recent reads: mysteries, biographies, and self help

There is nothing better than curling up with a good book...though it is not always easy to make the time. Or have the energy! These days, my plate has felt a little more full than usual. There are always times like that, it seems. Slower times are immediately followed by busier times. But somehow, everything always gets done, and there is even room for fun every now and again. Even though life has been busy lately, reading has been on the forefront of my mind. I've been trying to unwind at the end of the night with a chapter of a book instead of scrolling through Instagram or mindlessly watching something on TV. Not only does this help me to sleep better, but it also makes me feel more connected, grounded, and peaceful. Which is why this post is all about some of my recent reads. I thought that I would share some of the books that have been making my life better lately. Some are mystery novels, there is a celebrity biography, and there are even a couple of self help books. 

recent reads + update on my reading goal for the year

If only there was more time to read. Lately, I have been longing for evenings curled up with a good book. Though I do my best to make it happen a few times a week, it is difficult to fit into the schedule most days. There is always so much that needs to be done! Work, cleaning, exercise, seeing loved ones, and a million other to dos on a never-ending list. Sometimes, reading gets put on the backburner, whether I like it or not. That being said, there are a few books that I have been able to finish over the last little while...which means it is time for a recent reads post and an update on my reading goals for the year. 

recent reads: biographies and fall themed books

Reading is such an important part of my life. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to make time for one of my favourite activities. Between work and that endless to-do list...reading often gets put on the backburner. Which is why my New Years Resolution for the last few years has been to read twenty fiction and twenty non-fiction books (the 20/20 challenge) per year. That goal helps me prioritize reading whenever possible. Though I am a little behind where I would like to be (I still have 9 books to read by the end of the year), it seemed like a good time to look at some of my more recent reads. 

recent reads (thrillers, mystery, and more)

In a perfect world, it would be possible to read all the time. It is one of my favourite things to do, but sometimes, it can be difficult to make time for this passion. (Or as much time as I would like.) Reading is something that I have been prioritizing a lot more this year. Instead of winding down at the end of the day with a television show or movie, it is an evening curled up with a good book that feels right. I have been re-reading a beloved series from my younger years, but also have been reading an assortment of other books. Some of my recent reads include mysteries, thrillers, and so much more. Take a look...

recent holiday themed reads.

What is better than reading? Not much. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to make time for this beloved pastime. In an ideal world, it would be possible for me to finish all of the books on my shelf and still have time to reread lifelong favourites. The reality is drastically different. Most of the time, I find myself squeezing in a few minutes of reading before bed or at lunch. I miss days spent curled up with a good book. Who knows...maybe there will be more of that in the new year. For now, I will have to settle for stolen moments of escapism. Over the last little while, I have been focused on holiday themed books. Some are mysteries and others are more romantic in nature. Here are some recent reads and mini reviews. 

never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them.

It's essential to make time for reading. Even though I don't necessarily have 'free time' anymore - I make it. I read on my breaks at work. I read for fifteen minutes before I go to bed. I read when I'm waiting for someone. I read at the bus stop. Why? I love it.

Books are a blissful escape from reality...and we all need that every now and again. I wish that I could read more than I do, but I am so busy working all the time. But - it's all about making the most of every possible opportunity!

Since reading is one of my biggest passions, I thought that I would do a little recent reads post. In the last little while, I've read:

All of these were fantastic for different reasons. Jane's Fame, was a look into the infamy of Jane Austen and her legacy. It was really interesting, if not a little too academic for bus stop reading. I simply could not put down The Bling Ring. There were a couple of nights that I stayed up for hours just devouring the book. It was so compelling!

Then, there was Confessions of an Essex Girl, which was fun and sexy. Definitely an enjoyable, girly book. As for Revoltingly Young, I just really wanted to finish the series. This book was different. Not bad, but certainly not the same as the rest of the series. I also read (not pictured) the Kris Kardashian biography, which was super interesting. She has had quite the life!

