Coffee Talk | Currently Loving…Maine, Worklife Balance, A $12 Romper & An Upcoming Photography Workshop

July 31, 2019August 2, 2019 ~ Genevieve ~ Leave a comment

Checking-in:

Hello!! Who else cannot believe it is the last day of July?! It always happens but after the 4th of July summer just speeds right on by. I am excited for August because we have some of our very favorite annual traditions during the next few weeks, including a visit to the Addison County Fair & Field Days…and a family trip to Maine! Here are some photos from our visit last year…

Work-Life vs. Blog Life

Someone asked me how summer was going with work and the kids yesterday…and I think I was like “ummmmmmmmmm”. My editing work is going fairly well because I have had some consistent childcare which is essential.

And everything else, well you can just look laptop screen and figure that one out…ha! I think it is easy to envision working “part-time” as an ideal setup (well I did anyway!!) but I often just feel pulled in all different direction and kind of feel like I am not doing anything very well.

I try to be as organized as I can but and my schedule has so many pluses but the reality is, it can feel really tricky, especially this time of the year. There are so many wonderful parts of this stage of parenting but it’s when work and family life overlap that things feel challenging and that happens more than I would like during the summer…

We have had many conversations about how to make things work the best for our family and it is really all hands on deck this time of year. While we do have a small amount of paid childcare, Lucas also takes the kids one afternoon a week which is something we figured out after reflecting on what worked and didn’t work last year. We also are lucky in the sense that my busy work season is the opposite of his, which helps everything feel more manageable.

I also have been saying NO to work lately which is really hard for me but I don’t want to say yes and not be able to give my all to someone or something. It is helpful to remind myself that just because I can’t do something right now, does not mean that chance or opportunity goes away forever…and sometimes the timing might be even better at another time.

I am planning two articles for the newspaper after taking a little month summer hiatus, a new Mom Book Club at the library(with some amazing guest speakers!) in the fall and a lot of other ideas are stirring around in my head. It is hard not to get ahead of myself.

I get so excited about so many things but I also need to be realistic about the amount of time I actually have to work with. School and “regular life” will be here before we know it and so I am trying to really enjoy these last few weeks of summer without thinking about all the things I could be doing “better” or more.

Currently Listening To…

I have been listening to a lot of audiobooks this summer as I tend to do during my heavier computer editing seasons. I tend to listen to one Audible book a month and listen to the rest on Libby. I am planning on sharing some of my favorite audiobooks soon! I tend to listen to non-fiction for the most part but I will listen to fiction as long as it isn’t too complicated.

Our daily commute is about an hour total during the summer so podcasts have been a lifesaver! During our car rides we tend to listen to either But Why, Brains On or Smash Boom Best which are all kid-focused podcasts that I enjoy too.

When we have listened to all of those the kids also enjoy some of my podcast favorites…even though they aren’t for kids, a lot of them are totally kid-friendly and Sarah’s Book Shelves Live is one of them. It has also created some great book conversations between the three of us which I love.

Romper Weather…

Screen Shot 2019-07-30 at 10.25.58 AM

I am not someone who embraces new fashion trends quickly…or sometimes at all…BUT I had to run to Walmart last weekend to get some oil for our boat. It isn’t somewhere I tend to go a lot (and I do understand people have strong feelings about it so it’s totally cool if it isn’t your thing) but it was the only place that was open already. I ended up getting totally sidetracked by the rack of rompers and ended up leaving with two of them…and no boat oil because they were sold out, ha.

Walmart romper

I have already worn them a bunch of times and they are amazingly comfortable, breathable and great for this muggy weather we are experiencing. I am 5’4″ and a size 10 and I chose a size large…I think a medium would have been fine because they are stretchy but I am happy with it!

I convinced a few of my friends to try them and they love them as well…even my tall buddies who have had trouble with the length of this style in the past. I have zero affiliation with this but I thought I would share the link HERE if you are interested in checking it out.

Keeping Cool & Beach Reading

Last weekend was hot and humid and we spent all of Saturday out on the lake. It was wonderful and so refreshing. We started out at the Bouquet River and then headed over to Split Rock where the water is always extra chilly.

Are you a beach reader? It is one of my favorite things…I like to position my chair really close to the water so that the waves come up over my toes. I like to sit in the shade and our Sport-Brella is so easy to set up and provides awesome sun protection.

