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Didn't I Feed You Yesterday?: A Mother's Guide to Sanity in Stilettos
This irreverent, eye-popping memoir from an irrepressible mother of six gives the inside scoop on raising a large hoard of boys in the jungle of New York City - without sacrificing your sanity, or your stilettos. In her nonstop colorful stories marked by her acerbic wit, Project Runway star Laura Bennett teaches us that you can still drive a minivan, (if you must) without scrapping your six-inch heels. Laura flips conventional wisdom on its head, while taking us on a wild ride though domestic chaos.
"Of course I lie about my age. I tell people that I am older than I actually am. 'Wow 50? You look great!' I may not be able to compete with 30-year-olds, but I can still kick a sixty-year-old butt."
"If things get too overwhelming, I just schedule a dentist appointment. There is nothing like a root canal to secure some guilt-free me time."
Riotous, charming and brutally honest, this fashion icon blows the lid off the traditional role of wife and mother.
"Of course I lie about my age. I tell people that I am older than I actually am. 'Wow 50? You look great!' I may not be able to compete with 30-year-olds, but I can still kick a sixty-year-old butt."
"If things get too overwhelming, I just schedule a dentist appointment. There is nothing like a root canal to secure some guilt-free me time."
Riotous, charming and brutally honest, this fashion icon blows the lid off the traditional role of wife and mother.
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First published January 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
September 28, 2018
happy mother's day to all of you mothers/people with mothers/abbesses/prioresses/etc.!!!!!
...it had always seemed to me that once a woman had a kid nothing else mattered about her. being a dad might describe a man, but being a mom defined a woman"
this is a quote that comes from Back Roads, which i just read, and it is a sentiment which terrifies me.
i expect it would terrify laura bennett as well.
she's got six kids. five boys. and she lets them run wild and destroy the apartment/country house while she stands in the center of the room like a glam-obelisk and enjoys the spectacle. this is the image i remember most from her season of project runway: kids everywhere and her, pregnant in a beaded dress.
i love her approach to parenthood - if the mommy is happy, she will be able to happily raise the kids. if she is unhappy, the kids will suffer because mommy will use them as wish-fulfillment canvases. take care of mommy first. it sounds selfish, but she articulates it better than i am doing here. and it's true that she has a lot of money which takes some of the pressure off, but the philosophy is still sound.
i live in new york. there is nothing worse than an overinvolved new york mother.there are a lot of nannies wandering around with other people's kids, yes, but there are also too many who are naming their kids "tyler" and "sage" with their double wide strollers and organic canned air and their in utero polyglot kids. jesus, give them some space already.
my parents were not careless with me, but they were not overbearing - i climbed shit and fell off of shit and ate candy and fluorescent cereal and wonder bread, and i am mostly intact. applause.
i wholly approve of the laissez-faire approach to parenting where everyone has their own lives and the kids can learn for themselves what happens when they run barefoot on a wooden deck. i did.
i was once near a baby - a perfectly healthy baby, not some kid in a bubble, and the mom asked me if i wanted to hold it, and to be polite, i said, okay. then she handed me a bottle of purell, and i was so insulted, i said never mind - hold your own damn kid.
contrast this to when i saw jonah crawling all over the floor in the manager's office at work, on into the break room, then putting his dirty ass hands in his mouth and lesley just shrugged and said, "whatever", and i thought - yeah, she absolutely has the right idea. she is not an unfit mother, but she knows what not to get all worked up about. and if a baby ever unexpectedly jumped out of my womb, i would have to be the same way. kids are washable and these mothers who are freaking out over their kid wanting to eat a chocolate bar are too silly to even get into here - but there are two great parts of this book that made me laugh out loud in recognition.
so, yeah - i read it because i liked her dresses on project runway and i thought she would have an interesting perspective on child rearing. none for me, thanks, but i enjoyed reading about other people's menageries.
come to my blog!
