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Who Left the Cork Out of my Lunch?: Middle Age, Modern Marriage & Other Complications
Are you a woman who has ever looked in the mirror and thought, "How did my mother get in my bathroom?" Have you gone through years of night sweats and seismic mood swings, leaving you with a metabolism that forces you to choose between wine and carbs (so you haven't had a bagel in eight years)? Did you wake up one morning in someone else's body? Then you will love this book. If you ever made a regrettable hairstyle choice, finally conceded that thongs make you look like a Weeble in dental floss, or wished your Hubs would learn that grabbing your boobs every time you walk past him with a load of laundry is not foreplay, then you will love this book. Who Left the Cork out of My Lunch? is chock-full of funny, informative how-to lists, hilarious advice columns, and sharp personal anecdotes that cover subjects from menopause (are we done yet?), empty nest syndrome (sob!), and grandchildren (yay!), to sex (better after fifty), marriage (he said what?), age-appropriate fashion (what does that mean?), cosmetic intervention (to Botox or not to Botox?), diet fails (#972), beauty tips from Mom (still true), and confidence (fabulous after fifty). Laugh along with author Vikki Claflin and her amusing advice on how to let go of our youth and start rocking our middle age. Are you ready?
- GenresHumorNonfiction
168 pages, Paperback
Published January 20, 2016
27 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
About the author
Vikki Claflin
4 books36 followersVikki is an international best-selling author, humor blogger, and inspirational public speaker. She lives in Hood River, OR, where she writes the award-winning humor blog "Laugh Lines: Humorous thoughts and advice on how to live young when you're...well...not," where she doles out irreverent advice on marriage, offers humorous how-to lists galore, and shares her most embarrassing midlife moments. Vikki has been featured on the Michael J. Fox Foundation website, Erma Bombeck's Writer's Workshop, The Huffington Post, Scary Mommy, Generation Fabulous, Midlife Boulevard, Better After 50, and Funny Times Magazine. She also received a BlogHer14 "Voices of the Year" Humor award, and has been a featured guest on over 40 radio programs throughout the US and Canada. Vikki's first book, "Shake, Rattle & Roll With It: Living & Laughing with Parkinson's" and "Who Left the Cork Out of My Lunch? Middle Age, Modern Marriage & Other Complications" are available now on amazon.com. Her new book "Chin Hairs & Back Fat. Somewhere Between Tweezers, Yoga Pants, and a Box of Wine" will be released in February 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 19, 2016
Who Left the Cork Out of My Lunch is an often amusing collection of blog-like articles about coping with middle age and marriage. Although probably primarily geared towards female readers, there are several advice type chapters that could prove highly educational for husbands (e.g. How to compliment your wife). Due to the short chapters and the frequent use of lists, this was a very quick read and great for picking up in-between other stuff when I needed some fun, light entertainment.
If you're a girly girl you will probably relate to many of the topics far more than I managed to. I am not into reading about make-up, fashion or plastic surgery advice, so there was a lot I couldn't identify with at all. Too much focus on outer appearance, but I really enjoyed the topics about attitudes, moods and communication, about children and grandchildren and some of the little anecdotes the author shared. I enjoyed the writing style and found it engaging. The author's personality really shines through, but I found that certain things were mentioned repeatedly and topics revisited.
Many thanks to Booktrope for my copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
If you're a girly girl you will probably relate to many of the topics far more than I managed to. I am not into reading about make-up, fashion or plastic surgery advice, so there was a lot I couldn't identify with at all. Too much focus on outer appearance, but I really enjoyed the topics about attitudes, moods and communication, about children and grandchildren and some of the little anecdotes the author shared. I enjoyed the writing style and found it engaging. The author's personality really shines through, but I found that certain things were mentioned repeatedly and topics revisited.
Many thanks to Booktrope for my copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2016
I happen to be ‘that’ woman who looked in the mirror and wondered how my mother got into my bathroom. That one look in the mirror was all it took to bring on the night sweats and mood changes. That and the fact I am a fan of Vikki’s blog, Laugh Lines I had no doubt I would enjoy her book.
While Who Left The Cork Out Of My Lunch is a really funny book, the topics Vikki writes about are serious. We women of a fabulous age may have reached a point where we are able to laugh about our long, sometimes frightening and sweaty journey to reaching fabulous status younger women will find Vikki’s words invaluably educational.