Currently Watching…

190722-schager-garrett-tease_teoovu

Lucas and I just watched the Who Killed Garrett Phillips? documentary on HBO. It examines the 2011 murder of 12-year-old Garrett Phillips and the subsequent trial of Clarkson University soccer coach Oral “Nick” Hillary. This case shares a grievous miscarriage of justice and sadly, this family still doesn’t have closure over the loss of their son. If you are looking for a conversation starter, this is it. I found it especially interesting as it all takes place just over the lake in New York so a lot of parts of it, especially the small-town politics, were all too relatable.

Currently Looking Foward To…

It doesn’t seem possible but fall will be here before we know it…This past week Kristy and I have been going over our teaching plans for the rest of 2019 and the start of 2020! Teaching is one of my very favorite parts of my work and you can learn more about it HERE if you are interested…

Your Life Your Camera Workshop

Vermont introduction to photography workshop Do you have a DSLR camera you’d love to learn how to use better? Would you like to take your photos to the next level? The next run of our “Your Life Your Camera” workshop is scheduled for Saturday, November 9th from 12-4 in South Burlington. The cost is $150 and seating is limited. This workshop sells out every time- email kristy@kristydooleyphotography.com to reserve your seat today!

I hope you have a wonderful rest of your Wednesday. <3

The Escape Room by Megan Goldin | St. Martin’s Press | Blog Tour Book Review

July 30, 2019August 4, 2020 ~ Genevieve ~ 2 Comments

book review of The Escape Room

The Escape Room by Megan Goldin

Book Summary:

“Welcome to the escape room. Your goal is simple. Get out alive.

In the lucrative world of finance, Vincent, Jules, Sylvie, and Sam are at the top of their game. They’ve mastered the art of the deal and celebrate their success in style―but a life of extreme luxury always comes at a cost.

Invited to participate in an escape room as a team-building exercise, the ferociously competitive co-workers crowd into the elevator of a high rise building, eager to prove themselves. But when the lights go off and the doors stay shut, it quickly becomes clear that this is no ordinary competition: they’re caught in a dangerous game of survival.

Trapped in the dark, the colleagues must put aside their bitter rivalries and work together to solve cryptic clues to break free. But as the game begins to reveal the team’s darkest secrets, they realize there’s a price to be paid for the terrible deeds they committed in their ruthless climb up the corporate ladder. As tempers fray, and the clues turn deadly, they must solve one final chilling puzzle: which one of them will kill in order to survive?”

Publication Date:

July 30th, 3019

Genre:

Suspense/Financial Thriller

My Rating:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫⁣

My Review:

The Escape Room blog tour with St. Martin's Press

Another Thriller?!

I have been rough on this genre lately. I don’t think I can recall the last thriller that I read that I wasn’t somewhat disappointed with. I don’t know if I have just read too many or that many of them all blend together for me. ⁣⁣

St. Martin’s Press Blog Tour:

I am part of the St. Martin’s Press blog tour for The Escape Room by debut author Megan Goldin and so I wanted to read it with fresh eyes. I avoided reading a lot of other reviews beforehand and went into it without a lot of expectations either way. ⁣

My Reading Experience:

The Escape Room ended up being so enjoyable and fun to read! It is mysterious but also filled with lots of character building and backstory, and is so different than anything I have read lately. I am a big fan of the show Billions(anyone else?!) and I love getting immersed in a world that is nothing like my day to day life. ⁣

Wallstreet Executives Go On A Team Building Retreat…

The Escape Room introduces us to the fast-paced world of Wall Street and four financial executives that are participating in a team-building retreat…escape room style. Things go very very wrong and we are taken back and forth from the present to the past to see how this all unraveled. ⁣This was the perfect summer escape reading. It kept me guessing but it was also a very fun reading ride. I definitely recommend this one for your end of summer reading list.

More about Megan Goldin…

Author Megan Goldin worked as a correspondent for Reuters and other media outlets where she covered war, peace, international terrorism, and financial meltdowns in the Middle East and Asia. She is now based in Melbourne, Australia where she raises three sons and is a foster mum to Labrador puppies learning to be guide dogs. The Escape Room is her debut novel.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for an advanced copy of this book and for inviting me along on this blog tour. All opinions are my own.

Limitless Mind by Jo Boaler | HarperCollins | Book Review

July 28, 2019July 28, 2019 ~ Genevieve ~ Leave a comment

self help and personal growth

Limitless Mind by Jo Boaler

Book Summary:

“When we learn, we change what we believe and how we interact with the world. This changes who we are as people and what we can achieve.

Many people grow up being told they are ‘not a maths person’ or perhaps ‘not smart’. They come to believe their potential is limited.

Now, however, the latest science has revealed that our identities are constantly in flux; when we learn new things, we can change our identities, increase our potential and broaden our capacity to receive new information.

