Girl Stop, Apologizing by Rachel Hollis | Harper Collins Leadership | Book Review

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Girl, Stop Apologizing Book Summary:

“Rachel Hollis has seen it too often: women not living into their full potential. They feel a tugging on their hearts for something more, but they’re afraid of embarrassment, of falling short of perfection, of not being enough.

In Girl, Stop Apologizing, #1 New York Times bestselling author and founder of a multimillion-dollar media company, Rachel Hollis sounds a wake-up call. She knows that many women have been taught to define themselves in light of other people—whether as wife, mother, daughter, or employee—instead of learning how to own who they are and what they want. With a challenge to women everywhere to stop talking themselves out of their dreams, Hollis identifies the excuses to let go of, the behaviors to adopt, and the skills to acquire on the path to growth, confidence, and believing in yourself.”

My history with Rachel Hollis & Girl Wash Your Face:

I’ll admit it, I fell down the Rachel Hollis rabbit hole last winter. I read Girl, Wash Your Face in February 2018 and found many parts of it inspiring. As with most self-help or personal growth books, I did not connect with every section but did find some of it to be relatable and helpful and there was a quirky and funny side of Rachel that made her writing feel approachable.

At the time, I found some of it to be very relatable and I still think about the chapter about not breaking a promise to yourself when it comes to goals and things that are important to you. I had no idea who Rachel Hollis was at the time but I happily followed along on her social media accounts, listened to her podcasts and even went to the Made For More screening at the movie theater this summer which now makes me cringe a little.

My experience with her content over the last year:

Slowly, something started changing. I get that it must be a total mind twister to have your social media following grow so exponentially like it did during this past year, but any humility or relatability has gone right out the window. I think if I read Girl, Wash Your Face again now, I would struggle like I did reading this one. At the time the cutesy phrases seemed like a way to connect with other women who are just trying to reach her goals while also balancing the everyday juggling of having a young family, And I feel naive saying that.

I think much of that was a marketing tactic to connect because all of that is gone and Girl, Stop Apologizing is one big humblebrag that lacks so much self-awareness and empathy for other’s situations it is astonishing.

My thoughts on Girl, Stop Apologizing:

I tried going into her new release with an open mind but I most certainly had a different take on it from the experiences and things I have seen over the last year. I talked more about that HERE if you are interested…

Her section about the darkest time of her childhood being when her mom left an unhealthy marriage and she was “forced” to live in a “crappy” apartment left my mouth hanging open. Saying her mom shouldn’t have left an unhealthy marriage if she didn’t have the financial resources to do so was the nail in the coffin for me. As a woman who supposedly wants to “support other women,” this is frightening information to be passing along to someone who might be in the same situation. There is little to no perspective in her storytelling and some of it is downright harmful.

I don’t even want to get started on her chapters about her previously (also postpartum) being “overweight” at a size 12-14…or her E for elephant-sized breastfeeding breasts because it was so insulting and out of touch. The average American woman is a size 16-18 and talking about how terrible she looked at the size of 12 is wrong on so many levels.

Her chapter about volunteering at her children’s school became a “do you know how many requests I get as a social media empire, do you think I want to use my time doing a mind-numbing task such as stuffing 1st-grade classroom envelopes?”

Listen, if she doesn’t want to volunteer all the time, I don’t think there is any shame in that but talking about it like this is flat out disrespectful. Let’s be real, I don’t think the teachers or other volunteers enjoy it every second either and it still needs to get done and maybe let’s just appreciate that without talking about the millions of other things you would rather be doing instead?

There is an undercurrent during this book that feels like Hollis is talking down to you as the reader, and we can’t even imagine how busy and demanding her life is. I would imagine a vast majority of people reading this book are juggling many balls too…

She then went on and on about how much shame other moms gave her if she didn’t volunteer. I don’t live where she lives, but for someone who talks about not caring what other people think, this entire book was filled with all the things people gave her grief about but she was so BRAVE not to do them, such as volunteering at school, or gasp, NOT staying home with her kids.

Maybe she is trying to speak to a different audience but never in my life has someone made me feel badly about working or not doing “all the things” at our children’s school. We live in a liberal state (and one that for many families needs two working parents because of the cost of living)and I have never felt the idea that women needed to stay home with their kids and were shamed if they didn’t…or vice versa!

Everyone is allowed to make their own choices, and maybe Hollis should follow her own advice and surround herself with people that support her dreams because she sure does a lot of contradicting herself in this book. 

I am not saying you have to do it all, and I certainly think it is okay to ask for help, but many of the messages I received from this book were alarming. There are many parts of being an adult, parenting, and working that you might not enjoy every second of the time. The idea that if you don’t LOVE something, don’t do it, just put such a bad taste in my mouth. 

