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Currently {Spring 2021}

Jun 11, 2021

I first shared my own version of this post last year, and I decided it was time for an update! As I mentioned before, thanks to Lauren from Bookmark Lit for the inspiration for this type of post. I've seen lot of variations on it, but hers inspired me to finally do one of my own. So, here's what my life looks like lately:

ALL THE BOOKS

Currently reading: While sampling The Library of the Dead by T.L. Huchu at the bookstore, I couldn't put it down. I'm not very far in but am thoroughly enjoying it so far, even though it's not something I'd typically read.

Currently audiobook-ing: I'm listening to Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price – a fun twist on my favorite book. I love retellings, and this one turns it into YA murder mystery. I'm halfway through and loving the creativity!

Currently recommending: Mhairi McFarlane is a favorite author and her latest release, Just Last Night, is fantastic. A debut that I can't stop raving about is Olympus, Texas by Stacey Swann. I loved the ties to mythology.

Currently on hold at the library: I'm looking forward to trying A Peculiar Combination by Ashley Weaver and Anne of Manhattan by Brina Starler. Two books I'm interested in but wasn't ready to commit to yet.

Currently pre-ordered: I know almost nothing about it, but I can't wait to read The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton. The cover! The summary! It all sounds so delightful to me.

Currently in my cart: I'm currently eyeing A Pho Love Story by Loan Le and Home Made by Liz Hauck, two (very different) books involving food. Will I add them to my shelves? Probably, let's be honest.

Currently adding to my TBR: My June Book of the Month pick just arrived this week – Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon. Let's not talk about everything I ordered from Book Outlet in a moment of weakness.

Currently NetGalley-ing: I adore Berkley for approving me for The Devil and the Heiress by Harper St. George. I loved the first book! I'm excited for Ghosts by Dolly Alderton, especially after reading her memoir.

ALL THE THINGS

Currently listening: New albums from Olivia Rodrigo and Mat Kearney, plus From the Front Porch podcast.

Currently watching: Not much. Just re-watching New Girl and catching up on this season of Grey's Anatomy.

Currently eating: TOSTITOS Hint of Guacamole chips, which are unbelievably addicting.

Currently drinking: Chick-fil-a's sweet tea + lemonade, which they call Sunjoy. It's an Arnold Palmer to me.

Currently wearing: These pajama shorts around the house, and I bought this cute swimsuit for pool days.

Currently bookmarking: I found Stuck in the Stacks through a Book of the Month group, I think, and I look forward her monthly BOTM prediction posts (an example). They always put new releases on my radar!

Currently coveting: This Apple watch band, but the price is making me hesitate. Should I do it?!

Currently obsessing over: My screened-in porch, which I deep cleaned after my mom got new bedding + pillows!

ALL THE EMOTIONS

Currently celebrating: In May, we celebrated our big boy turning five and finishing this year of preschool! Now, Father's Day is coming up, along with summer family adventures and our 10th wedding anniversary.

Currently loving: My (almost) weekly Barnes & Noble dates with my sister, usually on New Release Tuesday.

Currently looking forward to: Spending time in the mountains this summer with my favorite people.

Currently procrastinating: Everything? I haven't worked on our family yearbooks, which is the biggest one.

Currently accomplishing: I've slacked on my goals recently, but I've loved checking items off our family bucket list.

Currently researching: My favorite used bookstore closed unexpectedly, and I've tried to find out if it's relocating or permanent. I think the latter, which makes me so sad. There are other locations in Georgia, but none nearby.

Currently thinking about: All the things I keep procrastinating? Additionally, whether or not I want to continue blogging. This December marks 10 years, and the milestone is making me evaluate the future of this space.

Currently feeling: Hopeful! Life is looking a lot more normal here in Georgia, and it's made me so happy.

What's Currently going on in your life?

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45 Facts About Me as a Reader

Mar 11, 2021

Back in February, I shared 32 facts about myself. When I initially typed my list, many were related to books. I decided to stick to more personal facts for that post and saved all of the facts related to my reading life for this one! It's perfect because the topic had been on my mind ever since Modern Mrs. Darcy posted her own list. It's fascinating to think about my reading identity, especially because it can change so much with time. One of my favorite things about blogging is having a record of my bookish life. Being able to look back on the past 10 years, it's amazing to see what's stayed the same (my love for re-reading) and what's entirely new (hello, audiobooks). Without further ado, here are 45 facts about my reading life:

1. Reading is my favorite hobby and has been all of my life.

2. If the love of reading is inherited, then mine comes from both of my grandmothers.

3. The best signing I've ever attended was Markus Zusak for the 10th anniversary of The Book Thief.

4. Typically, I'm reading several books at one time.

5. Tracking my reading is one of my favorite activities. I wish I'd done it since childhood!

6. My favorite bookstore is the Picadilly Waterstones in London.

7. For some reason, I can be really resistant to reading books recommended to me.

8. As a little girl, I had Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans memorized.

9. Hype causes me to pick up more books than I'd like to admit.

10. Culling books – read or unread – is one of my favorite ways to organize.

11. Gilbert Blythe, Peeta Mellark and Fitzwilliam Darcy are my three biggest book crushes.

12.I love the thrill of the hunt with used bookstores and have a long list that I routinely visit.