Drawing from the latest research, Professor Boaler followed thousands of school students, studied their learning practices and examined the most effective ways to transform pupils from low to high achievers. Throughout her study, Boaler has collaborated with Stanford University neuroscience experts, harnessing their expertise to reinforce her advanced understanding of learning and educational development.

In Limitless Mind, Boaler presents original groundbreaking research that proves that limiting beliefs really do hold us back from fulfilling our potential and that with a few careful life hacks we can transform our potential for good.”

Publication Date:

September 3rd, 2019

Genre:

Self-Help & Personal Growth

My Rating:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My Review:

Limitless Mind by Jo Boaler presents the idea that brains are not fixed from birth. Boaler shares research and studies that back up this message as well as how this can help us move from the fixed brain mindset to the brain growth mindset as learners.

Jo Boaler Ph.D.

Jo Boaler is a professor at Stanford and backs up her book with a plethora of research. She shares this information in an accessible manner that is readable for someone who is not an academic in her fields of work. She breaks down her message into accessible chapters that help us better understand this newer research.

When We Learn We Develop New Pathways In Our Brains…

The crux of her book is the idea that when we learn and push ourselves, we develop new pathways in our brains. We are not born with brains that are made to be good (or not) at certain subjects but we actually develop them, and this ability never stops. Our brains are constantly growing and this happens by stepping outside our comfort zones.

Pushing Through Struggles

We can do this by pushing ourselves in areas that are challenging and pushing through struggles and even mistakes. As we do this, the pathways in our brains are delicate but the more deeply we use these pathways the stronger they become. This message is the push for why struggle and mistakes are actually beneficial and allow our brains to continue to grow.

When we face challenging situations, rather than fear causing us to turn around, forge ahead, knowing these are the situations that help brain growth. Mistakes are a part of our everyday lives but many of us have grown up to think of mistakes as things are “bad” and something we should try and avoid.

Mistakes Are A Good Thing!

Boaler encourages mistakes and strongly feels that facing obstacles is how we can learn and thrive. When we struggle, our brains are more active and are working harder than when we are just in” autopilot” mode. When we are able to change our perspective on failure, we are able to live a more limitless life and continue on the path to improve and grow.

Life gives us endless moments where we can learn, grow and connect. Mistakes can help us be determined, proactive and move forward. Boaler shares that we are often unmotivated in areas where at one time someone or something gave us the idea that we couldn’t be successful. I found this message to be so motivating and inspiring.

Lifelong Learning & Growing

As someone who has spent much of my academic life feeling like I wasn’t “good” at certain subjects, this book is such a wonderful reminder that life long learning and growing can not only help us live fuller lives but the things we can master are, indeed, limitless.

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins and Jo Boaler for an advanced copy to review. All opinions are my own.

The Reckless Oath We Made by Bryn Greenwood | Putnam | Book Review

July 27, 2019July 27, 2019 ~ Genevieve ~ Leave a comment

The Reckless Oath We Made

The Reckless Oath We Made by Bryn Greenwood

Book Summary:

A provocative love story between a tough Kansas woman on a crooked path to redemption and the unlikeliest of champions, from the New York Times bestselling author of All the Ugly and Wonderful Things.

Zee is nobody’s fairy tale princess. Almost six-foot, with a redhead’s temper and a shattered hip, she has a long list of worries: never-ending bills, her beautiful, gullible sister, her five-year-old nephew, her housebound mother, and her drug-dealing boss.

Zee may not be a princess, but Gentry is an actual knight, complete with sword, armor, and a code of honor. Two years ago the voices he hears called him to be Zee’s champion. Both shy and autistic, he’s barely spoken to her since, but he has kept watch, ready to come to her aid.

When an abduction tears Zee’s family apart, she turns to the last person she ever imagined–Gentry–and sets in motion a chain of events that will not only change both of their lives, but bind them to one another forever.

Publication Date:

August 20th, 2019

Genre:

Contemporary Fiction

My Rating:

⭐️⭐️⭐️

My Review:

Bryn Greenwood is an amazing writer who writes detailed plotlines and multifaceted characters. All The Ugly and Wonderful Things was not an easy read but I connected so much with her storytelling. The Reckless Oath We Made was definitely a highly anticipated book for me as a reader.

Unfortunately, I had a hard time connecting with these characters and the general pacing of this storyline. I also really struggled with some of the dialogue and the medieval vibe that the character Gentry used. I found that it distracted me more than helping me relate to the characters and events.