In summary why I WOULD NOT recommend this book:

All in all, this book, was not for me. I don’t think I have ever struggled so much with writing a book review as I have with Girl, Stop Apologizing. There were some messages about goal setting and following your own path that I do think could be helpful but they were so far overshadowed by the other content in this book. I never want to put someone else down, but as a woman, this book has so many dark and unhealthy messages, not just for women but for our society as a whole. I thought it was important to share this review as I have recommended her content in the past and will no longer do so.


If you have read her books I would love to know your reaction in the comments below! And thank you for taking the time to read this (longer) review. <3

Coffee Talk | Currently Loving…Documentaries & Poke Bowls

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Coffee Talk WEDNESDAY!

Hello! Do you notice anything different around here?! I feel like I have been trying to fit a square peg into a round hole with having Coffee Talk Tuesday. Absolutely NO ONE cares what day I post this, but I work best by external motivators so having a day I do things keeps me accountable.

Do you have a day of the week that always feels more frantic than the others? Tuesday is that for me. It is a shorter school day which means everything else is crammed into fewer hours and this blog, as much as I love, doesn’t always end up being my top priority. And I love sharing what I am currently loving, so I am devoting an entirely new day to it!

I often end up starting these posts (or any posts on here) and needing to come back to finish it later. I have this fantasy of writing pre-scheduled posts but I don’t know… I could do that with reviews and but I really like the journaling in real time aspect of blogging like this. Maybe it is because I was a “blogger” 10 years ago too and that is how it was done! I miss those days, times were so simple. 😉

Do you still read a lot of blogs? I still follow a ton on “Bloglovin” which I don’t think is entirely user-friendly but I like that it lets me know when blogs I follow are updated. I miss Google Reader and I was so sad when they shut it down because I haven’t found anything that compares…it was the best!

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Alright, enough of that…on to what I am currently up to this week…


Currently Loving…

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First, I need to give a shout out to the 24/7 chat support at WordPress! As I have been working on making this blog more user-friendly, content heavy and sometimes just more pleasing to the eye, I have had A LOT of questions. They are so helpful! It’s so nice to have immediate help even at 5 in the morning…So if you have a WordPress blog and have no idea what you are doing too…check out the help section!

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I am also loving all the sunshine this week, it truly makes such a big difference. We have had winter weather here since November and although it doesn’t look like spring quite yet, just having the longer days and some sunny days is so good for your soul and your mental health!

Currently Watching…

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We have been watching the HBO documentary about Adnan Syed and it is totally making me want to listen to Serial again! It has been so long that is hard for me to remember all the details. Like a lot of people, it was the first podcast I ever listened to and it opened my eyes to a whole new world of content!

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We also watched The Inventor: Out For Blood in Silicon Valley and now I really wanted to read Bad Blood. Have you read it? I have heard such great things!

Currently eating…

Well, I am not currently eating this but we have been on a poke bowl kick from The Scale lately and oh my gosh, it is just the best lunch ever! I have mine with salmon or tuna and Kristy likes chicken. We don’t get them a lot but is a fun lunch treat and is always so filling.

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Today I had a mozzarella burrata ball, carrot sticks, and 4 thin mints, so you can’t win them all…but it was delicious!

Currently listening to…

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I love listening to non-fiction on Audible and I am so excited to start this new book that was recommended by a reading friend. After being very disappointed by Girl, Stop Apologizing (review to come soon!),I am so excited to be moving on to something I think I will connect a lot more with.

Molly Millwood is a local psychologist and I am so looking forward to her conversation in To Have and to Hold regarding motherhood and marriage…As someone who struggled immensely during the transition to parenthood, I can so relate to how the addition of a small baby can rock your world in such a life-changing way.

“A clinical therapist’s exploration of the complexities of early motherhood, including its impact on a marriage, in a book that offers comfort, camaraderie, and practical guidance to new mothers.

When Molly Millwood became a mother, she was fully prepared for all that she would gain: an adorable baby boy, hard-won mothering skills, and a messy, chaotic, love-filled home. But she didn’t anticipate what she would lose: an identity, a baseline level of happiness, a general sense of wellbeing. And just when she was feeling her most vulnerable, her happy marriage-long a bedrock of stability and comfort-seemed to shift in unexpected ways too, tinged by anger and resentment.

As a clinical psychologist, Molly knew her experience was a normal response to a life-changing event-she was not broken, and neither was her marriage. But without the benefit of such a perspective, many of women she saw in treatment grappled with shame, self-doubt, and fear-all the while struggling to confide in, trust, or seek comfort in their partners.