Husbands may learn a thing or ten by thumbing through these pages too.
I didn’t just enjoy this, I laughed hysterically through the entire book.
While Who Left The Cork Out Of My Lunch is a really funny book, the topics Vikki writes about are serious. We women of a fabulous age may have reached a point where we are able to laugh about our long, sometimes frightening and sweaty journey to reaching fabulous status younger women will find Vikki’s words invaluably educational.
Husbands may learn a thing or ten by thumbing through these pages too.
I didn’t just enjoy this, I laughed hysterically through the entire book.
February 21, 2018
I Think My Guardian Angel Drinks by Vikki Jensen Claflin is a humorous take on senior life and living. The tips may come in handy, if not they'll at least make you laugh. The quick stories are entertaining and fun. You're not even close to 60? It'll still give you a laugh and a peek into what awaits you down the road of life. I enjoyed reading I Think My Guardian Angel Drinks. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 11, 2015
** ARC provided in exchange for an honest review. **
Witty, sharp, and (although I am over 15 years younger than the author) identifiable. Musings so completely on the mark that I found myself laughing so hard I was crying. I am glad to realize that I am not alone in my views during my self-discovery and journey through life. No matter how twisted and skewed I may believe my observations to be.
Witty, sharp, and (although I am over 15 years younger than the author) identifiable. Musings so completely on the mark that I found myself laughing so hard I was crying. I am glad to realize that I am not alone in my views during my self-discovery and journey through life. No matter how twisted and skewed I may believe my observations to be.
February 3, 2016
I was given this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Ms. Claflin writes an amusing book about the trials and tribulations of being middle aged. It is often laugh out loud hilarious, sometimes poignant, tender and always heartfelt. Sometimes you will read a chapter and just nod saying to yourself, yup that's how it is. Best of all it is a fun, quirky read that can be enjoyed by men as well as women.
Ms. Claflin writes an amusing book about the trials and tribulations of being middle aged. It is often laugh out loud hilarious, sometimes poignant, tender and always heartfelt. Sometimes you will read a chapter and just nod saying to yourself, yup that's how it is. Best of all it is a fun, quirky read that can be enjoyed by men as well as women.
March 3, 2022
Parts were funny. And parts were true
January 17, 2016
In her next installment of side-splitting tales on life after 21 (okay, 50…okay, fine, 60)), Vikki provides anecdotal evidence to prove that there is no need to fear growing older, because you definitely, absolutely do not need to grow up.
You will laugh out loud at the silly scrapes and hilarious happenings which seem to erupt in Vikki’s life, in some kind of cosmic bid to make her see the lighter side of living. Perhaps this book is aimed at those veterans who have made it past their formative and determinedly adult-ing years, to the period when ‘retro’ is ‘second time around’ and none of the songs make sense any more.
But anyone will get a kick out of her stories, because we all know someone a bit like her. That said, between an exhibitionist Skyping with an army base, how to manage a back-handed compliment (put the chap out of his misery and write him a ‘How To…’), and the proper etiquette for being in a granny-gang, Vikki offers some handy pointers for how to manage life ‘at a certain age’ – Don’t whine; Relax because you’ve probably *mostly* got this; And for the love of all, don’t appear accidentally naked on web-cam!
Mostly hilarious, but with poignancy, tenderness, and the finer things in life woven throughout, this book provides an intimate and beautiful look inside the world of someone who, quite frankly, I’d like to be when I grow up.
Thanks for the ARC, Vikki - I loved it.
You will laugh out loud at the silly scrapes and hilarious happenings which seem to erupt in Vikki’s life, in some kind of cosmic bid to make her see the lighter side of living. Perhaps this book is aimed at those veterans who have made it past their formative and determinedly adult-ing years, to the period when ‘retro’ is ‘second time around’ and none of the songs make sense any more.
But anyone will get a kick out of her stories, because we all know someone a bit like her. That said, between an exhibitionist Skyping with an army base, how to manage a back-handed compliment (put the chap out of his misery and write him a ‘How To…’), and the proper etiquette for being in a granny-gang, Vikki offers some handy pointers for how to manage life ‘at a certain age’ – Don’t whine; Relax because you’ve probably *mostly* got this; And for the love of all, don’t appear accidentally naked on web-cam!
