Hello, December
& What I Read in November
Hello, December!
This year has flown by. I feel like I blinked and we’re here. I really want to savor this month and not wish away time (though I am VERY much looking forward to Winter Break at the end of the month). I really needed the break I had over Thanksgiving and I feel refreshed and ready to take on the end of the year.
I planned to send my regular newsletter on Friday, but with all the Black Friday sale emails and round ups, I didn’t want to be another email in your inbox. I didn’t buy a single thing on Black Friday this year and that feels like growth.
Affirmation of the Week: Find the joy and whimsy of the season. Allow it slow you down and make the most of each day.
Goal of the Week: 10k Steps a Day (I’ve been slacking) and 3 workouts (I feel so much better when I get a good sweat in).
Intention of the Week: Slow down, stop scrolling, lean on the habits that make you feel best.
3 Items on my Get To Do List:
Start a New Show with my Students
Write! What a Gift!
Finalize Plans for my Book and Cookie Exchange
Sadly, November was probably my slowest reading month of the year. I fell into some bad scrolling habits, navigated a grueling health experience, and had a very busy work month. But, I am still really proud of reading seven books and I hope to get back on track in December.
Bottom of the Pyramid by Nia Sioux—I thought this memoir was SO well done. I really loved that Nia finally got to tell her side of the story and share what her experience was like on Dance Moms. And I knew Abby Lee Miller was bad but oof. Those poor girls.
Fake Skating by Lynn Painter—I think this might be my favorite read of the month! I had a blast reading it and it really made me smile and remember why I love to read.
Secret Nights and Northern Lights by Megan Oliver—I enjoyed this one a lot! I really want to visit Iceland and this book pushed me over the edge that I should do it soon.
A Cozy Holiday by Kels and Denise Stone—Loved this little novella! A good holiday novella hits so hard this time of year. Just something fun, quick, and festive.
The Gingerbread Bakery by Laurie Gilmore—I was surprised by how much I liked this book. I did it on audio (as I’ve done the rest of the series) and I think it’s the best way to consume it. Makes the cheesiness a little easier to get through!
You Make It Feel Like Christmas by Sophie Sullivan—Fun and “real”. Feels like a Rom Com set at Christmas time vs a Christmas rom com if that makes sense.
Violet Thistlewaite is Not a Villain Anymore by Emily Krempholtz—This author is the sister of one of my best friends from college so I was so excited to finally read it! It’s perfect for fantasy readers who love to be immersed in the world of the story immediately and keep being surprised as the story unfolds.
(If You’re Interested)
Libro.fm is one of my favorite way to listen to audiobooks and support Independent Bookstores I love! They have a sale going on right now for audiobooks priced as low as $1.99!
Bookshop.org is offering Free Shipping through this evening! It’s an online option that supports independent bookstores.
My favorite Tartan Slippers are on sale for $29.99!
My favorite Kindle Cases are 20% off with code ONABUDGET through tonight!
The Kindle I use and love is on sale for $79.99. I also have the Paperwhite (on sale for $124) and love it.
Everything at LL Bean is 15% off with code INVITED15. I love my Boat & Totes so much!
The Bookish Goods is one of my favorite shops for subtle reading accessories. Everything is 25% off with BOOKISH25! I got this Kindle Case for the season.
Perfect flannel Christmas PJs are 50% off at Gap.