In To Have and To Hold, Molly illuminates the ways in which motherhood impacts a woman emotionally, psychologically, physically, and professionally as well as how it impacts the stability and harmony of her relationship. Along with the arrival of a bundle of joy comes thorny issues such as identity, control, autonomy, and dependency. And these issues are, most often, experienced within the context of an intimate relationship, adding another layer of complication, conflict, and confusion to an already challenging time.

As Molly examines the inextricable link between women’s wellbeing as new mothers and the wellbeing of their relationships, she offers information and guidance to help readers reclaim their identities and repair their relationships. A blend of personal narrative, rigorous research, and stories from Molly’s clinical practice, To Have and To Hold provides a lifeline to new mothers everywhere.”


That’s all for today! I hope you have a great rest of your Wednesday. <3

We Rise by Lifting Others | Inspiring Friends

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This quote speaks to me so much. Without a doubt, the most important things in my life are in the people that are in it. This last year has been one of the hardest in my adult life and it has also reminded me so much of the absolutely amazing and inspiring friendships I am so lucky to have. True friendships support you and challenge you and push you to be your very best self.

Today I wanted to talk about some of my entrepreneur friends. I am not only grateful for these women but I am so inspired by them in their professional ventures…

Kristy at Kristy Dooley Photography:

My friend and co-worker Kristy not only rocks family and newborn sessions but in the last year she started regularly shooting high school senior portrait sessions and is amazing at it! Like I asked her if she could re-take mine just because she is so amazing at capturing the senior’s genuine smiles, style, and personalities. I think mine would not look quite the same though, LOL. But really, she is one of those people who comes up with an idea and totally goes for it and I have learned so much from her.

She runs a successful business partly because of her amazing business brain that helps her work smarter not harder. I am someone who tends to be very disorganized with paperwork and accounting and her systems have taught me so much.

There is nothing Kristy can’t figure out and we spend a lot of time learning how to do something tricky on our computers by watching YouTube videos. Kristy is always expanding her knowledge and skills by taking workshops and classes that allow her to learn about something new while also building upon her talent as an amazing photographer. She is also a wonderful example of someone who juggles a lot but always has “time” to take a walk in the sun or catch up over a cup of tea…a true “Juliet“. <3

Kari of Happy Go Lucky Travel:

My friend Kari who is a programmer by day and vegan baker extraordinaire by night has recently decided to start a new venture sharing about her love and expertise with travel planning. When Kari decides she is doing something she does it 100% and as someone who likes to do a lot of things but not always very well, I am so in awe of this!

Not only does she have a family and a full-time job doing things on a computer that look like a completely foreign language, but she also loves painting, drawing and teaching herself how to play the banjo while watching Avett Brothers videos.  She is one of the most self-motivated people I have ever met. Last year she made a commitment to walk up Mt. Philo every day on her lunch break and you better believe she has done it. In addition to doing all these things, she is an amazingly supportive friend who helps me talk through lots of things even if she totally hates talking on the phone a million times a day.

Elisa at Corduroy & Pine Interiors:

My friend Elisa juggles a young family of three and a local interior design business. Anytime I call Elisa she is like “hold on a sec, I just need to set down my paintbrush”. She has amazing style and I love that she is able to factor in aesthetically pleasing designs that are also family friendly.

Elisa is one of the kindest people I know and she is always up for an adventure even if it is just to the grocery store. She was my nightstand of the week guest poster last week if you would like to learn more about her and see her book recommendations and her freshly painted bedroom wall. 😉


Who is inspiring you this week? I would love to hear! <3

What’s On Your Nightstand? |Book Recommendations & More | Elisa

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Hello & Checking In:

Good morning and happy Friday! The kids don’t have school today because of parent-teacher conferences and we are expecting a larger March snow storm today and tomorrow. I have lived in Vermont almost my entire life and I still get surprised when we have snow in late March and early April…I am not sure why! Once we have that sneak peek of spring weather it is easy to forget that it doesn’t come that easily around these parts. 😉

This week’s book friend on The Nightstand Series:

Today I am so excited to introduce you to my friend, Elisa! Her oldest and my youngest are in the same kindergarten classroom this year. It is always fun to have mom friends that have kids in the same situation as you so you can discuss boring details that only they truly understand. We often text each other because we forget something or feel like we dropped the ball and it is always nice to know you are not alone!

Elisa is so sweet and is always up for an outdoor adventure with or without the kids. She loves coffee as much as I do and is always up for a 4:45pm cocktail and then popping by the grocery store on our way home at 7pm..we know how to have fun and get things done!

