For the past couple weeks, I’ve been trying to peel myself away from the computer long enough to spend some quality time with the latest book by lifestyle & entertaining extraordinaire Colin Cowie , aptly named: Colin Cowie Chic: The Guide to Life As It Should Be . The problem is – with everything going on in the hectic thing that is my life lately, "life" is exactly what kept getting in the way of trying to review this "guide to life"!

Thank goodness things changed this past weekend and I finally had the chance to focus on Chic , because it was great! Between the fabulous faux crocodile-print cover and reputation of the author alone, I pretty much expected that to be the case – but I’m happy to say that it even surpassed my expectations… Cowie covers everything from "creating a gracious home " and "fearless entertaining " (love that concept!) – to personal style, work-ethic chic, travel tips, and more. The writing style is very conversational, and the seemingly endless amount of tips and ideas are broken down into bullet points and quick-read bits of information, which makes the "how-to" book an effortless read.

In addition to colorful photo galleries for home, entertaining, office , and travel, the main sections of the book include:

• grace, flair, poise (aka personal style)
• chapter 1 : a gracious home: public spaces
• chapter 2 : a gracious home: private spaces
• chapter 3 : inviting guests into your home: stay for a while
  *After reading this chapter, I have to say that being a guest at Cowie’s stylish NY pad sounds like better treatment than a 5-star hotel. Where do I go to book a trip?! ;)
• chapter 4 : fearless entertaining
  *If you’re afraid that entertaining will cost you too much money, take too much time, or that you just don’t have what it takes to host a fabulous party, read on and fear not…
  
• chapter 5 : work-ethic chic
• chapter 6 : traveling in style: surrender to the journey

I’d definitely recommend Colin Cowie Chic for anyone interested in entertaining, organizing, home design, fashion, and general well-being. This is a great resource to have on hand, and at under $20 ($19.80 at Amazon.com ), it’s a great gift idea too!