...it had always seemed to me that once a woman had a kid nothing else mattered about her. being a dad might describe a man, but being a mom defined a woman"
this is a quote that comes from Back Roads, which i just read, and it is a sentiment which terrifies me.
i expect it would terrify laura bennett as well.
she's got six kids. five boys. and she lets them run wild and destroy the apartment/country house while she stands in the center of the room like a glam-obelisk and enjoys the spectacle. this is the image i remember most from her season of project runway: kids everywhere and her, pregnant in a beaded dress.
i love her approach to parenthood - if the mommy is happy, she will be able to happily raise the kids. if she is unhappy, the kids will suffer because mommy will use them as wish-fulfillment canvases. take care of mommy first. it sounds selfish, but she articulates it better than i am doing here. and it's true that she has a lot of money which takes some of the pressure off, but the philosophy is still sound.
i live in new york. there is nothing worse than an overinvolved new york mother.there are a lot of nannies wandering around with other people's kids, yes, but there are also too many who are naming their kids "tyler" and "sage" with their double wide strollers and organic canned air and their in utero polyglot kids. jesus, give them some space already.
my parents were not careless with me, but they were not overbearing - i climbed shit and fell off of shit and ate candy and fluorescent cereal and wonder bread, and i am mostly intact. applause.
i wholly approve of the laissez-faire approach to parenting where everyone has their own lives and the kids can learn for themselves what happens when they run barefoot on a wooden deck. i did.
i was once near a baby - a perfectly healthy baby, not some kid in a bubble, and the mom asked me if i wanted to hold it, and to be polite, i said, okay. then she handed me a bottle of purell, and i was so insulted, i said never mind - hold your own damn kid.
contrast this to when i saw jonah crawling all over the floor in the manager's office at work, on into the break room, then putting his dirty ass hands in his mouth and lesley just shrugged and said, "whatever", and i thought - yeah, she absolutely has the right idea. she is not an unfit mother, but she knows what not to get all worked up about. and if a baby ever unexpectedly jumped out of my womb, i would have to be the same way. kids are washable and these mothers who are freaking out over their kid wanting to eat a chocolate bar are too silly to even get into here - but there are two great parts of this book that made me laugh out loud in recognition.
so, yeah - i read it because i liked her dresses on project runway and i thought she would have an interesting perspective on child rearing. none for me, thanks, but i enjoyed reading about other people's menageries.
come to my blog!
June 9, 2010
The humorous title of this book is what originally caught my attention, and then I recognized the author from Project Runway. I read an excerpt from the introduction online, and thought the book might be worth a look, even though I usually turn my back on "celebrity" authors.
Laura Bennett and I are both mothers, but that is about all we have in common. Her lifestyle and her priorities are extremely different than mine. (I have no desire to totter around Manhattan in Manolos or become a gay icon.) That's okay. At first I was put off by her apparent self-centered attitude, and I almost didn't make it past the first chapter, but then I kept reading and I started to laugh. Yes, she is very different than I am, but some of her experiences with her children are hilarious, and it was oddly refreshing to read the opinions of a mother who makes it a point to put herself first, and who doesn't natter on about the parenting experience with awe and reverence.
I think my favorite observation of hers is "For every woman in New York who treats her shih tzu like a child, there is a woman who treats her child like a shih tzu--prized, groomed, pampered, and coddled to within an inch of its life."
Laura Bennett and I are both mothers, but that is about all we have in common. Her lifestyle and her priorities are extremely different than mine. (I have no desire to totter around Manhattan in Manolos or become a gay icon.) That's okay. At first I was put off by her apparent self-centered attitude, and I almost didn't make it past the first chapter, but then I kept reading and I started to laugh. Yes, she is very different than I am, but some of her experiences with her children are hilarious, and it was oddly refreshing to read the opinions of a mother who makes it a point to put herself first, and who doesn't natter on about the parenting experience with awe and reverence.
I think my favorite observation of hers is "For every woman in New York who treats her shih tzu like a child, there is a woman who treats her child like a shih tzu--prized, groomed, pampered, and coddled to within an inch of its life."
March 8, 2010
Though I enjoyed Laura's contribution to Project Runway I was ready to hate this book. As one of nine children I have had enough of the reality-tv-mom-tells-what-it's-really-like stories that end up being NOTHING like the way I was raised. Instead of a sappy, sentimental, and unrealistic portrayal of the life of a large family I got a witty, provocative and humorous narrative. At times the stories didn't always seem to flow easily from one to another but they were always attention-grabbing and easy to read. Unapologetically addicted to nicotine gum and singing the praises of her "girls" Laura Bennett is surely on her way to being the Erma Bombeck for the modern Manolo-wearing Mom.
June 29, 2011
It seems almost counterintuitive to review this book, because after having read it I'm fairly sure Laura Bennett wouldn't care in the least what I thought of her book. Like everything else she tell of undertaking, she found her way to write a book and if I, or you, or anyone else doesn't like it then we are free to go elsewhere. She will not lose (precious) sleep at night.