I think I am definitely in the minority with my feelings about this book so it just might not have been a great fit for me as a reader. I do appreciate that Greenwood never shies away from difficult topics and that her characters are real and raw.

Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for an advanced copy of this book

Coffee Talk | Currently Loving…Summer Fruit, Pool Life, Shellac Nails, Library Book Sales & Turning Nine!

July 25, 2019August 2, 2019 ~ Genevieve ~ Leave a comment

Checking-in:

Hello and happy Thursday. How is your week going? As many wonderful things that have happened during the last few weeks, it has also had its fair share of challenges and sadness. I often struggle with how to balance sharing a lot of my life on a public platform while also bearing in mind that we all have harder realities of everyday life that are more private.

It is a hectic time in general with work and family life and I am thankful to have so many great support systems in place that really make such a big difference with the harder parts of life. Alright, I think that was important to say, as I tend to share some of our “highlight reel” in photos on these Currently Loving posts.

So here is a little of what we have been up to…

Swimming Life

Our family wrapped up the swim meet season last week and our practices will be winding down soon too. It has been such a wonderful part of our summer. Having something that is daily works really well for us because it gets us out of the house by a certain time each day and gives us some structure that can be really hard to find this time of year.

Our boys made so much progress this summer. The swim team has been a great reminder and conversation starter about doing our best and being kind and supportive to both our teammates, competitors and ourselves. I will miss our swimming community so much but there is always next year!

Daily swimming means we are at the pool all the time. It isn’t a bad place to be and with great wifi, it makes it a great place to catch up on work. The boys practice at the same time now which if you have ever had kids on different team schedules you know what is a gift this is!

Berries galore

We are lucky to live near so many wonderful family farms and that means this time of year we are picking all the berries. We were excited to drive down the road to opening day at Adam’s Berry Farm and the berries were incredible! We didn’t last too long because it was during our brief summer heatwave so we will be back!

Library Book Sale

After berry picking, we headed to the annual town library book sale! I love supporting the library(and it’s upcoming renovation!) stocking up on past favorites and also grabbing some to share with friends! 💓
⁣
Between the kids and me we brought three totes bags and it wasn’t enough! Next year we need a duffle bag. 🤣 ⁣
library book sale kids books

We arrived early and waited in line for about 10 minutes and it was worth sweating through our clothes. We picked up so many picture books including a bunch of golden books. Flynn also added some super informative books to our collection…first words in Italian and a guide to venomous animals, ha!

Lake Life on a Hot Summer Day…

We headed out on the boat and it was the best way to cool down. Although with the intense heat it also means there can be fast approaching summer storms. This one snuck in and surprised us and while it was very interesting to see from the boat, we were eager to get back to dry land.

Shellac Nails Home Removal

You know I love to discuss the random and obscure and I thought it was a great time to share about my shellac nails experience. I almost never paint my nails but I do always have shellac on my toenails. I get a shellac pedicure every 4-5 weeks and it is a great and long-lasting way to keep them looking nice when I am quite rough on regular nail polish.

For the wedding a couple of weeks ago, I wanted to get my nails done and so I ended up getting a shellac manicure two days before the wedding. It lasted a good 10 days or so before they started to look a little rough and I needed to get it off ASAP. They were also starting to get longer which I don’t like the feeling of…I do a lot of computer work and it was driving me crazy! Anyway, I knew I could go in and have it removed but it really wasn’t something I could easily fit into our schedule.

So off I went to the pharmacy… I grabbed a container of full-on acetone and some cotton balls. At first, I tried the wrapping method with soaked cotton balls and tin foil, similar to the way they remove it at the nail salon. Then I changed tactics and did the soaking method on my other hand…as suggested by the Pioneer Woman of all people…

I found that the soaking method worked better and because I don’t have a lot of nail tools, I used the end of a measuring spoon to have push off the remaining polish which was quite effective…I am nothing if not resourceful, ha!

So I am not saying this is the most non-toxic method, but I think if you are going the shellac route you know that isn’t either…I was very pleased with how easy it was and I am super happy to have short and naked nails once again! I didn’t find that it damaged them in any way and I would definitely do shellac again for a special event, I just don’t have the patience to keep up with something like that in my everyday life.

Creemees & AC

It’s totally normal to take a photo to send to your kids when you have a creemee without them right?! Don’t worry, they were off having a special dinner and having ice cream after but we couldn’t resist. Buzz spent a lot of time indoors during the heatwave because it is just so hard to keep dogs cool. We are thankful to have AC and lots of ceiling fans.

Turning Nine!