And now? I've started reading The Cuckoo's Calling by JK Rowling and I never want to put it down. It's so well written (of course!) and I love a great mystery. It's just fantastic. I hope that the rest of the book lives up the first several chapters.

So, those are my recent reads! What are yours?

xo Shannon

reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.

Reading is important. Unfortunately, it seems that a lot of people these days are reading less than they used to. At least from what I have seen, heard, and observed. It makes me sad. When I ask someone what their favourite book is, they don't have an answer. When I ramble on about a literary love, I get blank expressions. These days, so much of what we do is skimming and glancing...shoved into our all too busy schedules. That means less time for leisure, relaxation, and hobbies like reading a good book. Or two. Or three.

Even in my own experience, I know how difficult it can be to fit reading time in. For me? I work multiple jobs. That means almost every moment of my days are planned out and accounted for with very little wiggle room. Once you add in spending time with my fiance, family members, and friends, there is next to no additional time. That makes reading a lot more challenging. But not impossible!

Over the last few months I have been focusing on making time for me. One of the best ways to do that? Reading. There is something so beautiful about reading a good book. You can get lost in a story, discover new characters, and let go. Just a little bit. That alone is priceless. So, what have I been reading? A few of my recent reads are:

Allegiant by Veronica Roth
Four by Veronica Roth
Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige
Nothing But The Truth by Vicky Pattison
Screwing The Rules by Laurel House

As you can tell from the selection above...I like to mix things up a bit. After reading an action/adventure type of book like the Divergent Series, I tend to dive into a fluffy but fun biography, go back to something darker, then dabble in a chick lit book that is fun and whimsical. Though, I confess, I often read multiple books at a time. Because you never know what mood you will be in! It is always good to have a few genres at the ready.

Since today is a book post, I want to hear your thoughts. How do you manage to make time for reading? What genres do you like to read most? And what are some of your recent reads? Let me know! And if you haven't picked up a good book in a while, remember: now is the time to do it.

xo Shannon

recent reads and book reviews.

My jaw dropped when she said it. "I don't like to read." Recently, a friend of mine explained that while she loved the idea of curling up with a good book, in practice, she simply wasn't interested. To me, that mentality is completely and totally baffling. But it made me realize how lucky I am. Growing up, no matter what happened, I always had my literary companions. That escape allowed me to experience many different ways of life and grow as a human being. My love of reading has done more than fill my bookshelves, though. It inspired me to become a writer. I simply cannot fathom a world without words.

recent non-beauty favourites (movies, books, television shows)

A new month is here...and that thrills me. January and February were both challenging. I had the January blues and that continued on to become the February blues. However, this is the first day of March and spring is right around the corner. There are also some exciting things ahead for me this month. So, I am focusing on all things good, which is why this post is dedicated to recent non-beauty favourites. These are some of the books, movies, and television shows that have brought me joy lately.

the bookshelf tag + recent reads video

Books. Books have long filled my heart with every conceivable emotion. Those pages have the power to take you to far off lands, to let you into someone else's world, to transform your perspective, and teach you things you never knew you needed to learn. Books are important. They are the very reason that I have always wanted to be a writer. They are the reason that I continue to write today. For as long as I can remember, books have been an essential part of my life. From being read to as a small child to pouring through Sweet Valley High books in my adolescence to my yearly reading goals...there is something to be said for the written word. During the quarantine, an exhausting day was spent attempting to organize my bookshelf. Before that organizational day, my shelves were overloaded and extra books were left in stacks on the floor. Somehow, I managed to squeeze all of my books onto the two full-sized shelves (it involved double stacking and a splash of creativity) but it was a process! That is what inspired me to do another book post. So without further ado, here is The Bookshelf Tag as well as a Recent Reads video on my YouTube channel.

