrey Hepburn CD so badly!

The Audrey Hepburn Deluxe 2006 Calendar has twelve months of Audrey!

Laptop Bride: Using The Internet To Plan Your Dream Wedding by Cathy Lynn

Manolo says, the Manolo he recently saw this book in the bookstore and so leafed through it. If like the Manolo you are the internet person, comfortable with using the net to do the shopping, and unlike the Manolo you are the bride to be, then this book it may be helpful to your in your preperations for the big day.

It had much good information about using the internets effectively to plan the wedding. Sadly, the Manolo he must report that there is no mention of the Manolo or his humble Manolo for the Brides blog.

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