Elisa has amazing taste and is the co-owner of a local interior design company, Corduroy + Pine Interiors. She always has a new project underway at her own house and it made me laugh out loud to find out that she painted her bedroom wall just for the photos for this series…I think she was going to do it anyway but there is nothing like a little time sensitive motivation! I hope you enjoy learning more about Elisa today!

Introduction:

Hey, it’s Elisa! I also live in Vermont with my husband and three kiddos – two boys (6 and 4) and a girl (almost 3). I was mostly a SAHM for the past 6 years but recently started an interior design company with a good friend. I still stay home with my two youngest a couple days a week. As a family, we love to get outside whether for a walk/hike, playing at a playground or exploring a new place. I love coffee and red wine. I prefer to drink them out of the home, but also enjoy curling up on the couch with a cup of coffee or glass of wine. These days, I probably read food blogs more than I do books. I’m always on a search for a good new recipe for myself (vegetarian) or something the kids will actually eat.

I go through phases with reading. I’m currently in a rut (a year-long rut), but hoping the books on my nightstand pull me out of it. Before moving to Vermont in 2011, I lived in DC and started a book club with my grad school friends, after graduating of course. This was the turning point for me in regards to reading as an adult. I started with one book a month and soon found myself reading 3-4 books a month. Then we moved to Vermont, bought a house, had a baby and reading just wasn’t a priority, sleep was. Ha! About three years after moving here, I organized another book club with some friends and we went strong for 2+ years, but then life happens. So here I am looking at my nightstand and feeling excited and hopeful.

Currently reading:

Truth be told, the books in the picture only represent half of the books on my nightstand, but they’re representative of all the books. I’m currently between two books, Becoming by Michelle Obama and Oh Crap! Potty Training. We’re getting ready to finally get my youngest out of diapers and probably a little late to the game. I bought this book when we were in the midst of training our middle child because it was not going as easily as it did with our first, particularly at night. It’s been our parenting philosophy that if we’re getting rid of diapers, then we’re getting rid of diapers which means no pull-ups. This was fine for our first, but our second was more difficult and I needed more advice on how to train for night time and this book helped so much. I’m currently re-reading sections as we get ready to train our youngest.

I love a good memoir and have so much love and respect for our former First Lady so when her book came out, I added it to my Christmas list. I ended up getting it for my birthday in early January. My husband says he ordered the large print by accident, but I’m wondering if he’s trying to tell me something. I did just turn 39, hmm… I’m loving it so far, I just wish I made more time to read it. Like a few other guest bloggers wrote, I don’t make nighttime reading a priority. By the time the kids get to bed and I finish all my other chores or work I wasn’t able to get to, I’m exhausted and/or just want to watch a show with my husband.

The Dream Daughter by Diane Chamberlain and The Aviator’s Wife by Melanie Benjamin, I’m borrowing from Genevieve. She recommended these books to help me get back into reading. They both sound really fascinating. I love historical fiction novels, so I think I’m really going to enjoy The Aviator’s Wife.

The last book in the stack is The Opposite of Spoiled by Ron Lieber. I bought this about a year ago and sadly haven’t really started it, but feel strongly about this topic. As our kids get older, we want them to truly understand the value of a dollar, the importance of saving, and family value of ours, giving back. When I bought this book, I also bought each kid a give, save and spend coin bank. Maybe this will be the year I read the book. As anyone else read this? I haven’t heard any personal recommendations about this, instead, I’m trusting the reviewers on Amazon.

What’s on my Kindle?

What’s a Kindle? Kidding. But seriously, I haven’t read a book on a Kindle or other electronic device, and not sure when I will. I really enjoy holding a book, and also try to limit my screen time.

What are you currently listening to?

Like books, I go through phases with podcasts and the only audiobooks I’ve listened to are from the Magic Treehouse collection – do these count? I’m not sure I was a good pick for this blog series, ha. I’m an NPR junkie. I love to listen to it in the car when not with the kids. I’ve recently started listening to the podcast, Brave Little State, by VPR and really enjoy learning more about our state.

What else is on your nightstand?

What you see or what is really there? In the picture, you’ll see a decorative box that hides my peppermint lip balm from Beautycounter, a dollar because you never know when the tooth fairy might need to show up and some random pieces of jewelry. Also pictured is our not-so-stylish landline phone for when the school calls to cancel or when a family member needs to get ahold of me. The real reason the phone is there is that I’m a paranoid person. When my husband travels, I like the security of having a landline phone close by. Not pictured – my Fitbit charger, cell phone charger, dust bunnies, and a random sock or other articles of clothing.