Someone in our family turned NINE! For some reason, this number is hitting me hard. Maybe it is because it is halfway to 18 or maybe it is just because I can remember when I was nine so vividly…I know he is still so young but he really is growing up so quickly.

The past nine years have been filled with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Parenting is such a gift and it is also the hardest thing I have ever done. I am so grateful to have a child that is kind, understanding and helps us learn and grow every day.

And when you turn nine you have cinnamon rolls for breakfast and sushi and hibachi for dinner…seems pretty perfect to me!

Alright, that is all for now. I hope you have a wonderful rest of your week. <3

Lock Every Door by Riley Sager | Dutton | Book Review

July 24, 2019 ~ Genevieve ~ Leave a comment

Lock Every Door Riley Sager book review

Lock Every Door by Riley Sager

Book Summary:

No visitors. No nights spent away from the apartment. No disturbing the other residents, all of whom are rich or famous or both. These are the only rules for Jules Larsen’s new job as an apartment sitter at the Bartholomew, one of Manhattan’s most high-profile and mysterious buildings. Recently heartbroken and just plain broke, Jules is taken in by the splendor of her surroundings and accepts the terms, ready to leave her past life behind.

As she gets to know the residents and staff of the Bartholomew, Jules finds herself drawn to fellow apartment sitter Ingrid, who comfortingly reminds her of the sister she lost eight years ago. When Ingrid confides that the Bartholomew is not what it seems and the dark history hidden beneath its gleaming facade is starting to frighten her, Jules brushes it off as a harmless ghost story…until the next day, when Ingrid disappears.

Searching for the truth about Ingrid’s disappearance, Jules digs deeper into the Bartholomew’s sordid past and into the secrets kept within its walls. What she discovers pits Jules against the clock as she races to unmask a killer, expose the building’s hidden past, and escape the Bartholomew before her temporary status becomes permanent.

Publication Date:

July 2nd, 2019

My Rating:

⭐️⭐️⭐️

My Review:

Lock Every Door was my third Riley Sager book. After loving The Last Time I Lied I had high hopes for Lock Every Door. The beginning of this book really pulled me in and I loved the setting at the Bartholomew. The idea of Jules housesitting in a luxury apartment when little things start to feel very wrong was intriguing.

Unfortunately, after a good start, the pacing just started to feel off and the story ended up dragging for me. There were little twists along the way but I just didn’t feel very connected to the storyline. I will say he did keep me guessing but when we finally did get our answer, it just didn’t work for me.

All of the signs and little things that kept us guessing did not line with how the mystery played out and it just made it feel like a very frustrating ride as the reader. I also was left wanting more. I wanted to know WHY and learn some of the backstories and instead, we just get this mediocre ending but not a lot of answers.

I do think some of this is just me. I get frustrated a lot with the thriller genre and the generalizing that happens, often so they can fit it all the thrills I am sure. I just didn’t really understand the why and it all seemed so far-fetched and out of left-field as a reader. This didn’t work for me but what I struggled with is exactly why so many readers loved it so I think it just depends on your reading preferences.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

All The Rage: Mothers, Fathers and the Myth of Equal Partnership by Darcy Lockman | Harper | Book Review

July 21, 2019November 21, 2019 ~ Genevieve ~ 3 Comments

All The Rage by Darcy Lockman

Book Summary:

Journalist-turned-psychologist Darcy Lockman offers a clear-eyed look at the most pernicious problem facing modern parents—how progressive relationships become traditional ones when children are introduced into the household.

In an era of seemingly unprecedented feminist activism, enlightenment, and change, data shows that one area of gender inequality stubbornly persists: the disproportionate amount of parental work that falls to women, no matter their background, class, or professional status. All the Rage investigates the cause of this pervasive inequity to answer why, in households where both parents work full-time and agree that tasks should be equally shared, mothers’ household management, mental labor, and childcare contributions still outweigh fathers’.

How, in a culture that pays lip service to women’s equality and lauds the benefits of father involvement—benefits that extend far beyond the well-being of the kids themselves—can a commitment to fairness in marriage melt away upon the arrival of children?

Counting on male partners who will share the burden, women today have been left with what political scientists call unfulfilled, rising expectations. Historically these unmet expectations lie at the heart of revolutions, insurgencies, and civil unrest. If so many couples are living this way, and so many women are angered or just exhausted by it, why do we remain so stuck? Where is our revolution, our insurgency, our civil unrest?