13. Deanna H. never returned the copy of Anne of Green Gables I loaned her in 4th grade. I'm not over it.

14. I belong to two library systems – one for the county I live in and one for a county nearby that I pay to have access to (because it's my favorite).

15. The best trope is hate-to-love, no question.

16. Talking to Kelly about what I've read helps me clarify my rating, especially when I have mixed feelings on a book.

17. Sometimes I buy multiple books in a series before I've read the first one.

18. Excellent teachers helped me love books like Anna Karenina... but Lord of the Flies is dead to me.

19. The best bookish gift I've ever received are the custom bookshelves my husband built me.

20. My five favorite authors are Jane Austen, Melina Marchetta, Sarah J. Maas, Mhairi McFarlane, and L.M. Montgomery. Apparently, the Ms are my sweet spot alphabetically!

21. I listen to audiobooks on at least 2x speed... and often 3x.

22. Buying books is almost as much fun as reading them.

23. My proudest bookish accomplishment was moderating Sarah J. Maas' Tower of Dawn tour stop in Atlanta.

24. I don't mind abandoning a book that isn't working for me.

25. My love of historical fiction stems from an early love of the American Girls and Dear America books.

26. When I start a new book, I try to pair it with a bookmark that matches it.

27. Re-reading brings me great delight, which was true even when I was younger.

28. My books are organized by broad genres on my shelves – Non-Fiction, Classics, Middle Grade, Historical, Contemporary, Mystery/Thriller, and Fantasy. Unread books are separated out at the end of each section.

29. I love looking at one-star reviews for books I loathe... and love.

30. My favorite place to read is in the bath.

31. Only my sister and my bestie have book borrowing privileges.

32. Growing up, I would pretend to have a stomachache at bedtime so I could sit on the toilet and keep reading.

33. Contemporary is my favorite fiction genre, and memoir is my favorite non-fiction.

34. Audiobooks have changed my reading life for the better!

35. Unsurprisingly, my favorite thing to give (and receive) are books.

36. I've completed the Goodreads Challenge every year since 2011.

37. Over time, I culled almost all of my childhood books. One of my biggest bookish regrets!

38. When I pick up a book, I stick my bookmark in at the spot I want to read to (usually at least five chapters ahead).

39. When I finish a book, I always read the acknowledgements.

40. Generally, I feel best when there's balance in my reading life – backlist and just released, long and short, re-reads and new-to-me, etc.

41. When traveling, I try to buy at least one book at a local bookstore.

42. The best thing I did for my reading life was start a book blog.

43. Thanks to reading, there are a lot of words I know the definition of but don't know how to pronounce.

44. I read aloud to my boys every single day, and I hope that's still true years from now.

45. At last count, I own 51 copies of Pride and Prejudice and 36 copies of Anne of Green Gables.

What's true about you as a reader?

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Currently {Winter 2021}

Feb 26, 2021

ALL THE BOOKS

Currently reading: I haven't picked up a physical book in a week, but my plan is to read Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano next. If I keep repeating it, do you think my brain will finally make it happen?

Currently audiobook-ing: I just finished re-reading A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas on audio, and I'm so excited to listen to Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore since it just became available for me at the library.

Currently recommending: Aside from the newest Sarah J. Maas, I adored Lauren Fox's Send for Me. I hadn't heard much about it before release, and it was my first five-star read of 2021. The writing was gorgeous!

Currently on hold at the library: After loving her work on Instagram, I requested All Along You Were Blooming by Morgan Harper Nichols. It's ready for me! I'm also waiting for The Kitchen Front by Jennifer Ryan, a new release.

Currently pre-ordered: There are lot of books I could list, but next week I'll have Good Girl, Bad Blood by Holly Jackson, An Unexpected Peril by Deanna Raybourn, and Chain of Iron by Cassandra Clare in my hands.

Currently in my cart: Nothing, shockingly.

Currently adding to my TBR: My most recent purchase was Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason, which I wanted to read after seeing Annie B. Jones' rave review. I have soft spot for Australian authors, so I'm looking forward to it.

Currently NetGalley-ing: I was thrilled to get The Invisible Husband of Frick Island by Colleen Oakley for review.

ALL THE THINGS

Currently listening: Podcasts have been a go-to lately, and I've recently added 10 Things to Tell You to my queue.

Currently watching: I haven't been watching much lately, though I did have a movie night when To All the Boys: Always & Forever came out on Netflix. And I'll probably try to catch up on this season of This is Us soon.

Currently eating: My mom's home cooking! It's one of the best thing about spending a week with my parents.

Currently drinking: My sister got me hooked on tea! Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Sunset is a favorite.

Currently wearing: I bought Madewell's Medium Transport Tote: Woven Leather Edition in a beautiful green that's now sold out. I broke my no-spend challenge for it, but I couldn't resist the sale + additional 20% off.

Currently bookmarking: I loved this post about children and the passing of time on Em for Marvelous. And my favorite newsletters to slowly savor are from Emily P. Freeman, Kendra Adachi, and Annie B. Jones.

Currently coveting: These jeans, which are currently backordered until the end of May in their Taller sizes. Ugh.