Mostly hilarious, but with poignancy, tenderness, and the finer things in life woven throughout, this book provides an intimate and beautiful look inside the world of someone who, quite frankly, I’d like to be when I grow up.
Thanks for the ARC, Vikki - I loved it.
May 3, 2016
This was a free read in exchange for a review.
First off, I loath down loading, copy/paste, transfer, fold, staple spin, repeat to get an on line book to my Kindle. That being said, I was waiting for this book in the mail, and imagine my surprise when I dug up the notification email and the book was attached. Yes, here all the time. That being said, always read the directions.
But enough about me. I really love this fast fun read and found lots to relate to since I am only a few years older than the writer. Lots of tips on how to behave and dress, and get over. Ms. Claflin mentions being fat, well in my opinion fat women who wear white pants look like a bag of cotton balls. So I do not think she is in that league. But I laughed and enjoyed myself and happy to hear Ms. Claflin is near Portland, and hope to see her at a book shop.
Not to be missed for those of us "at a certain age"
Since I did not get a hard copy how am I to share this with my two book clubs?
First off, I loath down loading, copy/paste, transfer, fold, staple spin, repeat to get an on line book to my Kindle. That being said, I was waiting for this book in the mail, and imagine my surprise when I dug up the notification email and the book was attached. Yes, here all the time. That being said, always read the directions.
But enough about me. I really love this fast fun read and found lots to relate to since I am only a few years older than the writer. Lots of tips on how to behave and dress, and get over. Ms. Claflin mentions being fat, well in my opinion fat women who wear white pants look like a bag of cotton balls. So I do not think she is in that league. But I laughed and enjoyed myself and happy to hear Ms. Claflin is near Portland, and hope to see her at a book shop.
Not to be missed for those of us "at a certain age"
Since I did not get a hard copy how am I to share this with my two book clubs?
Currently reading
March 7, 2016ARC provided in exchange for honest review.
This is a bright, breezy collection of short essays about middle age and marriage. The writing is engaging, and the author’s personality certainly shines through. The chapters are meant to resonate with women over fifty, but there’s lots for anyone to enjoy – humorous advice about makeup mistakes to avoid, for example, and clothing to leave on the store racks. Several of the chapters are about coming to terms with the impact of gravity on a middle-aged body, and lessons learned over the course of married life, and it sometimes feels like the chapters revisit similar themes a little too often. Other topics, like disturbingly dark fairy tales and stupid love songs, make it clear the author has wry observations on a wide range of topics, and it would have been fun to read more of them. That said, this is a great book to pick up and read at the end of a long day – Claflin’s humorous take is definitely worth a look.
This is a bright, breezy collection of short essays about middle age and marriage. The writing is engaging, and the author’s personality certainly shines through. The chapters are meant to resonate with women over fifty, but there’s lots for anyone to enjoy – humorous advice about makeup mistakes to avoid, for example, and clothing to leave on the store racks. Several of the chapters are about coming to terms with the impact of gravity on a middle-aged body, and lessons learned over the course of married life, and it sometimes feels like the chapters revisit similar themes a little too often. Other topics, like disturbingly dark fairy tales and stupid love songs, make it clear the author has wry observations on a wide range of topics, and it would have been fun to read more of them. That said, this is a great book to pick up and read at the end of a long day – Claflin’s humorous take is definitely worth a look.
November 29, 2016
You can see more of my review on my book blog Nevermind the Furthermore.
Vicki Claflin, writer of the award-winning blog Laugh Lines, has written a fun and informative book about being a woman over fifty. I'm not quite there yet (41 today), but I did relate to Claflin's insecurities on aging. Also, Who Left the Cork Out of My Lunch? gave me a valuable look into my not-too-distant future.
Most of the book's chapters are broken down into lists. I love lists. I make them all the time on scraps of paper, lose them, and make them again. That's normal, right?
I laughed through much of the book, which was weird when I was waiting for the end of my daughter's ballet class in a room full of other moms. I couldn't help it because Claflin's humor is spot-on. She's put a comfortable and sisterly spin on getting older. I found myself agreeing on many of her points.
Vicki Claflin, writer of the award-winning blog Laugh Lines, has written a fun and informative book about being a woman over fifty. I'm not quite there yet (41 today), but I did relate to Claflin's insecurities on aging. Also, Who Left the Cork Out of My Lunch? gave me a valuable look into my not-too-distant future.