My nightstand is actually a cedar chest that my grandfather had built for my grandmother as a wedding gift. It’s not the most functional nightstand since there’s no drawer and I have to remove everything off the top when I want to access the storage compartment, but it’s perfect for the spot and an heirloom.

Thanks for inviting me to write for the series, Genevieve and for the motivation to finally paint my bedroom.


Thank you so much for sharing, Elisa! <3

How to Raise A Reader | Workman Publishing | Book Review

How to Raise a Reader by Pamela Paul & Maria Russo

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Book Summary:

“Do you remember your first visit to where the wild things are? Or curling up for hours on end to discover the secret of the Sorcerer’s Stone, or the fate of the “one ring to rule them all?” So now, as parents, how do you instill in your kids that timeless, time-stopping, and extremely valuable joy of reading?

Written by Pamela Paul, who oversees all book coverage at The New York Times, and Maria Russo, the children’s book editor at the Times—and inspired by their 2018 article that went viral instantly, reaching hundreds of thousands of Times readers—How to Raise a Reader combines clear practical advice, wisdom, inspiration, tips, lists, and insider know-how to give parents all the tools they need to instill a love of reading in their children.

Divided into four sections that correspond to the child’s age and reading level, from baby to teenager—and whimsically illustrated by a different children’s book artist per section—each page of the book offers something useful: how to develop rituals around reading, best ways to make reading a family activity, how to engage a reluctant reader, why not to push Harry Potter too early, building a library. There are “Pro Tips for Reading Out Loud,” “What to Look for in Middle-Grade Graphic Novels,” “When Teenagers Take Reading Time-Outs,” and so much more. Including an extensive final chapter listing “Books to Love by Theme and Reading Level,” an invaluable reference for parents, grandparents, and even kids looking for their next book.

School is where children learn they have to read. Home is where children can learn to love to read—and become readers. And reading, as experts now know, is essential to developing those life skills, like self-regulation and executive function, that make us all-around happier and better adjusted.”

My Rating:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

My Review:

Wow, what a treasure! How to Raise A Reader stood out to me as the parent of a middle-grade reader and a new reader in Kindergarten. This book is divided into sections from babies to teenagers. The advice is approachable and relatable and I loved that it was coupled with specific book suggestions and also some types of books you might want to avoid.

How to Raise A Reader would be a great refresher for someone who has been a lifelong reader or really helpful advice for someone who is hoping to incorporate regular reading into their families lives for the first time.

The directory at the end of the book gave wonderful suggestions by not only genre and age groups but also by important messages such as kindness and empathy. Sometimes the number of books that are available to us as parents can feel overwhelming so having a list of suggestions about different topics was a wonderful addition to this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Workman Publishing Company for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Coffee Talk | Currently Loving…A new Novella, A Reading Podcast & Cadbury Mini Eggs

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Hello! How is your week going? It may not be Tuesday but I am always drinking coffee and I wanted to pop in and share a little bit about what is going on lately.

Related Reading:

Juliet's School of Possibilities

Lately, I have been working on letting go of smaller expectations I set up for myself and focusing on the big picture which is definitely a work in progress for me.

Last month I read an ARC of Juliet’s School of Possibilities which was released this past week. You can read more about the book and see my review HERE.

In celebration of its publication, Laura(the author) and Sarah discussed it on last weeks episode of The Best of Both Worlds Podcast. There is nothing I enjoy more than when my podcast and book worlds collide and I loved their discussion so much that it inspired me to go back and read the novella again. It was also the perfect week to be reminded of the important messages of this book.

Laura shared some great advice about recognizing that your larger life goals are not always achieved by saying yes to everything. Every day you have to make choices about what you are prioritizing….and asking yourself “is this bringing me closer to the life that I want?” ⁣

“A choice to do one thing is a choice to not do something else” -Laura Vanderkam

I have been pulled in many different directions lately and this book and discussion was a timely reminder of how important is it to have open time to think and reflect…Every day we are choosing between immediate obligations vs making choices that are a vision of the life we want in the long run. ⁣

I highly recommend reading this book if you are feeling decision fatigue but are also looking for an engaging and fun read. The discussion questions at the end also are an amazing way to reflect on Juliet’s advice in your own life.

Currently listening to…

I am slowly working my way through Girl, Stop Apologizing and I am struggling with wanting to put it in my DNF pile. It is not working for me, but I also want to do a full review…so I am pushing on.

I really struggle with sharing more negative reviews but I also think it is important to share our feelings about something with the perspective that everyone responds differently to things.