However, her publisher is the one who sent me the book, and being in the business of selling books they might be slightly more interested in reader opinions so here goes.
I can't lie. I chose this book purely on having watched the author on Project Runway. I do not have children. I am not from nor do I want a large family. I am not even remotely what one might consider glamorous. And yet, despite all these seeming reasons why I should not be the intended audience of "Didn't I Feed You Yesterday" I still found myself enjoying it.
The frank, will not take flak from anyone, humorous tone made what was already a short book fly by. Even when she was referring to situations with which I have no experience, it felt relatable. It is by no means a comprehensive reference guide to parenting, but for what it is, a light hearted biting of the thumb at the hovering, over-protective, wholly child-centric moms of late, it does the job very nicely.
Sometimes, the irreverence skirts the borders of self-importance, but not offensively and not for very long.
This would make a fantastic summer read for moms and contented non-moms alike.
However, her publisher is the one who sent me the book, and being in the business of selling books they might be slightly more interested in reader opinions so here goes.
I can't lie. I chose this book purely on having watched the author on Project Runway. I do not have children. I am not from nor do I want a large family. I am not even remotely what one might consider glamorous. And yet, despite all these seeming reasons why I should not be the intended audience of "Didn't I Feed You Yesterday" I still found myself enjoying it.
The frank, will not take flak from anyone, humorous tone made what was already a short book fly by. Even when she was referring to situations with which I have no experience, it felt relatable. It is by no means a comprehensive reference guide to parenting, but for what it is, a light hearted biting of the thumb at the hovering, over-protective, wholly child-centric moms of late, it does the job very nicely.
Sometimes, the irreverence skirts the borders of self-importance, but not offensively and not for very long.
This would make a fantastic summer read for moms and contented non-moms alike.
July 19, 2021
She is funny and real, but a little bit tooo much for my taste sometimes. Glad I read it on audiobook in traffic.
September 7, 2010
I think I might appreciate the humor more if I didn't feel like I had to defend it, even though no one certainly asked me to defend it. Sure, there's no doubt that My Favorite Of All Time "Project Runway" Contestant loves her children and husband ... It's just that you get the distinct feeling that she loves herself even more. While she justifies this in the too-true reality that to parent well, the parent must be well taken care of, the question still remains: Does she actually parent??
She tries to blow off the fact that she has two nannies, a manny AND a housekeeper (along with all private schools for the kids, a home in the countryside, lessons and such) by claiming that those who point out that she has help just don't get it or are somehow tongue-wagging harlots. But ... um ... she lives in Manhattan (yes, THAT Manhattan), albeit in a loft, with five sons and a husband (the sixth child, a daughter, already grown and gone.) Obviously, she has money.
Sure, there are real laugh-out-loud moments. My god, the part about the gum ... Here's a spoiler: So her husband quit smoking after a very long time, and when she felt he was about to slip, she bought some Nicorette for him. He has this horrible habit, however, of leaving the nicotine-liberated wads all over, and one day she hears her youngest, who's 2 1/2, I think, scream. She goes to investigate, and discovers he's coated himself in the wads. The description of unattaching the poor little boy's testicle from his thigh made me howl.
OH, and I TOTALLY related to her fear of Boy/Man Smell! I had no idea any other mothers worried about this:) Seeing as how she has five sons, her concern is pretty dang valid. Again ... howls of laughter.
So I agree with her parenting style in theory in some areas. No, scratch that. I agree with her in reality in several areas. But if only I could get rid of that eensie feeling that she'd save her shoes before ANY of her children -- even her admitted favorite -- I might relate a bit better.
Well, that, and if I had a housekeeper.
She tries to blow off the fact that she has two nannies, a manny AND a housekeeper (along with all private schools for the kids, a home in the countryside, lessons and such) by claiming that those who point out that she has help just don't get it or are somehow tongue-wagging harlots. But ... um ... she lives in Manhattan (yes, THAT Manhattan), albeit in a loft, with five sons and a husband (the sixth child, a daughter, already grown and gone.) Obviously, she has money.
Sure, there are real laugh-out-loud moments. My god, the part about the gum ... Here's a spoiler: So her husband quit smoking after a very long time, and when she felt he was about to slip, she bought some Nicorette for him. He has this horrible habit, however, of leaving the nicotine-liberated wads all over, and one day she hears her youngest, who's 2 1/2, I think, scream. She goes to investigate, and discovers he's coated himself in the wads. The description of unattaching the poor little boy's testicle from his thigh made me howl.