Darcy Lockman drills deep to find answers, exploring how the feminist promise of true domestic partnership almost never, in fact, comes to pass. Starting with her own marriage as a ground zero case study, she moves outward, chronicling the experiences of a diverse cross-section of women raising children with men; visiting new mothers’ groups and pioneering co-parenting specialists; and interviewing experts across academic fields, from gender studies professors and anthropologists to neuroscientists and primatologists. Lockman identifies three tenets that have upheld the cultural gender division of labor and peels back the ways in which both men and women unintentionally perpetuate old norms.

If we can all agree that equal pay for equal work should be a given, can the same apply to unpaid work? Can justice finally come home?

Publication Date:

May 5th, 2019

My Rating:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⁣

My Review:

All The Rage

I listened to All The Rage on Audible and wow, what a powerful read! Darcy Lockman shares a well researched and relatable look at social expectations, male privilege, and sexism when it comes to parenting in the 21st century. Lockman uses studies, research, interviews with parents, and her own personal experiences which results in a well balanced and deeply impactful look at the gender inequity that working mothers still face today and the mental load women face as mothers.

Who Should Read This?

Whether you are a parent or thinking about becoming one someday, this book is so insightful and thought-provoking. I appreciated Lockman’s personal experiences as they related to many issues we faced in our own experiences as partners and parents. While many people think “this won’t happen to me” a large percentage of family’s fall into the expectations that have become ingrained in our society.

Lockman shares…

“In the language of family studies, women and men do not develop the same ‘parental consciousness’ when they transition into mother- and fatherhood; they continue on separate and unequal paths of knowing or not knowing as their children change and grow. Parental consciousness is the awareness of the needs of children accompanied by the steady process of thinking about those needs. Women have come to call it the mental load, and in those relatively egalitarian households where men share daycare pickup and put away clean laundry, it’s the aspect of childrearing most likely…to ‘stimulate marital tension between mothers and fathers”

Reactions to All The Rage:

I have loved reading the reviews for this book on Goodreads and they vary greatly. Many shared that this book was depressing, filled with anger, bitterness and/or a dig at men. I did find this book to be hard to listen to at times, but mostly because I wish I had been able to read this before I became a parent! I think anything that makes you feel strongly is wonderful because it gets you thinking.

I learned a lot about why we are the way we are and so much of it has been entrenched in our society and family dynamics for centuries even as women’s roles have changed and evolved so much over time. It doesn’t matter how much you think “this won’t happen to us!” it is very easy to fall into being the “default” parent once parenthood hits you like a ton of bricks.

I think it is important to state that this doesn’t mean your partner is a terrible person or sits around doing nothing. The emotional labor of motherhood is hard to explain but it is real and many women feel like they are just drowning in it. The invisible mental load of motherhood is often the hardest and because it is hard to “see” it is also the hardest to change.

What We Have Learned So Far…

One of the biggest learning lessons my husband and I have (slowly) figured out during our 9 years of parenting together is that talking about something before it happens is always the way to go. Talking early and talking often is key and allows us to discuss our hopes and expectations before the resentment and disappointment build up because it inevitably will.

When our first son arrived in 2019 we quickly fell into the assumed roles of parenthood with little to no discussion about what that might look or feel like. 9 years later we have worked hard to establish better equity and partnership in our home but deeply ingrained norms are hard to change and the pressures come from outside of the home as well. This is a continued work in progress as our family grows and changes over time. We definitely have it all figured out but we work hard on it every day.

My Takeaway…

I highly recommend this book and would really recommend it for people who are hoping to have a family someday. There is so much power when we have the ability to reflect and make choices proactively. While Lockman didn’t have all the answers, she gives many tools for us to reflect on what we can change and do in our own lives to help with parity and equity in parenthood.

Just Got a Kindle? | What to do Next! | Kindle Paperwhite Basics & Utilizing The Libby App

July 19, 2019December 4, 2019 ~ Genevieve ~ 10 Comments

Kindle Paperwhite

So You Got a Kindle…

Congratulations and welcome to the club!! As a lifelong book lover, it took me a while to move over to reading ebooks, but now I am hooked! I remember when e-readers and ebooks first came on the scene in a larger way and there was this idea that hard copy books would become obsolete.

ebooks vs. hard copy books

Now that they have been a part of mainstream reading for some time now, I think everyone was able to see that they are just another option for reading and it doesn’t have to be one or the other! I will never stop buying books but ebooks have been a wonderful addition to my reading life.

What do I do now?!

Just like with any kind of technology, there is a little bit of a learning curve with reading on an eReader/Kindle but once you get the hang of it, it super easy! There are so many online resources that can teach you how to use almost anything now and the Kindle walks you through the set up similar to when you get a new iPhone.