I am not an author so I can only imagine the amount of time and effort it takes to write and publish a book and I never want to take away from that.  But just like with any content out there, the style and tone can impact the way we react. I also do think there are parts of most everything that can help in some way and I plan to share about that too. More on this soon…

Moms Don't Have Time To Read Books Podcast

On a more positive note, I am just loving The podcast Moms Done Have Time To Read Books with Zibby Owens. Her latest episode with Camille Pagan, author of I’m Fine and Neither Are You was so inspiring and also relatable.  It was a wonderful conversation and if you haven’t checked out this podcast yet you should! And I highly recommend I’m Fine and Neither Are You, which you can still grab for free on Amazon’s First Reads…more information can be found HERE if you are curious and my review of the book can be seen HERE.

Currently eating…

Cadbury Mini Eggs

Way too many Cadbury mini eggs!!! I am not that tempted by candy normally (I am more of a savory person) but these are just too delicious. The crackle of the outside coating makes the perfect crunch and I think because they are a seasonal item, they feel extra special. I love that they taste just as good as when I had them as a kid…and I am traditional and will never get the shimmery ones or the ones with dark chocolate.

Currently smelling…

Oil Diffuser

Are you a diffuser? I love diffusing oils and I find citrus scents so invigorating. I have found a great selection at our local Healthy Living store. I love the pink grapefruit for daytime and sleep dreams for the evening.

Currently excited about: 

Shelburne Little League

We may have more snow in the near future but you know it really is spring when baseball season has begun! This year we will have two players and lots of practices means lots of time for reading while we wait.

Crazy Creek Chair

I broke out my Crazy Creek chair last weekend at little league tryouts and was able to read my Kindle in total comfort. 😉


Alright, that is all for today! I will be back soon with some more book reviews and I have a fun guest poster on Friday for What’s On Your Nightstand? <3

Because You’re Mine | Rea Frey | St. Martin’s Press | Book Review

Because You're Mine by Rea Frey book review

Because You’re Mine by Rea Frey

“Single mother Lee has the daily routine down to a science: shower in six minutes. Cut food into perfect squares. Never leave her on-the-spectrum son Mason in someone else’s care. She’ll do anything―anything―to keep his carefully constructed world from falling apart. Do anything to keep him safe.

But when her best friend Grace convinces her she needs a small break from motherhood to recharge her batteries, Lee gives in to a weekend trip. Surely a long weekend away from home won’t hurt?
Noah, Mason’s handsome, bright, charismatic tutor―the first man in ages Lee’s even noticed―is more than happy to stay with him.

Forty-eight hours later, someone is dead.

But not all is as it seems. Noah may be more than who he claims to be. Grace has a secret―one that will destroy Lee. Lee has secrets of her own that she will do anything to keep hidden.
As the dominoes begin to fall and the past comes to light, perhaps it’s no mystery someone is gone after all…

Because You’re Mine is a breathtaking novel of domestic drama and suspense.

Prepare to stay up all night.”

Publication Date:

August 6th, 2019

Genre:

Domestic Thriller

My Rating:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⁣

My Review:

Because You’re Mine was my first book by Rea Frey. I had heard great things about this book from some of my reading friends and after being in a “thriller rut” I was looking for something to get me out of it.

Because You’re Mine had all the elements of a great domestic thriller, highly detailed characters, mystery, and suspense. I think what I have been missing lately with thrillers is the ability to really get to know the characters and what happened in their pasts to play into their current situations and Frey did an amazing job with this aspect. I also loved getting to know Lee’s son Mason. His character was great and I loved what a big role he had in this book.

This book had a perfect balance of thinking I had it all figured it out and also keeping me on the edge of my seat. Her writing is edgy and this book is full of secrets. I thought I knew what was happening and I was in for a big surprise at the end. I am excited to read more of Frey’s writing in the future!

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A Day in the Life | Gen The Bookworm | March 2019

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Hello! Happy Wednesday! I am excited to share a “day in the life” post today. I used to do these posts a couple of times a year on my old blog, and it was always so much fun to look back on. This was when our kids were little and I was “home” with them full time.

Life definitely looks a lot different now and I hope to do this a couple of times a year on here because it is hard to remember all the everyday details that really do change so quickly with a young family.  Both of our kids are in school and I am working now.

Life feels hectic in a whole different way now, and I am sure that will continue to change as our boys get even older. I don’t post photos of them very much because I feel strongly that they don’t have a big online presence until they can make that choice for themselves. So this “day in the life” is mostly about what I was up to with some parenting stuff sprinkled in. I am an open book about myself, but I do try to keep my family more private, so if you are wondering about this, that is the reason. <3

I had a hard time deciding what day of the week to do a DITL post because no day is the same, either with my schedule or with the kids…so while many of our routines are consistent, the when and the where change almost daily!