Currently obsessing over: Olive & June's nail polish and manicure system. It's my new Saturday ritual. I've loved every color I've tried and just bought three from their spring collection, even though I wanted all six.

ALL THE EMOTIONS

Currently celebrating: All the birthdays! Mine was the 1st, Kelly and my baby on the 7th, and Nick on the 29th.

Currently loving: Nick had to travel recently for work, so the boys and I came to stay with my parents. It was so fun to spend a week with them, and I was so thankful for all the help + the break from cooking!

Currently looking forward to: Kelly is coming to visit this spring, and I cannot contain my excitement! I miss her.

Currently procrastinating: My meal planning goal. I have to remind myself to just start! Small progress adds up.

Currently accomplishing: I'm down to one Diet Coke per day and am walking 3x per week. Both are huge for me!

Currently researching: The Book of the Month picks for March so I can decide what I'll order.

Currently thinking about: Making our family yearbook(s). It's one of my 2021 goals, and I just finished watching Miss Freddy's course about it. Now I'm loosely scheduling the next steps to get the first album done.

Currently feeling: Tired. Who isn't, right?

What's Currently going on in your life?

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2021 Family Bucket List

Feb 15, 2021

Similar to 2020, one of my goals for this year is to cherish the people I love. I know the common recommendation is to set goals that are specific and measurable, but not everything that I want to do in my life has an end date. Some of the things I want to cultivate are things that will always be a little bit in progress. Now, the broad goal does have plenty of specific mini goals associated with it. But I rather than do those tasks in isolation, I like to think about them in terms of the bigger picture. That's how I'm able to stay motivated and make progress!

My cleaning routine isn't just for the sake of having it – it's a way to cherish the people I love by making sure the space we live in is inviting and cared for. I'm not planning a birthday party because I have to do it or want to impress others. Instead, I'm asking myself, "What will make my boys feel seen and cherished on their special day?" Tying the smaller, more specific goals into the bigger one helps me tap into the purpose behind it all and to see some less-desirable things as an act of love rather than a chore to complete. And it helps me rein in the "shoulds" that can sometimes make me feel like I've failed or forgotten something.

One of the things we did last year, for the first time, was make a family bucket list of 20 things we wanted to do in 2020. The list had to be tweaked a bit due to COVID-19, but we did complete our updated list. It worked so well for us, and we wanted to do it again. Having a plan made for better adventures and wonderful memories. I loved what we did in 2020, what we postponed, and what we talked about wanting to do to make this year's list:

1. TRY: a pick-your-own fruit farm.

2. PLAY: mini golf.

3. READ: a family devotional.

4. EAT: rainbow popsicles.

5. MAKE: a home project list.

6. CREATE: a family photo album.

7. RIDE: on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway.

8. SEND: happy mail to a friend.

9. TEACH: our boys something new.

10. TAKE: family photos for our baby's first birthday.

11. CELEBRATE: our 10th anniversary.

12. ENJOY: a New School Year's Eve celebration.

13. EXPLORE: a botanical garden.

14. WATCH: a movie at a drive-in theater.

15. SEE: animals -- at the zoo, an animal sanctuary, etc.

16. TRAVEL: somewhere new.

17. SPONSOR: a child through Compassion International.

18. VISIT: LEGOLAND in Atlanta.

19. GO: on a hike.

20. HAVE: a water gun fight.

My criteria were basically identical to last year – 1) mostly free things with a few expenses that will be worth it, 2) relatively easy to do with a one-year-old, and 3) specific but still flexible. The items we had the most difficulty completing last year were the ones that required us to go somewhere specific (particularly if they were only an option in a certain season). And with COVID-19 in mind, I tried to focus on things that can be done at home or outdoors. We'll see how 2021 pans out, but I'm excited about the memories our family will make.

What are you hoping to do this year?

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'I knew that I had her in my corner.'

Feb 8, 2021

Yesterday was my best friend's birthday and my baby's first birthday! What could be more perfect than celebrating two of my favorite people in the entire world on the same day? When I first told Kelly I was pregnant and due in February, she immediately said, "That baby is going to be born on my birthday!" I was due on the 12th – right in between my own birthday (the 1st) and Nick's (the 29th). I figured the baby would arrive on a day all his own, but she always he would arrive on the 7th. And she was right. (She always is. Except when I am.)

My friendship with Kelly has been one of the very best things to come out of blogging. I will always be glad that talking about books on the Internet led me to her. I have been lucky in my life to have wonderful friendships. Some have lasted for only a season and a few ended dramatically, but I have learned something from each and every one. While I didn't love everything about Big Friendship by Ann Friedman and Amintou Sow, this quote stood out to me:

If you prioritize only your romantic relationships, who is going to hold your hand through a breakup? Relying on your spouse to be your everything will definitely undo your marriage. No one human can meet your every single emotional need. If you only prioritize your kids, what happens when they’re grown and living far away, wrapped up in their own lives? Or if you only prioritize work? Wow, that’s too sad to even contemplate.

In honor of my bestie's birthday, I decided to share my favorite female friendships in books and what they taught me about friendship. And since her birthday is the 7th, I've naturally got seven besties to highlight:

1. Lily and Trix in Pretty Face and Making Up

“Whenever I need help, you're there. It was one really shitty page in what I hope is a very long book for both of us.”