OH, and I TOTALLY related to her fear of Boy/Man Smell! I had no idea any other mothers worried about this:) Seeing as how she has five sons, her concern is pretty dang valid. Again ... howls of laughter.
So I agree with her parenting style in theory in some areas. No, scratch that. I agree with her in reality in several areas. But if only I could get rid of that eensie feeling that she'd save her shoes before ANY of her children -- even her admitted favorite -- I might relate a bit better.
Well, that, and if I had a housekeeper.
March 27, 2010
I loved this book. I loved Laura on Project Runway ( one of my many guilty pleasures). I couldn't wait to read it and would like to thank Librarything.com for that chance. I Love the cover.
I thought this book describe the way I grew up with they way my mom let my brother and I be kids. That is how I want to raise my son and any future children I have. Let them learn for themselves is probably the best way they will learn. I do agree with that. I just hope I don't end up with that many boys. If my next child is a boy I will probably just stop. I don't know how she can manage to live in a house with that many boys. I would go insane. Some of the parents she was describing I know and tend to avoid them myself. I do tend to hang out or talk to other mothers that use the same type of parenting that I plan on using. I think moms that tend to be overprotective and make up "peanut allergies" should really read her book. It makes sense and some moms need a wake up call. Which this book will provide.
I suggest that if you know or is an overprotective mom read this book. Let you children be kids. Let them learn themselves for what is wrong and right. Let them make their own mistakes. I am not going to say don't punish them or my way is the right way. It is just what I believe and I think this book makes more sense to me then most parenting books. I would not recommend somebody reading it as a parenting book though, but just as a book that was written by a mother about the way she raises her boys and daughter.
www.bookbookie.blogspot.com
I thought this book describe the way I grew up with they way my mom let my brother and I be kids. That is how I want to raise my son and any future children I have. Let them learn for themselves is probably the best way they will learn. I do agree with that. I just hope I don't end up with that many boys. If my next child is a boy I will probably just stop. I don't know how she can manage to live in a house with that many boys. I would go insane. Some of the parents she was describing I know and tend to avoid them myself. I do tend to hang out or talk to other mothers that use the same type of parenting that I plan on using. I think moms that tend to be overprotective and make up "peanut allergies" should really read her book. It makes sense and some moms need a wake up call. Which this book will provide.
I suggest that if you know or is an overprotective mom read this book. Let you children be kids. Let them learn themselves for what is wrong and right. Let them make their own mistakes. I am not going to say don't punish them or my way is the right way. It is just what I believe and I think this book makes more sense to me then most parenting books. I would not recommend somebody reading it as a parenting book though, but just as a book that was written by a mother about the way she raises her boys and daughter.
www.bookbookie.blogspot.com
June 25, 2010
I won this book about 6 months ago and finally found myself with some time to sit down and read it.
Although Laura Bennett and I are from two entirely different worlds, I did find that we have some things in common. Her approach to motherhood is a bit more lax than mine yet I find that many of her philosophies ring true to mine. I especially related to her story of traveling on the plane and gaining wisdom from the statement made by the flight attendant "When traveling with children, please secure your own mask before assisting a child". She related that to taking care of yourself as a person before taking care of your family. Some may not agree with this philosophy, but in my life I have found it to be the pearl of wisdom that keeps me sane. It took me years to come to this realization. Seeing it in writing in the book by another mother made me feel good.
There are many things in the book I don't really relate to like having a manny and nannies and being a full time working mother. Still I found her descriptions of her children honest and endearing, envoking thoughts of my own children.
While I wouldn't put this on the best seller list, I do think it is an entertaining read for mothers and would recommend it to my friends.
Although Laura Bennett and I are from two entirely different worlds, I did find that we have some things in common. Her approach to motherhood is a bit more lax than mine yet I find that many of her philosophies ring true to mine. I especially related to her story of traveling on the plane and gaining wisdom from the statement made by the flight attendant "When traveling with children, please secure your own mask before assisting a child". She related that to taking care of yourself as a person before taking care of your family. Some may not agree with this philosophy, but in my life I have found it to be the pearl of wisdom that keeps me sane. It took me years to come to this realization. Seeing it in writing in the book by another mother made me feel good.
There are many things in the book I don't really relate to like having a manny and nannies and being a full time working mother. Still I found her descriptions of her children honest and endearing, envoking thoughts of my own children.
While I wouldn't put this on the best seller list, I do think it is an entertaining read for mothers and would recommend it to my friends.
August 4, 2011
A mothering book by a contestant on Project Runway, Laura is best known for being highly glamorous while raising 6 children in a 2 bedroom New York loft apartment. This is a collection of amusing anecdotes about her life as a mother to 5 boys.
I don't think I've ever read a more hilarious book. Almost every line had me laughing, or at least smiling while suppressing a giggle. The antics of a gaggle of boys make me glad I only have one son.
While not everyone would agree with Laura's relaxed style of parenting, it does make for a refreshing glimpse into the life of a mom who is more than willing to admit she is not a supermom. I'd love to have her access to nannies, mannies, and cleaning ladies. Not to mention her closet.
This is a light-hearted read that is sure to make you smile. The audiobook version is a delight because Laura reads it herself, and adds her own emphasis to certain words and phrases. It is very natural to listen to, like she's simply thrilling you with stories from her life. This is definitely a book to check out.
I don't think I've ever read a more hilarious book. Almost every line had me laughing, or at least smiling while suppressing a giggle. The antics of a gaggle of boys make me glad I only have one son.
While not everyone would agree with Laura's relaxed style of parenting, it does make for a refreshing glimpse into the life of a mom who is more than willing to admit she is not a supermom. I'd love to have her access to nannies, mannies, and cleaning ladies. Not to mention her closet.
This is a light-hearted read that is sure to make you smile. The audiobook version is a delight because Laura reads it herself, and adds her own emphasis to certain words and phrases. It is very natural to listen to, like she's simply thrilling you with stories from her life. This is definitely a book to check out.
March 21, 2010
Funny, entertaining quick romp through the chaotic life of Project Runway contestant, architect, and mother of 6, Laura Bennett. She brings a refreshing breath of laissez-faire parenting to a world where helicopter moms rule the discourse. In addition to chronicling her life among 5 boys, a grown daughter, a husband, and a household staff, Bennett provides an insider view of the reality TV experience, as well as some fashion tips. None of it goes terribly deep, and from time to time the aggressive "my kids are animals, Manolo take me away!" tone put me off, but there were laugh out loud funny moments (her morning encounters with the household's volume of weenies felt all too familiar to this mother of boys) and some moments of glamor among the mania.
March 28, 2015
I have no children but when i do... i'm taking tips from this lady.
6 kids is not to be taken lightly. If someone is critical of her using nannies then clearly they either have 6 children but don't work, or they work and only have two tiddlers to handle.
How one can remain so glamorous whilst a child is shooting at her rear is a miracle.
THis book is honest. If your not ready for honest then don't read it.
6 kids is not to be taken lightly. If someone is critical of her using nannies then clearly they either have 6 children but don't work, or they work and only have two tiddlers to handle.
How one can remain so glamorous whilst a child is shooting at her rear is a miracle.
THis book is honest. If your not ready for honest then don't read it.
September 10, 2016
I vacillated between liking and not liking Laura when she was on Project Runway, but this book put me firmly in the "like" category. This book isn't so much a parenting advice book as it is a memoir of Bennett's crazy experiences as a mom of six in Manhattan. Bennett's lifestyle and parenting style are very different than my own, but I still enjoyed reading her take and appreciated her upfront style.
June 21, 2011
Awful. The best part of the book is the title. As I read this book and realized what a horrible author and mother Laura Bennett is, I was embarassed that I was supporting her work. The content is not parenting advice, but is ill-written and uninteresting stories about Bennett's misbehaved and disrespectful children, her uninvolved husband, and their slew of maids, nannies, and cooks.
Read
February 27, 2010Audio CD
October 11, 2010
She lost me at "two nannies and a manny."
February 1, 2019
It never ceases to amaze my why our public library carries books like these, but not books that I need and end up having to hunt down for lack of them acquiring good works. This was on the shelf near Dr Laura Schlesinger's book 'Praise for stay at home moms'. In a nutshell, this book is a polar opposite work. I wanted to find inspiration in something opposite of me by having an open mind... I just never found the point in the book that would lead to inspiration, for me. Hopefully it delights the reader it was intended to inspire.
November 20, 2023
Funny and entertaining. Not a classic, like Please Don't Eat the Daisies or Auntie Mame, both of which Laura Bennett references, but I was never bored and some scenes had me laughing out loud. It's refreshing to read about mothering from someone as chill as she seems to be. Yes, I would have liked a bit more about Project Runway, but that's okay. Her real life is interesting enough. I especially like the tradition where she buys Christmas tree ornaments at after-holiday sales and uses them for B-B gun targets. I might try that myself!