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As I have mentioned, we are early risers. My husband Lucas goes to work early so we are very used to this schedule. We wake up at 5:15am and our older son usually wakes up around 5:45am so this means there is around a half hour block of “quiet time” in the mornings. We each have two big cups of coffee first thing in the morning. We both use 1/2 and 1/2 but I probably use a lot more!

Lucas gets ready to leave and we quickly check in about our day. I use the rest of this time to reply to any “more urgent” work emails, go over my calendar for the day and put together my IG post for @genthebookworm. Buzz also enjoys this peaceful part of the morning and likes to keep an eye on things from his perch on our couch. We don’t have a “no animals on the furniture policy” as you will quickly be able to see during today’s post. 😉

The boys slept in a little later on this day because of the time change, which allowed me to take a shower in peace. They are very independent now, but there are many questions and refereeing moments during this parenting life stage. They are both up by the time I am out of the shower and are making their breakfast. I get dressed (and it was a hair drying day which always takes a bit longer) and do my “morning routine”. If it is a “barre class before work” day I will just put on face lotion (and do everything else after class) and if I am going straight work I will do my makeup routine (powder, blush, mascara, eyebrows, lipstick, sometimes eye shadow if I am feeling fancy). On this day, I was going straight to work.

This school year one of my big morning parenting goals was for the kids to be able to make their own breakfast and get themselves ready to go and it has (mostly) been a success. They know the options for breakfast and we keep it simple (waffles & fruit, cereal, oatmeal, etc.) I lay out their clothing the night before (they still don’t care what they wear as long as it is “comfortable”) and they get themselves dressed, brush their teeth and make their school snacks while I pack up my work bag and their school bags and outside clothes bags.

Depending on the day this either goes great or it goes terribly. On this particular day, I was feeling the rush from their “sleeping in” and there was a lot of reminding and probably not enough patience on my end. We aim to leave at 7:25 but today it was closer to 7:35 and those 10 minutes can make all the difference!

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Every parent of school-aged children knows the joy that is everyone getting out of the car in the carline and walking into school, WITH everything they need for the day. It sometimes feels like a true TRIUMPH that we have made it to this step successfully because school mornings can feel like a real rollercoaster ride with enough bags and water bottles that it looks like we are going away for the weekend.

I leave for work at 7:44 which puts me right on schedule to arrive around 8:10am as I had planned, YES! I switch over to my true crime podcast and enjoy my 25-minute commute in total peace, while also enjoying my perfect bar which is my breakfast go to as of lately. It’s the little things!

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I met Kristy at a preschool for school portrait day. I go along to assist her when she is shooting at a larger school and it is always such an enjoyable and busy day. It’s so fun to see her photograph in this environment and the kids just love her little games…except some of the young toddlers, they are terrified of us! 😉

Our kids get out of school early on this particular weekday so that means my workday is shorter too. I head home and on my way, I stop in at Once Upon A Child and totally scored with some Hanna Andersson finds for our older son.

I don’t like to spend a lot on their clothing because they are so rough on it.  I also like to be able to have to hand me downs for our younger son so really try to do a lot of consignment and sale shopping for their clothing so I can get higher quality items. Going to these places before the clothing season begins (no one is wearing spring clothing around here anytime soon) has been my biggest success in finding great and plentiful options at consignment shops.

Once I got home I had a quick late lunch and started working on putting up a book review on my blog. I also immediately threw all our new items into the wash because I had big laundry folding plans for the afternoon.

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I did a quick clean up of the kitchen (loaded the dishwasher from breakfast and ran it and wiped down the counter)and had just enough time to throw a big pile of clean clothes on our bed. It also made me smile to see the way our older son arranged his stuffed animals on his bed when he “made it” earlier this morning. Buzz enjoyed some time on the porch, and no it definitely isn’t warm enough to have the doors open quite yet. But when you live in a house with a woodstove, its the only quick way to cool it down. 82 is a bit too hot for me!

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It was the most beautiful and sunny afternoon and Buzz was very excited to join me in picking up the kids at school. Also pictured are our older son’s library books on the counter which brought back so many reading memories for me!

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I am back at home with the kids and their buddy C, which always makes things go more smoothly! They have a snack, and then hang out upstairs while I get back to work on the laundry folding pile…They eventually move outside to their fort which entertains them for quite a while.