20/20 reading challenge + recent reads

Reading is one of my favourite things to do. It has been for as long as I can remember. Despite this, it can be difficult to find space for this beloved pastime. You know the drill. Life gets busy (thanks to work, responsibilities at home, and all the other necessities of everyday life) and the things you love most seem to fall by the wayside. That is why one of my New Year's Resolutions last year was to read more. A lot more. So, I created the 20/20 Reading Challenge. What is it? Did I succeed? And what did I read? Here is everything you need to know.

what i've been reading (christmas edition)

There has been a lot of seasonal reading taking place lately. Truth be told, I always have a stack of books waiting to be read, but a few books were set aside specifically for this time of year. Some of the books in the pile were thrifted and some were brand new...but all were ready to make the holiday season feel a little more magical. Ready to find out more about the Christmas themed books that I have been reading lately? Here is everything you need to know about these seasonal stories. 

holiday themed reads (mystery, thriller, romance, and more)

Reading is an important part of my life. Especially around the holiday season! It is a wonderful escape from all of the to-do list items and expectations associated with the happiest season of all. Last month, I decided to set aside a small stack of books in my collection to read before Christmas Day. I tried to include a mixture of genres: romance, thrillers, mystery, and a classic tale. At the time of writing this post, most of the books have been read and some are waiting to be read or are underway. (There is still time before the big day arrives!) Here is a closer look at a few of the books on my holiday themed reads list.

why I'm making time to read in 2018.

Though I meticulously wrote down my goals for the year at the end of last month....I have only just begun to tackle my resolutions. I suppose this is only natural. The start of January is always bogged down with post-holiday sadness, undecorating, and a massive list of tasks that went ignored all December long. Now that February is just about here, I feel a renewed sense of optimism and focus. Which is why I have started to work through my list of New Years Resolutions.

There are many (some related to my career, others to fitness, and some to my blog and YouTube channel), but one of my personal goals has to do with reading. Specifically, to read more this year. This is something I have missed over the years, as my life has gotten fuller and my list of responsibilities longer. Sound familiar? Here are some of the reasons I plan to read more in 2018.

a good book stays with you.

It is easy to get lost in the shuffle of everyday life. There are to do lists to tackle and responsibilities to consider. By the time the day is done? You are wipes. Exhausted. Thinking of nothing but a blissfully deep sleep. Let's face it.....with so much on our plates these days, reading often takes a back seat. Who has time in this go-go-go society to sit and read a book? Not a lot of people. Despite time constraints and a hectic schedule, reading has managed to remain an integral part of my life. Especially over the last several months. I have been doing everything I can to make time for this joyous activity. Which brings me to the heart of this post. Some recent reads have inspired me in ways I never imagined. They made me think, feel, and grow. They are....

Jane Fonda: My Life So Far. The thing about autobiographies? Some are phenomenal and some are so-so. It depends whether the author is willing to be raw and real or if they want to stay on the surface. When I found Jane Fonda's biography at a thrift store, I was excited. Thrilled, even. I could not wait to learn more about my fitness guru. Not knowing much about her life (apart from the fact that she was an actress and workout queen), I went into this blind. But boy....were my eyes opened. She shared deeply emotional stories about her childhood, feelings of self, toxic relationships, and so much more. I felt deeply connected to her story. In a way, it felt good to know I was not alone. That even the great Jane Fonda struggled to make sense of herself. It was a heart-wrenching, educational, and inspirational read. One that stayed with me long after the last line.

Where Am I Now? by Mara Wilson. One of my favourite Christmas movies is Miracle on 34th Street. The re-make, not the original. Mrs. Doubtfire and Matilda were some of my favourite films growing up. Needless to say, Mara Wilson was a very big part of my childhood. So when I heard that she had written a book....I made a trip to the bookstore. Immediately. I could not wait to read her story. What I never could have guessed is how much this book would affect me. She spoke of her anxiety and OCD. Of her time on film sets. Of first loves and friendships. Of her mother's death. (The latter literally moved me to tears.) By the time I finished reading? I had found a part of myself. A part I never knew I was missing. She was always my idol growing up. 