The Lesson: Celebrate the friend who can forgive you and "stretch" with you as life brings changes that shift the foundation of your friendship. Whether it's a bad boyfriend, a new job, or a big move, the best friend sticks around for all of it. Find someone who, like Lily, says, “We're forever, you and me.” And means it.

2. Kristin and Sloan in The Friend Zone and The Happy Ever After Playlist

“My job is to help you with your crazy. Make you the best, most magnificent crazy you can be.”

The Lesson: Never let go of the friend who knows exactly what to say to make you flustered, joins in your crazy scheme, gives you a pep talk, and isn't afraid of a hard conversation or a little tough love. The friend who's been licking the inside of a chip bag with you since sixth grade and is willing to put on a disguise to spy on your ex.

3. Laurie and Emily in If I Never Met You

“Laurie had thought Dan was the source of unconditional love in her life, but actually it was Emily: she wasn't going to turn round and say sorry, she'd found a new Laurie.”

The Lesson: A good friend will tell you it's a bad idea to fake a relationship with a co-worker, but a best friend will approve of the plan once she vets his attractiveness. And if your friend confesses that she's afraid a man won't love her if gets to know the real her, it's a great time to remind her: “But I got to know you, and only loved you more.”

4. Anne and Diana in Anne of Green Gables

“A bosom friend — an intimate friend, you know — a really kindred spirit to whom I can confide my inmost soul. I’ve dreamed of meeting her all my life. I never really supposed I would, but so many of my loveliest dreams have come true all at once that perhaps this one will, too. Do you think it’s possible?”

The Lesson: The best friends balance each other out. Sometimes a daydreamer needs the grounding of someone more practical – and someone more steady needs some spice brought into their life. Also, if you (accidentally) get your underage friend drunk, you'll need to save her baby sister's life to get back in her mom's good graces.

5. January and Shadi in Beach Read

“[Falling's] the part when you can't believe the person standing in front of you both exists and happened to wander into your path. It's supposed to make you feel lucky to be alive, exactly when and where you are.”

“You're wrong that you never saw that with me. [...] That's how I felt when I found you.”

The Lesson: If your friend texts you "I need you," get there immediately. And when you get there, read the room. Does she need a shoulder to cry on? Distracting small talk? Shit-talking the person who hurt her? Show up when it matters. Also, make sure you tell your friend how much she means to you. Don't take her for granted!

6. Karou and Zuzana in the Daughter of Smoke and Bone series

“Zuzana was the best friend she'd ever had, and she didn't want to lose her.”

The Lesson: You have to be willing to open up and tell your story if you want to take a friendship from "we have fun together" to "I'd follow you into another world." Even if sharing involves confessing, in all its unbelievable detail, that an angel tried to kill you in Morocco. And when someone opens up to you? Be ready to listen.

7. Bryce and Danika in House of Earth and Blood

“But she was the one person I could be myself around and never feel judged. The one person that I knew would always pick up the phone, or call me back. She was the one person who made me feel brave because no matter what happened, no matter how bad or embarrassing or shitty it was, I knew that I had her in my corner.”

The Lesson: Best friends will leave a mark on your life, even after they're gone. Loving someone means you might get hurt – there's no guarantee they'll always be there. The bond between friends is a choice, a heart connection, but the reward of a best friend is always worth the risk whether they're in your life forever or for a season.

And, just for kicks, here are seven things Kelly has taught me during our friendship:

1. There's probably a movie or TV quote for every moment in life.

2. Sometimes you need to be assertive and say what's on your mind.

3. The library exists; not every book needs to be purchased.

4. You can do hard things... like trek up a muddy hill on a cold, windy day.

5. England is so much better with your best friend.

6. Be thoughtful – get on the plane, send the care package. People remember.

7. A best friend will let you ramble and go with you on every Journey.

I'm so thankful for her and for all the books out there that remind me of how to be a friend and what a joy it is to have one. There's no one I'd rather drive in Atlanta traffic to get, and I can't wait for our 2021 reunion!

What's your favorite fictional female friendship?

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32 Facts About Me

Feb 3, 2021

On Monday, I celebrated my 32nd birthday. When I turned 30, I shared one of my favorite blog posts – 30 things I'd learned by 30. While today's post isn't nearly as exciting, I did think it would be fun to share 32 facts about myself in honor of my birthday. So, here are a few things you may or may not know about me:

1. I'm the oldest of four children.

2. Horseback riding is the only sport I love.

3. Being tall is the best. I'm just shy of 6 ft.

4. When I tell stories, I always give too many details.

5. Jeans are my favorite item of clothing, even in the summer.

6. A skill I want to learn: how to use my DSLR camera.

7. Being a stay-at-home mom to my two boys is a dream come true.

8. Five years ago, I found out I had thyroid cancer.

9. Georgia has always been my home.

10. I failed my first driver's license test because I couldn't reverse into a space.

11. Every morning, I make my bed.

12. Go Dawgs! I graduated from The University of Georgia.

13. My best friend and I met through blogging.

14. Instrumental movie soundtracks give me life, especially Pride and Prejudice (2005).

15. I have a fake tooth. After the baby tooth fell out, there was no adult one to replace it.

16. One summer in college, I studied abroad at Oxford.

17. This July, I'll celebrate 10 years of marriage.

18. I have a freckle in the corner of my eye that people often mistake for dirt.

19. All of my favorite movies are costume dramas.

20. The best gift I've ever received: the bookshelves my husband built for me.

21. I used to say I'd never have a dog or an iPhone... Hahaha!

22. Felicity is my favorite American Girl.

23. I was in a sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha, in college.

24. My husband and I met on a trip to South Africa.

25. A scene in the movie A Little Princess always makes me cry.

26. I love buying cookbooks but don't love to cook.

27. Even though my kids wake up early, I'm still a night owl.

28. Eddie Redmayne and James McAvoy are my celebrity crushes.

29. I am definitely an overthinker.

30. The sound of nails scratching tights/pantyhose makes me want to gag.

31. Birds make me irrationally nervous.

32. My love for Jesus and my faith informs everything I do.

When I was making my list, many of the facts I initially typed were related to books. Since I talk about books in this space all the time, I decided to stick to things you're less likely to know about me. However, I will probably share another list in a week or two with some nerdy facts about my reading life.

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2021 Goals

Jan 8, 2021

Last year was my first time using the PowerSheets Goal Planner, and the system really worked for me. I recently shared a look inside my goal planner and my progress on my 2020 goals, and I'm excited today to share my 2021 goals. Some of today's will look familiar and some are new areas of focus for a new year and new season of life.

I spent time in December completing the prep work, making my vision board, and finalizing my goals. The one place I got hung up for a while? My word of the year! I thought I had an idea of what I wanted, but it just never felt right. I skipped that page, continued to work on my goals, and finally had a moment of inspiration this week.

Because it came to me at the end of the process, I'm going to introduce my goals first and then my word of the year. One thing you'll notice about my goals is that they aren't SMART goals. I prefer to have larger "goal themes" – areas of my life that I want to focus on – for the whole year and then set more specific monthly and quarterly goals within each category. The things that matter most to me are typically areas where I can make changes but will never truly be "done," so this format works best for me. First, here's my 2021 vision board:

Sources: Bible, Journal, Quote, Shoes, Date, Albums // Trees, Boys, & Cookies from Canva

Last year was my first time making a vision board, and I honestly thought it sounded dumb. But synthesizing my goals into images was fun and meaningful, too! Just seeing the collage throughout the year was such a lovely reminder of my purpose. So, I was excited to find new images to visually represent what I want from 2021.

With this in front of me as inspiration, I wrote my big-picture goals:

1. Deepen my relationship with the Lord.

Last year, my goal was to revitalize my faith. It had been a long time since I'd prioritized that area of my life, and my focus was developing a habit of reading my Bible every day. Now that it's become a daily habit, I want to focus on deepening my relationship. I want less checklist and more conversation with the God I love. This is the goal that matters most to me because it has to power to affect everything else in my life, too.

Mini goals: Daily devotional, Soulspace meditation, Bible study, memorize Scripture, and read Christian non-fiction.

2. Create habits for a healthier life.

One of the things in my life that I've long neglected is making healthy choices for my body when it comes to food, sleep, and physical activity. I've had very little desire to change and specifically didn't focus on it in 2020 because I knew it wasn't the right timing with a baby on the way at the beginning of the year. But it's been on my mind a lot lately, and I know it's time. I will be going slow on this one, but I have a little-by-little plan in mind.

Mini goals: Drink more water, less Diet Coke, earlier bedtime, movement goals, family walks, and screen-free time.

3. Cherish the people I love.

After my faith, this is my next most important goal. My main focus will be on my relationship with Nick and our two boys, but I wanted broad enough wording to include my family and friends. 2020 made it clear how much I need my people! My home is my most meaningful sphere of influence, and who I am as a wife, mother, daughter, and friend matters to me. I want to continue to work towards being present and intentional with my loved ones.

Mini goals: 2021 family bucket list, date nights with Nick and one-on-one time with my big boy, plan a family trip, read marriage and/or parenting books, have local adventures, celebrate traditions, and limit screen time.

4. Preserve our family photos and memories.

This is essentially the same goal as 2020, but I'll have a different focus in 2021. Last year, I was primarily working on organizing our digital photos from the past 5+ and developing habits to stay on top of it. Additionally, I worked on filling out my boys' childhood history journals. For 2021, my focus will be on designing and printing family yearbooks. I've got a few mini goals, too, but printed books is the priority. I want to enjoy our photos!

Mini goals: Create family yearbooks, maintain photo organization, print annual photo calendar, continue to fill out boys' journals, complete Miss Freddy's backup bootcamp and family yearbook courses.

5. Improve meal planning and experiment in the kitchen.

One thing that came up repeatedly in my prep work last year was my desire for new routines. It was an area where I saw so much change in 2020 – and was able to witness firsthand the power of that little-by-little progress! While I have gotten more into the meal planning and grocery shopping groove, I'd love to improve my process... and even start to experiment more with cooking. My desire is to feel more confident and find joy in the kitchen.

Mini goals: Make list of go-to meals and seasonal meal queues, research healthier breakfast/lunch/snack options, take a cooking class, organize Plan to Eat, kitchen staples list, read a cookbook, and implement tips for picky eaters.

6. Invest time in what brings me joy.

And finally, I had to have books and blogging on my list! Reading is my favorite way to decompress, and blogging is my favorite creative outlet. I was really proud of myself for making time for both during those newborn days, and I want to continue that momentum into 2021. There are a few other things that interest me – like journaling and figuring out how to use my fancy camera – that may become mini goals later in the year, too.

Mini goals: Set Goodreads goal, participate in reading challenges, create seasonal TBRs, blog 2x per week, research email newsletter options, catch up on NetGalley reviews, and start journaling.

7. Complete the Contentment Challenge.

Rather than a broad finance goal, like last year, I wanted to be super specific and start with The Contentment Challenge, hosted by Nancy Ray. It's is a three-month commitment to give up shopping for unnecessary stuff. I'll just do the self-led version – a meaningful thing I did last year that taught me so much. Before I broaden the goal, I need to dig more deeply into the why behind what I want to do so that I'll be more invested in the what.

Mini goals: Unsubscribe from marketing emails, create "buy it later" list, and decide on any exceptions.

As you can see, four of these goals are very similar to ones I had for 2021. I will have new mini goals and action steps associated with each of them, and I'm excited to see how that progress continues to add up in a new year. The two new goals – meal planning and health – are ones that I'm looking forward to working on.

There's one goal from last year that I'm not focusing on at this time – routines. The reason? I've finally established them! My plan is to continue to maintain the rhythms that I started last year, like my end-of-the-month prep and review session. But I didn't feel the need to make it a goal because it feels like second nature now that the habit has been formed! If that changes with time, I can always refresh my goals later on.

- - - -

For 2020, my word the year was nurture. I loved that word from the moment I thought of it, and it was very fitting for that year of my life. I initially struggled with my word for 2021 and found myself considering words that felt very similar to nurture – tend, treasure, cherish, devote. But none felt right, so I kept waiting.

My boys and I were listening to an album of children's worship music one day when I was struck by a particular song. It's called "Light of Your Love" by Ellie Holcomb, and the chorus repeats the phrase, "I'm gonna rest in the light of Your love." Every time, I'd find myself singing along with a huge smile on my face. Maybe rest was supposed to be my word of the year? Nope. Then, I looked up "light" and something clicked:

The first definition on Merriam-Webster is "something that makes vision possible." I immediately loved that since a huge aspect of goal setting is having a vision for what you want to accomplish and who you want to be. I loved that the word could be mean so many things, including "something that enlightens or informs," "a particular expression of the eye," "to ignite something," "not heavy," "easily endurable," and "free from care."

I could think of ways the word applied my goals. Why do I want to preserve our family memories? To see my boys' faces light up as they look at photo albums! Reading and blogging are things that light a fire within me. I want to start seeing meal planning and cooking in a different light. I want to be a light within my family – a bright spot, a source of warmth, and free from care. You get the idea! Then, I looked up the word in the Bible:

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? - Psalm 27:1

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. - Psalm 119:105

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. - Matthew 5:14-16

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. - Matthew 11:30

... for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. - Ephesians 5:8-10

And I knew I'd found my word! Although our family made so many happy memories in 2020, it was certainly a heavy year. I started thinking about how I hope 2021 is the opposite – that I hope it's light, joyful, and bright.

Have you made any goals for 2021?
Or chosen a word of the year?

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Our Favorite Christmas Traditions

Dec 21, 2020

I'm not a Grinch or a Scrooge... but I'm not far off. There are lots of things I love about the holiday season, but many of them aren't the typical aspects of celebrating Christmas. I don't enjoy most holiday movies and rarely read Christmas books. I love hanging stockings and putting up the tree, but I don't do any other Christmas decor. We don't do Elf on the Shelf... or Santa Claus. I know, right?! If I did the work, I want the credit!

But I do love the feeling of Christmas – the anticipation leading up to it, the coziness of sitting by the lit tree, the joy of choosing the perfect gifts for my boys, and the fun of our family traditions. I may not enjoy all the trappings of Christmas, but I want to make it special for my boys. I will never pass up a holly jolly dance party with them! I was recently thinking about our Christmas traditions and wanted to share the four I love most:

1. Christmas Book Basket

I got this idea from Pinterest! Starting on December 1, we read one Christmas book at bedtime each night. We started in 2018 and have happily continued it. I store all of our Christmas books separately, and they only come out during December so they stay special! The selection always changes a little – I borrow things from the library and buy new (and used) books to add to it throughout the year. They're a mix of spiritual and seasonal.

The first year, we wrapped every book because that's how I saw it done. I realized that would make me resent the tradition, so now I leave them unwrapped. On November 31, I pick 25 for our book basket. On December 1, my big boy gets to pick anything he wants me to read at bedtime that night. He looks at the books on his own frequently but knows we'll only read one a day together. He gets so excited to make his selection each night!

2. Jesse Tree Advent Calendar

My parents didn't do an advent calendar when we growing up – at least not that I remember? – so it wasn't really on my radar when Nick and I got married. After we had our first baby, I started noticing cute little advent calendars at Target where you'd get a different product/candy/surprise each day. That seemed fun, but I felt like we were already spending so much money on stuff and didn't want to add to it. Then, I heard about a Jesse Tree.

This tradition first started in medieval times, and it's my favorite thing we do at Christmas. A Jesse Tree is an advent calendar that focuses on telling the story of God's family from Creation to Jesus' birth. We purchased this gorgeous felt ornament set and stand. Every day, we hang a new ornament on the tree and read the corresponding story in our children's Bible. I love how it helps us keep our hearts and minds on Jesus during this season.

3. "Cookies & Jammies Light Night"

Don't you love my very official name for this evening? I need to work on something catchier! About halfway through the month, we bake cookies together (sometimes Christmas-themed, sometimes not). After dinner that night, we put on our pajamas, bring our cookies in the car, turn on some classic Christmas music, and drive around our neighborhood looking at all the lights while snacking on some sugar. It's so much fun!

It doesn't last too long – maybe an hour, at most. But we love our big boy's commentary on which houses are the best! He'll tell Nick when to slow down or stop and what streets to go down. We live in a pretty big neighborhood where lots of people go all out with their decorations, so it's the perfect place to look at lights. I doubt this tradition will continue once the boys are older, so I'm soaking up all the childhood sweetness while I can.

4. Christmas Eve Gift

This is a tradition from my own childhood that I wanted to continue, with a twist! Growing up, we always got to open one gift on Christmas Eve: a new pair of pajamas. Then, we'd wear our new jammies to bed that night and would be looking extra cute in photos the next morning. I'll never forget hearing my doorbell ring on my first Christmas Eve as a newlywed and finding a box left on my doorstep – new pajamas for me and Nick. *tears*

For our boys, the pajamas are holiday themed and, of course, matching. As a teen and adult, my mom just gave us something cozy and cute (so I'll make that shift when the time comes). The twist I've added is each gift contains a book (or two or three...), too. I was inspired by this Icelandic tradition and just looking for another opportunity to gift more books. Is there anything better than going to bed with a new book and waking up to Christmas morning?

What's your favorite holiday tradition?

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If You Give a Girl a Planner: Bookish Notebook

Nov 2, 2020

If you give a girl a planner, she's going to ask you for a pen, some stickers... and maybe a notebook to go with it. I'm so obsessed with all things paper! I love trying new things and then blogging about it. So, for the last few days, I've shared my 2020 planner lineup. I talked about what I've been using for my daily life, personal goals, and reading journal. Today, I'm wrapping it up with my favorite: my bookish bullet journal / notebook!

This notebook is from The Happy Planner line called Happy Notes. They come in different sizes, and this is the Classic. I believe they all have the mini size rings, three tabbed dividers, and 60 sheets of paper that are either blank, lined, or dot grid (depending on the notebook you choose). I usually buy dot grid because that's my favorite, but you can also buy refill paper in any style if you fall in love with a certain notebook but want different paper.

I usually refer to this as my bookish bullet journal, even though that isn't quite accurate. I tried bullet journaling but never got the hang of it. The format became time consuming for me because I tended to overthink it, but I loved the concept. That's when I got the idea to use my Happy Planner as a pseudo-bullet journal. Instead of drawing everything by hand, I'd make printable pages. And with the disc binding, it was easy to move pages around until I had it just right. It's basically my bookish notebook that's completely customized to me.

When I posted about this notebook back in 2018, I used actual Happy Planner pages for the bulk of my blog planning. Now, my entire notebook is printables that I made for myself. I'm so excited to show you some highlights! My reading notebook is divided into three sections, and I'll show you photos of a handful of pages from each section + will list out what other pages I've included in each. Here are the three sections:

+ Section 1: Challenges, TBR, and Trackers

+ Section 2: Blog Post Planning

+ Section 3: Brainstorming

Let's start at the very beginning!

SECTION 1: CHALLENGES, TBR, AND TRACKERS

GOODREADS CHALLENGE

The very first page of this section is for my Goodreads Challenge. I make my goal 100 books, even though I typically hit it long before the end of the year. I love having a goal but don't want to make it such a challenge that I become too focused on the quantity of what I'm reading versus the quality. When I finish a book, I draw a heart if it was a 4.5/5-start read, a check mark if it was a 3.5/4-star read, or a blue x if it was 3 stars or below. It's fun to see a quick glance to see how I've felt about what I've been reading lately. When I meet the goal, I fill in the date at the bottom.

MISC. CHALLENGES

Next are the pages for the various challenges that I've set for myself or joined. This changes from year to year! There are more pages than the two above, but they're all similar. Here's what you'll find in my 2020 notebook:

+ 2020 Re-Read Challenge: My goal was to re-read at least 12 books, so one per month. I had space to fill that in + an area to brainstorm potential re-reads. I'd completed this goal by May.

+ Picky Pledge Challenge: This is something Alexa and I do every year, which you can read about here. I've got all 12 categories listed with space to write what I've read for each. I've still got a few left to complete!

+ Non-Fiction Challenge: My goal was to read 12 non-fiction books in 2020 because I own a lot of non-fiction but don't frequently reach for it. I shocked myself by completing this goal in June (the letter after each title indicates the month I finished the book) and have finished an additional 16 non-fiction books since then. I'll redesign this page for 2020 so that it isn't tied to a specific month, since that wasn't how I ended up using it.