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I made an afternoon pick me up of green tea and settle in to respond to some emails regarding an upcoming author interview and book giveaway and then put the finishing touches on my book review. Kari arrived to pick up C and comes just time to help me with some IT questions! 😉 Kari is a computer programmer and knows SO much! My questions probably make her giggle inside but she is a good friend. <3

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Our evening was a bit of a whirlwind because I needed to drive our older son into town to meet Lucas for a UVM basketball game. We ended up meeting up with him and grabbing a quick dinner before I headed back home with our younger son. We do a lot of switching on and off with the kids and this is going to be increasing dramatically as both boys get involved in more activities.

On our way home we stopped to see the beautiful sunset over Lake Champlain. When we got home I helped him get ready for bed, posted a quick blog post and finally finished folding/putting away some of the laundry while listening to my audiobook. I read my Kindle in bed until I fell asleep not long after! Lucas got home with our older son around 9:00 and then they got ready for bed. And that was our day!


I hope you enjoyed seeing a little peek into our daily life! <3

Coffee Talk Tuesday | Currently…WordPress & SEO

 

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Checking-in:

Hello! How is your week going? Are you adjusting to daylight savings time? I love the additional hour of daylight at the end of the day (hello after dog dinner walk without a flashlight!!) but I am struggling with the darkness in the early morning. Mornings are my time and this whole still being dark at 6am is messing with me!

I have a whole list of things to share but I think it might need to wait until next week.  This has been a super hectic work and family week (is it really only Tuesday?!) and I want to write this when I actually have a bit of time to sit down and focus.

WordPress changes & SEO:

I am also in the process of moving my blog to a professional WordPress site. Since I am learning SEO for my photography work with Kristy’s blog and website I thought it would be a good idea to do it here too so it would all be fluid and consistent. Ummmmmmmm, yes, there is a steep learning curve. You know how sometimes once you know a little you realize you know NOTHING? That is where I am at right now!

SO yes, it has been a week, a good week in many ways but just a lot of stuff out of the “norm” which if you know me, isn’t exactly my strong place. 😉

I will be back tomorrow with a Wednesday Randomness post, and it is an exciting one! I am doing a “Day in the Life” post, you know, like the diary style blogs 10 years ago…I can’t wait! See you then! xo

I Think You’re Wrong (But I’m Listening) | Nelson Books | Book Review

Book Review-8

I think You’re Wrong (But I’m Listening) by Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers.

“More than ever, politics seems driven by conflict and anger. People sitting together in pews every Sunday have started to feel like strangers, loved ones at the dinner table like enemies. Toxic political dialogue, hate-filled rants on social media, and agenda-driven news stories have become the new norm. It’s exhausting, and it’s too much.

In I Think You’re Wrong (But I’m Listening), two working moms from opposite ends of the political spectrum contend that there is a better way. They believe that we can

choose to respect the dignity of every person,
choose to recognize that issues are nuanced and can’t be reduced to political talking points,
choose to listen in order to understand,
choose gentleness and patience.

Sarah from the left and Beth from the right invite those looking for something better than the status quo to pull up a chair and listen to the principles, insights, and practical tools they have learned hosting their fast-growing podcast Pantsuit Politics. As impossible as it might seem, people from opposing political perspectives truly can have calm, grace-­filled conversations with one another—by putting relationship before policy and understanding before argument.”


I was very intrigued by the title of this book and have encountered many moments, especially during the past few years, when tensions were high in political conversations I was a part of.

Initially, I wasn’t sure if it would be the right fit for me when it shared they it would be coming from their Christian perspective as I often struggle with books that tie religion and politics together. Fortunately, I didn’t need to worry about that because this book had a great balance and I didn’t find that that the religious aspect took anything away from this well-balanced plot.

I think You’re Wrong (But I’m Listening) was an engaging and thought-provoking book filled with insight, suggestions and discussion topics. I appreciated the insights of Holland and Silvers and admired they were both passionate about their beliefs, even if they were different in many ways.

I thought it was wonderful advice to first look inside yourself before reaching outwards.
When we realize how our own lives and perspectives have helped form and shaped our own beliefs, it is easier to approach political conversations in a much different way. Many people’s beliefs stem from experiences and situations they have been through in their own lives.

When we can listen and emphasize, we are able to have less combative conversations. We can be respectful even if we disagree. Sometimes when we give the time and space to hear someone’s perspective, it can help us see where they might be coming from.

This was a powerful read for me and was a great introduction to having more productive and meaningful conversations in your daily life regarding critical issues. It also introduced me to Holland and Silver’s Podcast series, Pantsuit Politics, which I have found to be highly educational and a great way to keep up on current politic issues. Thank you to NetGalley and Nelson books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.