July 3, 2020
Although I have nearly nothing in common with Laura, and have a hard time fathoming the sort of life she lives, her wit and sarcasm made for an entertaining read. She has an endless supply of funny stories thanks to her brood of children. Which got me hooked. It also helped that I recognized her from Project Runway.
January 24, 2019
The moral of the story: It's not too hard to work and raise 6 kids in New York City if you have 2 nannies, a manny, and a housekeeper. . . plus an army of "homework helpers", therapists, and a country house. Amusing at times but not very relatable.
December 16, 2023
Written tongue in cheek and striving for humor, I didn't really see the point (stiletto) of this book. A defense in lifestyle seems more like the goal. Yes I had a lot of children, yes I have "help," yes my children aren't perfect, nor do I wish them to be.
It missed it's target (me.)
It missed it's target (me.)
May 23, 2017
This is a unique lady but the book is pretty darn good!
February 16, 2019
Not a parenting book as I expected. But funny read.
February 11, 2020
I love a good mom book but this one........................................just ugh. I felt poor lol
February 7, 2017
Lots of humor. I think any mom with multiple kids will find her story entertaining.
April 19, 2010
You might want to take my review with a grain of salt or three. I don’t have kids (thankfully that’s not the focus, I’d feared it would be given the subtitle) but I do often play one at work. While I do write reviews of books for a part of my livelihood, I mostly review children’s literature and science fiction and occasional works about Buddhism; so nonfiction for big people is not my area of expertise. The biggest reason for your grain of salt: I was a fan of the author when she was on Project Runway (turns out according to the book’s publicity materials I’m part of a growing cult following! Well, isn’t that the aspiration of every lapsed Methodist: cult follower).
I picked this up expecting witty, sophisticated “advice” on parenting…and was quite pleasantly surprised to find a collection of amusing tales about family vacations, holidays, school projects, diet, fashion (of course), growing older, a whole chapter on Project Runway (that did not name enough names!), and so much more. It’s Family Circus (emphasis on circus) in Manhattan.
Each child’s personality shines through…except, perhaps baby Finn (who is for chronological reasons still forming said personality). Plenty of quotable lines which I am not about to enter here—read it for yourself! I laughed out which is not usual even when something amuses me…I kept wanting to share them with my partner, but HE wants to read this for himself.
Part of me thinks it is a bit odd to say this about a collection of autobiographical essays, but the ending felt a bit abrupt. Maybe I just wanted more. So, here’s to the success of the pitch for a TV Series!
If she’s truly out to be a gay icon, I am happy to be on the ground floor of the movement. You will be too, gay or not!
(Helpful hint from Heloise: If Hamster’s wheel does indeed keep you up at night, WD-40 might not be good for him. Try Butter Flavor Pam. If it drips on his fur and he licks it off, the worst that can happen is hamsterial sclerosis…unless you get a cat, then he smells like a perfect butter-flavor morsel).
I picked this up expecting witty, sophisticated “advice” on parenting…and was quite pleasantly surprised to find a collection of amusing tales about family vacations, holidays, school projects, diet, fashion (of course), growing older, a whole chapter on Project Runway (that did not name enough names!), and so much more. It’s Family Circus (emphasis on circus) in Manhattan.
Each child’s personality shines through…except, perhaps baby Finn (who is for chronological reasons still forming said personality). Plenty of quotable lines which I am not about to enter here—read it for yourself! I laughed out which is not usual even when something amuses me…I kept wanting to share them with my partner, but HE wants to read this for himself.
Part of me thinks it is a bit odd to say this about a collection of autobiographical essays, but the ending felt a bit abrupt. Maybe I just wanted more. So, here’s to the success of the pitch for a TV Series!
If she’s truly out to be a gay icon, I am happy to be on the ground floor of the movement. You will be too, gay or not!
(Helpful hint from Heloise: If Hamster’s wheel does indeed keep you up at night, WD-40 might not be good for him. Try Butter Flavor Pam. If it drips on his fur and he licks it off, the worst that can happen is hamsterial sclerosis…unless you get a cat, then he smells like a perfect butter-flavor morsel).
February 26, 2010
I received a preview copy through Amazon Vine and I chose this book because I loved Laura Bennett when she was on "Project Runway". I'm not sure exactly what I was expecting from this book as I'd never read any of her online work.
