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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Sharing the books I read in June and if they’re worth adding to your collection!

Hi friends! How are you? I hope you’re enjoying the morning so far. We are back from Spain, with happy and full hearts after such an amazing time. I’ll share a full recap soon!

For today’s post, I wanted to share a recap of June’s books. I had more time to read this month – 10 hours on a plane from Phx to London will do that to ya lol – and there were quite a few great ones (and one suprising flop). I’d love to hear what’s on your list and what you’re reading right now!

Here are the books from June!

June 2024 book recap

The Strands of Health: A Guide to Understanding Hair Mineral Analysis

This book offers an in-depth exploration of how hair mineral analysis can be used as a powerful tool for assessing and improving overall health. The book provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the significance of mineral imbalances, the impact of toxic metals on the body, and how this non-invasive testing method can uncover hidden health issues. By presenting detailed case studies and practical advice, Malter empowers readers to take control of their health through better understanding of their body’s mineral needs and the benefits of hair mineral analysis.

I found the info repetitive, but I liked that. It helped me to truly understand and retain the information and I feel like I’ll likely refer back to it many times. 9/10

From Amazon:

This new book by Rick Malter, Ph.D. is an introduction to understanding hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA) and its role in preventing disease and maintaining optimal energy and health. This book relates nutrient minerals to chronic fatigue and other common health problems that are poorly understood by traditional medicine and psychiatry. Drawing on over 40 years of personal and professional experience with hair TMA, Dr. Malter explains how the mind and body are closely connected by the effects of stress and other life style factors on nutrient minerals. This is a comprehensive book that will help you to make sense out of the vast amount of health and nutrition information that often seems contradictory and confusing. If you take vitamins and minerals, this book is essential reading.

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

Hi friends! How are you? I hope that you’re having an amazing morning so far. I’m back from Dallas – I’ll have my first post about the Biohacking Conference live tomorrow! – and the kids are at camp today. It’s a full morning of podcast interviews and then I’m hopping on the Peloton in a bit.

For today’s post, I wanted to share a list of the books I read last month (and in April!). I haven’t had as much time to read lately, but I’ve been trying to make time, since I have about 12 books in the queue right now.

I’ve been doing an exciting mentorship through EquiLife and also studying for the High Performance Health Certification (my code is FITNESSISTA if you’re interested in checking it out).

I managed to read a few books over the past couple of months and wanted to share the goods here! I would love to hear what’s on your summer reading list if you’d shout it out in the comments!

May 2024 Reads

Just for the Summer

Justin has a curse: every woman he dates finds her soul mate immediately after they break up, and thanks to a Reddit thread, this is now widely known. When a woman with the same issue contacts him, they devise a plan to date and then break up to cancel out their curses, hoping to find their true loves afterward.

I’ve been a huge fan of Abby Jimenez for a while, and couldn’t wait to read this one. It did not disappoint! Her books are the perfect mix of witty banter and heartwarming romance.

9/10.

From Amazon:

Justin has a curse, and thanks to a Reddit thread, it’s now all over the internet. Every woman he dates goes on to find their soul mate the second they break up. When a woman slides into his DMs with the same problem, they come up with a plan: They’ll date each other and break up. Their curses will cancel each other’s out, and they’ll both go on to find the love of their lives. It’s a bonkers idea… and it just might work.

Emma hadn’t planned that her next assignment as a traveling nurse would be in Minnesota, but she and her best friend agree that dating Justin is too good of an opportunity to pass up, especially when they get to rent an adorable cottage on a private island on Lake Minnetonka.

It’s supposed to be a quick fling, just for the summer. But when Emma’s toxic mother shows up and Justin has to assume guardianship of his three siblings, they’re suddenly navigating a lot more than they expected—including catching real feelings for each other. What if this time Fate has actually brought the perfect pair together?