Books.

I'm looking at all of these books on my windowsill and wondering when I'll find time to read them. Before the library comes knocking for them back. But I want to. I really do.

Ship orders first. Taxes second. (Ug.) Books third. Might not get to third today.

Use What You've Got

I'm listening to the audio version of this book as I pack up some wholesale orders this morning.

Originally, I picked it up at the library because Barbara Corcoran (you may recognize her from Shark Tank or her appearances on The Today Show), is actually a personal friend of my godmother, Enid, who worked as a broker in Ms. Corcoran's real estate empire for years.

Enid has told me many funny stories about Barbara (should I call her that?) and, in sum, she's clearly one of the smartest, funniest, spunkiest women you'd like to know. Not to mention, it's inspiring to hear how she started a billion dollar empire with only $1,000. Yep, $1,000 she borrowed from a friend.

And how much to I love her title: "Use What You've Got: And Other Business Lessons I Learned From My Mom."

Because, isn't it so true... Mom is the smartest person we know.

Library Pick: Half the Sky

My resolution of the month has been to turn off the TV. (Okay, okay, I'm still watching the Grey's Anatomy premiere tonight.) But, most evenings, in lieu of an hour or two of spaced-out viewing time, I'm plugging into our wonderful local library.

My pick for this week is Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide, just out this month.

The authors argue that the key to worldwide social and economic progress sits cupped in the hands of women. They offer ways we all can help draw out this powerful potential. Among them is a personal favorite: support a woman in business. With loans as low as $50, women in many countries can start businesses of their own, leading to a cascade of improvements in their own lives, the lives of their children, the status of the communities, and so on.

To make your own loan, go to Mercy Corps, BRAC, or Kiva.