The book is very slim and a quick read. My favorite part was the illustrations at the beginning of each chapter, showing a slim, sophisticated woman in stilettos and a gorgeous little black dress. "Didn't I Feed You Yesterday?" mostly is about Bennett's misadventures in mothering with a lot of emphasis placed on how much mothering she doesn't do. I can see that many would be horrified to read that she didn't know where her first grader's classroom was a full month into school or that her boys skateboard in their New York City loft or that they play with matches. Others may identify with her hands off approach. I'm not sure exactly how hands off Ms. Bennett actually is and I'd feel comfortable putting some money down on her being a bit more involved that she presents herself in this book.
I cam away still liking Laura Bennett but I'm not sure that I'd hit it off well with her in person for much more than an awesome cocktail party. I know plenty of moms in my own life who think its okay for kids to ride mattresses down the staircases in their homes and that doesn't really sit comfortably with my own parenting style.
Again, this was a quick read. So much so that I'd recommend checking your local library before spending your own money on the book.
The book is very slim and a quick read. My favorite part was the illustrations at the beginning of each chapter, showing a slim, sophisticated woman in stilettos and a gorgeous little black dress. "Didn't I Feed You Yesterday?" mostly is about Bennett's misadventures in mothering with a lot of emphasis placed on how much mothering she doesn't do. I can see that many would be horrified to read that she didn't know where her first grader's classroom was a full month into school or that her boys skateboard in their New York City loft or that they play with matches. Others may identify with her hands off approach. I'm not sure exactly how hands off Ms. Bennett actually is and I'd feel comfortable putting some money down on her being a bit more involved that she presents herself in this book.
I cam away still liking Laura Bennett but I'm not sure that I'd hit it off well with her in person for much more than an awesome cocktail party. I know plenty of moms in my own life who think its okay for kids to ride mattresses down the staircases in their homes and that doesn't really sit comfortably with my own parenting style.
Again, this was a quick read. So much so that I'd recommend checking your local library before spending your own money on the book.
April 26, 2010
i have little to say about this book. in my mind, it falls into the same category as other humorous essays on life & parenthood as so many other books i have read, with the twist being that the author was the runner-up on "project runway" season three. & that twist is why i picked it up. the first essay, about laura's experience taking her entire family (one girl & five boys, ranging in age from twenty to two) on an airplane, gave me pause. laura made some allegory up regarding her parenting strategies & the flight attendant's recommendation of first putting your oxygen mask on yourself & then helping the children. it seemed a little...pat. or trite, even. i was a bit anxious that i was reading a book by someone who is quite capable of sewing a spangled empire-waist cocktail dress & had somehow parlayed this into a book deal. which...i was. but it was still just a notch better than i anticipated. still not mind-blowing though. i breezed through it (just shy of 200 pages--seems like she must have had more to say but just chose not to draw it out) in no time. my favorite parts were definitely the handful of chapters about the experience of being on "project runway," just because it's interesting to hear about how things really happen behind the scenes. but the parenting stuff wasn't at all objectionable. i guess this is what they call a "great beach read," but it certainly won't be taxing anyone's intellect.
August 10, 2010
Say what you will about Laura Bennett. This book made me laugh. A lot.
I don't have six kids, I only have one. And he runs me ragged on a good day. I enjoyed Laura's take on parenthood, not because it's actually sound parenting advice for the most part, but because it is devoid of the seriousness and preaching associated with any book about children these days. It reminds you that the whole parenthood thing is kind of a circus, and these days people get so sanctimonious about every.little.thing associated with parenting, so sometimes it's just nice to lighten up.
Yes, Laura is wealthy and no, she is not a stay at home mom. She has help. She has a career. And good for her. That doesn't make her any less of a mother. It doesn't mean she loves her children any less. In fact, her love for her children is palpable throughout the book, even as she's teasing them or reveling in her hands-off approach to mothering. Just because I can't relate to her lifestyle doesn't mean I can't relate to feeling pulled in a million directions.
I do think the book tends to peter out towards the end. The first chapters were hilarious, but I was a little over it all towards the conclusion. Also, some of the stuff about Laura herself seems irrelevant (although let's just see if nicotine gum catches on as the next big diet craze...) and I think this book could have used a little more editing. But, overall, it was a quick, funny summer read that I enjoyed.
I don't have six kids, I only have one. And he runs me ragged on a good day. I enjoyed Laura's take on parenthood, not because it's actually sound parenting advice for the most part, but because it is devoid of the seriousness and preaching associated with any book about children these days. It reminds you that the whole parenthood thing is kind of a circus, and these days people get so sanctimonious about every.little.thing associated with parenting, so sometimes it's just nice to lighten up.