Most of the book's chapters are broken down into lists. I love lists. I make them all the time on scraps of paper, lose them, and make them again. That's normal, right?
I laughed through much of the book, which was weird when I was waiting for the end of my daughter's ballet class in a room full of other moms. I couldn't help it because Claflin's humor is spot-on. She's put a comfortable and sisterly spin on getting older. I found myself agreeing on many of her points.
May 22, 2020
Wonderful Read!
Although I am way past 58, I can relate to a lot of this. Except the Hubs part, since I don't have one. Every page is full of truths, some funny and some not so much. But everything is told with a wonderful sense of humor. I recommend this to every woman who is struggling with aging. And sure, some men may enjoy it, too. Why not? I loved it.
Although I am way past 58, I can relate to a lot of this. Except the Hubs part, since I don't have one. Every page is full of truths, some funny and some not so much. But everything is told with a wonderful sense of humor. I recommend this to every woman who is struggling with aging. And sure, some men may enjoy it, too. Why not? I loved it.
April 26, 2016
As a member of the 70+ generation, I am now more concerned about my eyelids drooping to my chin than I am about sinking boobs. Nonetheless, I could surely relate to Vikki Claflin’s humorous take on how our bodies respond to gravity throughout the years. It’s refreshing to read a revolutionary approach to the body’s predestined decline as we age, and Vikki effectively accomplishes that in her latest book, Who Left the Cork Out of My Lunch.
Any woman who has ever fretted over the vestige of her once trim body, an alert mind and the ability to multi-task successfully will appreciate both the humor and subtle, but wise, advice in this book. Buy it for yourself, buy it for your Mom, buy it for your best friend. Everyone will be glad you did.
Any woman who has ever fretted over the vestige of her once trim body, an alert mind and the ability to multi-task successfully will appreciate both the humor and subtle, but wise, advice in this book. Buy it for yourself, buy it for your Mom, buy it for your best friend. Everyone will be glad you did.
March 30, 2016
Worth a read for any woman middle-aged, give or take 10 years. I finished the book with an overall sense of hope for the coming years. Not because the author had great instructions on how to get successfully through every moment, good and bad. But because she had great instructions on how to get through every moment, good or bad, by putting things in a realistic perspective and getting as much laughter out of life as you possibly can. Not everything she writes is going to be pertinent to all of us (the women is seriously addicted to wine and fashion), but her sense of humor is contagious. If we could take that out in to our own lives, we might live more joyfully.
April 7, 2016
Despite being quite a bit younger than the author's determined age of those who would find this book funny- I still enjoyed it, and easily related to much of it! Proving that 'girls just wanna have fun' at no matter what the age, the author shares personal stories and hilarious insights about relationships, marriage, aging and much more. Each chapter is written in a blog length post, so it's easy to sneak in a little at a time when you need a break - and a laugh. Proving laughter is the best medicine- especially if accompanied by a glass of wine.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 27, 2016
Fun read, though at 33 I can't completely relate to most of the topics. One small complaint is that she used the Yves Saint Laurent quote about passion vs cosmetics twice. Saw it near the end and spent a few minutes trying to remember where I saw that recently before I realized it was in an early chapter of the same book.
March 3, 2018
I read this in exchange for an honest review.
Grab a glass of wine and settle in to read about being 60! This is a humorous and sometimes thought provoking book about the ins and outs of aging. You will laugh and sometimes say "aha" as the author describes sex, marriage, make up, clothes, children and grandchildren. Even if your nit 60 yet you will enjoy reading what is to come!
Grab a glass of wine and settle in to read about being 60! This is a humorous and sometimes thought provoking book about the ins and outs of aging. You will laugh and sometimes say "aha" as the author describes sex, marriage, make up, clothes, children and grandchildren. Even if your nit 60 yet you will enjoy reading what is to come!
March 28, 2016
Laugh out loud hilarious!! Vikki Claflin zeroes in on all the female middle-age worries with a great viewpoint ... even from where I stand at 75+, I can stll relate and laugh at the angst of aging ... great book to share with a glass of wine!! Read it and enjoy!!!
April 27, 2016
This book was funny, a bit repetitive at times, but a quick, enjoyable read.
May 15, 2016
Sorry but over the top for my liking and if i read HUBS one more time.........
August 7, 2016
Cute, breezy, comic relief.
March 25, 2016
Wits and puns galore. A fun read.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews