Sharing a roundup of the books I read in 2024, my plan for reading in 2025, and the top picks from the year.

Hi friends! How are you? How was the weekend? Ours was relaxing and blissful after the Christmas chaos. I taught two barre classes, we watched movies, I took a 3 hours nap (bless it), we ate leftovers and takout, and we took sunny walks around the neighborhood. Winter break is rivalring summer break, especially because the weather has been so dreamy!

For today’s post, I wanted to share a recap of the books I read in 2024. We’re finishing out the year, and while I didn’t hit my reading goal this year, I was able to read a lot of amazing books. I’d love to hear about your standout reads from the year and anything you’d recommend to get my reading mojo back!

The great book recap of 2024

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing

I was hesitant about this one because I love Friends and love Matthew Perry dearly. I’d heard some people say that this made them like him LESS, and I didn’t want that. The good news is that for me, it did the exact opposite and I found myself loving him even more. I think many of us grew up watching Friends, and feel connected to all of the characters. Even though I was in 5th or 6th grade when it started, I watched almost every single episode, starting with the very first one. My wise 11 or 12 year old self recognized that it was something special.

This book is heartbreaking, as can be expected, and gave a true glimpse into the struggles that addicts face. Addiction took over his life, sabotaging his relationships, affecting work, and impacted his mental health. It was also devastating to learn that all he really wanted was a wife and kids. He had *everything* but also at the same time, he felt like he had nothing. I recommend listening to the Audible version so you can hear it in his own voice. 8/10

From Amazon:

“Hi, my name is Matthew, although you may know me by another name. My friends call me Matty. And I should be dead.”

So begins the riveting story of acclaimed actor Matthew Perry, taking us along on his journey from childhood ambition to fame to addiction and recovery in the aftermath of a life-threatening health scare. Before the frequent hospital visits and stints in rehab, there was five-year-old Matthew, who traveled from Montreal to Los Angeles, shuffling between his separated parents; fourteen-year-old Matthew, who was a nationally ranked tennis star in Canada; twenty-four-year-old Matthew, who nabbed a coveted role as a lead cast member on the talked-about pilot then called Friends Like Us. . . and so much more.

In an extraordinary story that only he could tell—and in the heartfelt, hilarious, and warmly familiar way only he could

Sharing a recap of some of the books I’ve read lately and if I’d recommend adding them to your collection!

Hi friends! I hope you’re having a lovely week. It’s been a good one so far over here but today is packed with events and I forgot the kids have a half day. Does this happen to anyone else? Thankfully the Pilot is swooping in to help with kiddo backup!

For today’s post, I wanted to share some of the books I’ve read lately. TBH, I haven’t been reading nearly as much since the kids started school. Their homework load has been killing me slowly – they each have hours of homework each night in addition to extracurricular events – so by the time I get to bed, I read a few pages before quickly crashing out. I really want to carve out more time to read, and it’s one of the things I’m really looking forward to over winter break!

I’m also working through my High Performance Health certification when I’m not doing client and blog work, and am hoping to finish it up by the end of December. I’m loving the content so far!!

Here are the books I’ve read lately:

(jeans are here// top is here)

Books I’ve read lately

The Secret Life of Sunflowers

The Secret Life of Sunflowers by Marta Molnar is a dual-timeline novel with a mix of art history, mystery, and self-discovery. It follows Emsley Wilson, a young woman who inherits her late aunt’s home and, with it, a hidden journal that once belonged to Johanna Bonger—Vincent van Gogh’s sister-in-law.

Through the journal, Emsley discovers Johanna’s life, her struggles, and her dedication to preserving Van Gogh’s legacy. The story intertwines Emsley’s own journey of healing and self-acceptance with Johanna’s courageous fight for her family’s name, and is a beautiful reminder of how we can connect the past and present day. This was beautifully-written, captivating, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you like historical fiction and are looking for something different, I highly recommend it. 9/10

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Sharing some tips on how to read more if that’s one of your goals!

Hi friends! I hope you had a wonderful weekend. What were you up to? We met with friends for sushi, celebrated the Pilot and P’s birthdays with family (we’ll be out of town for their actual birthdays), and had the usual ballet and basketball combo. I also got some time in my sauna blanket – it went from being 105 last weekend to FREEZING this weekend!