+ Read or Die Challenge: Alexa came up with this back in 2018, and I decided to do it, too. At the start of a new year, I list anything that's been on my shelves from before the previous year (for 2020, anything I've owned since 2018 or before) with the goal of reading it before the end of the current year. If I don't finish it, the idea is to cull it.

+ My 10 in 20: After my successful 10 in 2019 list, I decided to do it again in 2020. I picked 10 books from my TBR to focus on finishing this year. So far... this year might be a bust. I've only read three and DNF'd one. Whoops!

After my Challenge pages, I have several pages devoted to my TBR based on the format of the books.

TBR: PHYSICAL BOOKS

First, I have pages dedicated to my physical TBR. I have three bookshelves in my notebook: one for my Non-Fiction TBR, one for Adult Fiction, and one for Young Adult & Middle Grade Fiction. The latter is pictured above. For all my TBR pages, I only write down the titles of books I own. I use Goodreads to save books I'm interested, but I only want to actively track the things I've purchased and plan to read. When I buy a book, I add it to my shelf. Once I've read it, I color it. If I DNF it, I just color it black. And when I fill up a page? I print a new one!

TBR: E-BOOK

After making the bookshelf, I decided I wanted something else for my e-books. So, I made a Kindle TBR printable! I write digital review copies down on one printable and digital books I've purchased on their own. Since I try to read review copies by pub date, I like separating them. I do a green check when I've read a book and a red X if I DNF it.

TBR: AUDIOBOOKS

And finally, my favorite page in the TBR section is the audiobook printable I designed! I'm most proud of this page because I was able to replicate the look of the Audible app. I write down the title, author, narrator, and length in those spaces. And in the spot where the book cover would go, I color it orange when I'm done listening to a book and write down the date I finished it. And I only use this for audiobooks that I own, not library books!

SERIES TRACKER

The last few pages in this section are related to tracking things! Here's what I've got currently:

+ Book Spending Tracker: What I bought, where I got it, and how much I spent on it

+ Review Copy Tracker: Title, release date, and I've read, reviewed, posted about it, and sent to publicist

+ Series Tracker: Series name, author, number of books in series, and color what I've read so far

+ Movie/TV Tracker: Title, number of episodes (if TV), and whether or not I've watched it

Okay, that's all for my challenges, TBR, and trackers! Now, it's time for the blogging section.

SECTION 2: BLOG POST PLANNING

MONTHS AT-A-GLANCE

With my goal to post on the blog twice a week, this is a quick way for me to see how I'm doing at a glance. With two months per side, I love that it only takes up three pages of space. This is my first year using these page, and I'm liking them so far! I don't plan out potential blog posts – just write down things I've published.

MONTHLY RECAP

I use the same categories in my recap posts every month, so I created a printable that I could fill in throughout the month. It's made it so much easier when it's time to write the post because I'm not looking in various places (photos / my planner / Goodreads / Spotify / etc.) to joy my memory. It's double-sided, and you can see both above.

The front has four categories: Loved (favorite memories), Read (just favorites, not a full list), Heard (music or songs I had on repeat), and Watched (TV or movies, old or new). For 2021, I'm going to try adding a fifth category: Bought, for writing down favorite purchases from the month. The back is for the books I acquired, since I always include that in my posts. I've divided it into five categories: Bought, Gifted, Gift Card, and Review.

QUICK LIT

I don't think I had this page in 2018, and it's one of my favorite additions. I write down the title of books I finish that month, and then I have boxes to the right so I can mark when I've taken a Photo, written a Review, updated Goodreads, and Logged it in my reading journal. It's a simple but effective way to stay on track with reviewing what I've read.

END OF THE YEAR

There are some posts that I write at the end of every year, similar to the way I post a Recap and Quick Lit every month. So, it was worth it for me to create printables for those posts! The first is my My Year In series, and I have pages for:

+ My Year in Books: My favorite reads each month

+ My Year in Adventures: My favorite memories and activities from each month

+ My Year in Music: What I listened to each season

+ My Year in Movies & TV: Movies and tv shows that were new-to-me or rewatches

+ My Year in Beauty: My favorite makeup, skincare, and hair products

+ My Year in Obsessions: My favorite finds throughout the year + a new page for baby/big boy faves

Plus two additional pages:

+ Favorite New-to-Me Authors: A Top Ten Tuesday topic that I do every December

+ Perpetual Page-Turner's End of the Year Survey: To fill in potential answers throughout the year

And that's the end of my blogging section!

SECTION 3: BRAINSTORMING

DOT GRID BLANK PAGES

And finally, I have some blank dot grid pages behind the last tab. I love having blank paper to jot down ideas, flesh out discussion posts (like my favorite bookish memories in the photo above), or sketch potential printables to create for myself.

Do you have a bullet journal or bookish notebook?

Of all my planners, I think this one is my favorite!

READ POST

SLIDER

Jun 11, 2021

Mar 11, 2021

Feb 26, 2021

Feb 15, 2021

Feb 8, 2021

Feb 3, 2021

Jan 8, 2021

Dec 21, 2020

Nov 2, 2020