Yes, Laura is wealthy and no, she is not a stay at home mom. She has help. She has a career. And good for her. That doesn't make her any less of a mother. It doesn't mean she loves her children any less. In fact, her love for her children is palpable throughout the book, even as she's teasing them or reveling in her hands-off approach to mothering. Just because I can't relate to her lifestyle doesn't mean I can't relate to feeling pulled in a million directions.
I do think the book tends to peter out towards the end. The first chapters were hilarious, but I was a little over it all towards the conclusion. Also, some of the stuff about Laura herself seems irrelevant (although let's just see if nicotine gum catches on as the next big diet craze...) and I think this book could have used a little more editing. But, overall, it was a quick, funny summer read that I enjoyed.
April 12, 2012
I started reading this on a whim at the library and ended up checking it out because Laura Bennett is a funny and creative writer. Her blogs on Project Runway are honest and articulate.
About 2/3 of the way through, though, I thought, okay, enough. I'm ready for this to end. After a while the amusing anecdotes seemed redundant. She's unapologetic about the flurry of chaos and mess that comes with her family. She's proudly dependent on her team of nanny, manny, and husband-nanny. This allows her to have a flourishing career and maintain her impeccable appearance. I applaud her gusto.
That being said, I couldn't read her book all the way through in a couple of sittings, despite it being an incredibly easy, flowing read. Parents have high tolerance levels for their own kids' noise and mess. I get incredibly itchy at other people's kid noise and kid mess, and have even less patience for parents who ignore their kids' noise and mess. Reading about LB's chaos stressed me out a little. Further, knowing LB has every hair in place and lipstick perfectly applied amidst this swirl made me feel a little unkempt.
Overall, her book is very entertaining and energetic. I adore entertaining and energetic people, but I can only take them in small doses. Really small. Ten minutes, tops.
About 2/3 of the way through, though, I thought, okay, enough. I'm ready for this to end. After a while the amusing anecdotes seemed redundant. She's unapologetic about the flurry of chaos and mess that comes with her family. She's proudly dependent on her team of nanny, manny, and husband-nanny. This allows her to have a flourishing career and maintain her impeccable appearance. I applaud her gusto.
That being said, I couldn't read her book all the way through in a couple of sittings, despite it being an incredibly easy, flowing read. Parents have high tolerance levels for their own kids' noise and mess. I get incredibly itchy at other people's kid noise and kid mess, and have even less patience for parents who ignore their kids' noise and mess. Reading about LB's chaos stressed me out a little. Further, knowing LB has every hair in place and lipstick perfectly applied amidst this swirl made me feel a little unkempt.
Overall, her book is very entertaining and energetic. I adore entertaining and energetic people, but I can only take them in small doses. Really small. Ten minutes, tops.
March 30, 2010
I got an advanced reader copy and I absolutely loved it! Laura Bennett was great on Project Runway. She has great style and a wicked sense of humor! She translates those qualities well to motherhood in "Didn't I Feed You Yesterday?" Laura has 6 kids-- one girl and five boys. Her daughter is away at school, so Laura lives with her husband and all the boys. The chaos that ensues is both hilarious and heartwarming.
Laura has a wonderful attitude toward parenting. And from her descriptions, her sons seem extremely bright and well adjusted. Her perspective on raising kids in Manhattan was interesting. Yes not all of us have nannies, mannies, or housekeepers, but if I had five kids, lived in NYC, and could afford it, I would!
There are brief mentions of Laura's time on Project Runway, but this was definitely not a tell-all book about her experience. She gives solid tips to moms who want to have style... from owning great shoes and great bags... to tips on essential items to have in your wardrobe to maintain a sense of style.
As a working mom I really appreciated her candor and her advice. Way to "Make it work!" Laura!
Laura has a wonderful attitude toward parenting. And from her descriptions, her sons seem extremely bright and well adjusted. Her perspective on raising kids in Manhattan was interesting. Yes not all of us have nannies, mannies, or housekeepers, but if I had five kids, lived in NYC, and could afford it, I would!
There are brief mentions of Laura's time on Project Runway, but this was definitely not a tell-all book about her experience. She gives solid tips to moms who want to have style... from owning great shoes and great bags... to tips on essential items to have in your wardrobe to maintain a sense of style.
As a working mom I really appreciated her candor and her advice. Way to "Make it work!" Laura!
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