Screen Shot 2019-07-19 at 11.32.22 AM

Once you do the initial setup, you can adjust the font style and size, the brightness of the screen, etc. All of these things are easily changed depending on your reading environment and make it so you can see the screen whether you are in bright sunlight ore reading in a dark room. Reading on a Kindle is a lot different than reading on a screen like an iPad or phone, the biggest thing is that there isn’t glare.

Changing the size of the font is as easy as tapping the screen. I like reading with a larger font but it is totally a personal preference. You tap the screen to change the page and some people prefer to not have to turn the page quite as frequently.

An Amazon Account…

The biggest thing you need is an Amazon account (you don’t need a prime account but it can be useful). You need this account whether you are purchasing books through Amazon or borrowing them through your library with the Libby app…which I will talk more about in a bit. Once you log in you are able to get reading!

Kindle…ready to travel!

Kindles come with a USB charging cord that you can either plug into your computer or use with a charging block in a regular outlet. Once they are fully charged the battery lasts forever, like weeks! This is great for traveling and being on the go. Kindles have a screensaver that helps save battery life and come on after not be used for a bit.

Do I Need a Cover?

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Fintie Slimshell Case for the All-New Kindle Paperwhite

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MoKo Case for Previous Kindle Paperwhite Generations (prior to 2018)

This is also a personal preference but I always feel like anything is easier to hold and protect when it has a cover. Even though the newest Paperwhites are waterproof, they just feel more protected with a cover. I also love that they automatically wake up or put your Kindle to sleep when you open and shut them. I also feel that makes them feel more “book-like”.

I have had great luck with both the Fintie and Moko cases. There are a lot of cover color and texture options so there really is something for everyone! I would say that I have had the best luck with the covers that aren’t a fabric material because they are easier to wipe down and stay clean. And make sure to choose the option that works for the model that you have…just like with phones, the dimensions change just the slightest and the covers won’t fit properly.

How do I Get Ebooks Through The Library?!

ebooks through the library

Meet Libby! Although not every library participates, Libby is an amazing way to borrow ebooks and audiobooks for FREE! If you have used OverDrive in the past, Libby is the updated version of this and is much more user-friendly. All you need is your library card login information and password and you are good to go!

What does Libby do?

using the libby app

Libby is an app that allows you to listen to or read thousands of ebooks and audiobooks and also allows you to send them to your Kindle reading device, right from your phone!

Meet Libby PDF Guide

Back in May I worked with the wonderful technology librarian Susanna and taught a Libby Introduction class at our local library! Susanna worked hard to prepare a Libby Guide that we gave out at our class and also is available in a PDF format HERE. The first part is geared toward members of our local library(with that specific login information) but the rest of it is helpful for anyone who is hoping to learn how to best utilize the app!

In addition, Libby has a great Help Section on their website to help with common questions that come up…you can see that HERE.

Amazon First Reads & Kindle Book Deals

In addition to reading through Libby, there are also many other ways to read on a Kindle without spending a lot. A few months ago I shared about Amazon First Reads and reading on a budget HERE.

I also love searching for Kindle book deals. Every day different ebooks are on sale and you can find them easily by searching “Kindle book deals” in the Amazon search bar.

@genthebookworm

I try to share Kindle Deals of books I have read and loved in my stories on Instagram so make sure to be following along!

Book Bub Kindle Deal Updates Via Email

I also subscribe to Book Bub which shares daily Kindle deals via email(you can sign up HERE!) and it is a great resource!

ebook deals

You can also visit their site to see their Recent Best Selling Kindle Deals list which is updated daily.

Do You Have Other Kindle Questions?

I would love to help answer them…please leave a comment below and I will do my best to help find you the answer!

Disclosure: Some of the links above are Amazon affiliate links. This means if you click through and make a purchase, I receive a small commission that helps support this blog at no cost to you. Thank you!

The Best Books of 2019 (so far!) | My Personal Favorites | Book Recommendations

July 16, 2019August 6, 2019 ~ Genevieve ~ 4 Comments

The Best Books of 2019 (so far!)

Halfway through 2019!

Can you believe we are already in the second half of 2019? So far this has been a year of setting some big goals for myself and working on a lot of personal growth. It has also been a great year of reading and there are still so many highly anticipated books to come!

What Makes a Book Memorable to You?

I read for all different kinds of reasons, sometimes to escape, sometimes to connect and some are just for pure pleasure. As someone who reads quite a few books each month, there are lots of books I love but there is a smaller list of ones that really stick with me for the long haul.

When I have finished a book and am still thinking about it long after I have moved on to my next read, I know that is a sign of an amazing book. All of the books on this made me feel something and stuck with me long after finishing them.