For today’s post, I wanted to chat a bit about reading. A couple of years ago, I made a goal to read more often. It’s one of my favorite hobbies, but I wasn’t dedicating much time to reading. I’d read maybe a book each month but was so caught up in work, mom life, and chores that I couldn’t imagine reading more than that. I started making a conscious effort to dedicate more time towards reaching and was able to read 3-5 books per month.

Maybe one day I’ll take reading content photos in mismatched comfies and a weird bun 😉

Lately, I’ve gotten back into my old ways. I’ve been feeling a little stretched thin and overwhelmed in general, and using my *down time* to mindlessly scroll (which isn’t actually relaxing) instead of reading. So, this post is a little reminder for myself, but also for my friends out there who want to read more.

How to read more

Why Reading is Important for Moms

Reading is extremely important for personal growth, relaxation and mental well-being, but the thing is that a lot of us don’t have time, or can’t find the time. Moms in their 30s and 40s can have a particularly hard time reading, especially since so much of the day is dedicated to caring for kiddos, juggling work, chores, and not having very long time blocks for much of anything. I think it’s important to think of reading as a form of self care if it’s something you enjoy. It’s worth carving out the time!

Here are some of my tips and things that I’ve learned:

1. Set Realistic Reading Goals

Set realistic goals, even 10 minutes a day. This can make a huge difference!

Also, start with a smaller goal, like one book per month.

2. Make the Most of Audiobooks

Audiobooks are PERFECT for multitasking. You can listen to audiobooks while doing chores, driving, working out, or going on walks.

I’m a huge fan of Audible and there are also free library apps.

Listening to books while cooking or folding laundry makes these chores a lot more enjoyable, and they’re perfect quality time for reading.

3. Create a Morning or Evening Reading Ritual

Try to set aside 10-15 minutes in the morning or evening to read, as part of a daily routine.

Just like any other habit, cultivating a habit of reading can improve consistency. I’m also a huge fan of habit stacking. Read around the same time each day, like 10 minutes when you wake up, or before you go to bed.

I find that reading before bed has a great calming effect, and definitely prefer this instead of scrolling on social media. The blue light from our

Sharing the books I read in July and if I’d recommend adding them to your collection. 

Hi friends! Happy Monday! How was the weekend? I hope you had a great one! We’re back in town after an amazing trip to Hawaii to finish out the summer. I’m splitting my recap into two posts: our favorite places to eat and a review of Aulani, the Disney resort in Oahu. If you have any questions you’d like me to answer in the recaps, please lmk!

One of the benefits of a couple of long flights and some time lounging on the beach: I had lots of time to read!

In today’s post, I wanted to share the goods with you and also hear what you’re reading right now!

July 2024 Book Recap

Throne of Glass

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas is a fantasy novel that follows the journey of Celaena Sardothien, a notorious assassin who has been imprisoned in the salt mines of Endovier. When Crown Prince Dorian offers her a chance at freedom, Celaena must compete in a deadly tournament to become the King’s Champion. Her path is fraught with danger as she faces ruthless opponents, navigates court politics, and uncovers dark secrets lurking within the glass castle.

As Celaena trains for the competition, she forms unexpected alliances with Prince Dorian and the stern Captain of the Guard, Chaol Westfall. Amidst the grueling trials, she discovers a hidden power within herself and a mysterious, ancient evil threatening the kingdom. Celaena must rely on her wits and skills to survive, all while confronting her own haunted past and the looming danger that could destroy everything she holds dear.

This book was HIGHLY recommended online, and I’ve read another one of Sarah J Maas’ books (A Court of Thorns and Roses), and this one wasn’t it for me.(Maybe a 4/10) It started off quickly, but dragged in the middle. I had to force myself to finish it, and while I liked the ending, it just wasn’t as vivid of captivating as I expected. From what I’ve heard, this was the first book she ever wrote (so major props for that), but I’ve realized this isn’t my fave genre. Give me my sweeping historical dramas with deep character development and gorgeous writing, which brings me to the next book….

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