You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero. Confession: I love a good self help book. They force you to think about your life (the good and the not so good) and really focus on areas that you want to improve. Recently, my friend gave me You Are a Badass: How To Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living An Awesome Life. I knew this book was going to be good thanks to the witty writing and the authors sharp tongue. What I didn't expect is how much it would make me think. How many positive emotions it would bring out. While I am not finished yet (though I am certainly working on it), this book simply needed to be part of this list. There was a chapter about source energy that was particularly moving and information about the sub-conscious that profoundly affected me. Not to mention, this quote:

"If you are depressed, you are living in the past. 

If you are anxious, you are living in the future. 

If you are at peace, you are living in the present." 

Books matter. Words matter. Reading matters. If nothing else, I hope this post inspires you to pick up a paperback and fall into another world. 

What have you read lately? Do you have a favourite book?

EDIT: I no longer support Mara Wilson for a whole lot of reasons, including her horrific comments about a DV survivor.

xo Shannon

20/20 reading challenge update + mini book reviews

Ahh...New Year's Resolutions. Sometimes they seem impossible to achieve. That is why I have adopted a monthly check-in with my resolutions. It makes it easier to hold myself accountable when I can actively track my progress. One of my resolutions is carried forward from last year: the 20/20 reading challenge. (You can read more about that here.) Essentially, the goal is to read 20 fiction books and 20 non-fiction books by the end of the year. Last year, I was able to surpass this goal, which felt wonderful. This year? I haven't had quite as much time to read....though I am definitely doing my best to squeeze it in wherever possible. Since we are about halfway through 2021, it only made sense to share a mid-way update on this personal reading challenge. There will also be some mini book reviews to consider as well. Here goes...

my seasonal reading list (fall 2025)

There is nothing better than a theme. Since my mind is already focused on fall, it only made sense to bring that theme into my reading list. I have taken the shop my stash idea to my bookshelves to create a spooky seasonal book list. Some of these books are ones that I have read before and some are ones that I have not had a chance to read yet....but each book was chosen specifically to make the most of the fall season. Keep reading to take a peek at my book list for the next couple of months. 

#OOTD: Kendall and Kylie for Ardenes

Love them or hate them, the Kardashians and Jenners are here to stay. Though people were quick to dismiss the reality stars as flashes in the pan....they have launched multiple businesses, clothing lines, makeup collections, and more. The latest comes from Kendall and Kylie. The sisters teamed up with Ardenes for a fall fashion collaboration that includes a variety of trendy styles, including t-shirts, sweaters, workout gear, distresed jeans, and even purses. I admit: this collaboration has me excited. Not only are the designs easy to wear, stylish, and fairly affordable, but they are perfectly on brand for the duo.

beyond the gates inspired makeup looks.

There is an alarm set on my phone for 1:58 p.m. each weekday. That alarm is my reminder to turn on the latest episode of Beyond The Gates. Ever since this soap opera premiered at the end of February, it has become a full blown obsession. I love the drama, the characters, the sets, and the style. Speaking of style...the wardrobe is out of this world amazing and so is the makeup. Every time an episode airs, I am wowed by the incredible looks that the characters are wearing. Everything is so bold and elegant. Since makeup is another one of my obsessions, it was only a matter of time before an attempt was made to combine the two. Lately, I have been doing my best to recreate some of these stunning soap opera makeup looks.

christmas in july spectacular (review, mini haul, and tag questions)

It is Christmas in July! Being a Christmas fanatic, I am willing to find any excuse to celebrate my favourite holiday. Truth be told, I have Christmas movies and music in heavy rotation year-round...but I decided that it would be fun to celebrate Christmas in July properly this year. That means taking a day off of work to bake gingerbread cookies, watch some holiday movies, read Christmas themed Archie comics, light a peppermint candle, and just have some fun. Summer is not my favourite time of year, so it seems only right to transport myself to the most wonderful time of the year. Tomorrow is the big day, so in preparation for all of the festivities, a themed blog post was a must. Keep reading for a mini review of the movie, Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas In July, some new Christmas themed items, and answers to some Christmas In July tag questions. Here goes...