Non-Fiction vs. Fiction

When I put together these lists I look back at my reviews and also my ratings on Goodreads. I often find that my favorites are usually a pretty good balance of both fiction and non-fiction…as you can see with my 2018 Memorable Book List:

best books of 2018

Kindle, Audio or Hard Copy?

list of my favorite books of 2019 (so far!)

When it comes to reading formats, I like a little of everything. I love reading ebooks, hard copy books and listening to audiobooks and I really think there are a time and a place for all of them! I love to listen to non-fiction on audio, I get hard copy books from the library and from Book of the Month and I tend to read most everything else on my Kindle. And if I love any of them, I will buy a hard copy after I finish them to keep in my own personal library and also loan to friends.

So without further adieu, here is my list and the links to my personal reviews…

The Best Books of 2019 (so far!)

A Woman is No Man by Etaf Rum

You can read my review of A Woman is No Man HERE.

To Have and To Hold by Molly Millwood Ph. D.

You can read my review of To Have and To Hold HERE.

All The Rage by Darcy Lockman

You can read my review of All The Rage HERE.

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

You can read my review of Daisy Jones & The Six HERE.

Three Women by Lisa Taddeo

You can read my review of Three Women by Lisa Taddeo HERE.

Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner

You can read my review of Daisy Jones & The Six HERE.

Beyond The Point by Claire Gibson

You can read my review of Beyond The Point HERE.

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb

You can read my review of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone HERE.

What are your favorite books of 2019 so far? I would love to hear!

A Family Wedding Weekend in Vermont | Jay Peak Resort

July 16, 2019October 26, 2019 ~ Genevieve ~ Leave a comment

A Family Wedding at Jay Peak Resort

The Rehearsal

This past weekend we celebrated the wedding of my brother in law Derek and new sister in law Antonia! There is nothing like a family wedding and we had so much fun celebrating and spending time all together. We lucked out with amazing weather! After an iffy forecast, it ended up being the perfect wedding day. The mountains made the most stunning backdrop at Jay Peak Resort.

On Friday afternoon we had the rehearsal followed by an amazing evening at The Belfry which is just down the road in Montgomery. My husband’s family has had a camp in this area for 20 years so this restaurant is a place filled with so many memories for everyone. The food was amazing and the company was even better.

The Wedding Morning

It doesn’t matter how late I go to bed, I still can’t sleep in! Fortunately, we were staying in the perfect place for a cup of coffee with a view. We are finally at the stage where if the kids stay up later they will sleep in for a bit and this made for a quiet morning of coffee by the fire. It was a brisk 57 degrees and it felt amazing…there is just nothing like a cool summer morning.

Wedding Day Prep

It was the first time all four of our family members were part of a wedding party at the same time. Lucas was the Best Man, I was the Matron of Honor and the kids were the ring bearers. It made for some interesting logistics but we were lucky that because it was a family wedding, there were a lot of family members around that were happy to help.

I spent the day with the bridal party getting ready and Lucas took the boys to the water park. The Pump House is the most perfect place for the age of our kids. They loved the water slides and river so much.

The Wedding Ceremony

The Ceremony took place by the pond and it was just gorgeous. The shuttles brought everyone around the resort for all the wedding festivities which made it super easy. The views and the breeze were amazing and our friend Mike officiated the wedding which made it is so special.

After the ceremony, we took some family photos and then headed down to the cocktail area. Derek and Antonia did a first look so we had already completed the bridal party photos too which was nice.

The Reception

I really don’t have a lot of photos from the reception but it was so fun. I was a little nervous because both Lucas and I were both sharing a speech but once that was over it was a blast! 😉 I know people have strong opinions about this but I love having a DJ over a live band and if you know my tastes in music this probably surprises NO ONE. The music was great and everyone danced all evening.

While there weren’t many other kids at the wedding there were plenty of people that were young at heart! 😉 Between the dance floor, making human-sized straws, the maple syrup favors and a rowdy game of some sort of golf putting, they were thoroughly entertained all evening.

The Morning After & The Water Park

I had another leisurely morning of coffee and reading and then we joined the bride and groom for breakfast. If you haven’t had the Foundry Mimosa you are missing out, it is amazing!!

Once the boys were awake we headed to the water park as a family. We all had so much fun and Lucas and I even did the La Chute waterslide…I may have screamed the entire way down, ha.

All in all, it was a wonderful and meaningful weekend and we were so happy to be a part of it. I hope you enjoyed this peek at our family wedding weekend and I will be back later with a book review and the list of my favorite books of 2019 (so far!)