My Friday Five...

1.  Books. I'm currently reading two books and I'm not sure that I'm enjoying either one of them all that much. So, I'm debating starting an old familiar read to get my reading back on track. The only thing is that I'm not sure which book to reread...hmm...

2.  The 100 Days Project. It's a month in and I'm still going strong - hurrah! 

3. TV shows. I started rewatching The Walking Dead because of The Ones Who Live, but I have stopped rewatching and I'm not sure I'm in the mood for the new show. So, I've been rewatching Grey's Anatomy. When I used to watch the show way back in the day, I stopped watching after Derek died. I think it's on season 20 now, so I'm going to try and catch up to the new season. We'll see. 

4.  Music. I've been listening to a Phil Collins mix on Amazon music and really enjoying it. 

5. Decluttering. The struggle is real. Ha ha. Seriously, I am making progress. I just wish I were making a lot of progress. I think once I get into a groove I will. Wish me luck!

Hope you have a great weekend! Happy reading!

My Friday Five...

1. The 100 Day Project. So far, so good. My plan for the project was to write a blog post a day and I've actually written the blog posts. I'm shocked with myself, but proud, too. I've written posts for both of my blogs and it has felt great. I'm really hoping that this project will get me hooked on writing posts, so that I can be more present with my blogs. Fingers crossed! In the off chance that I do not complete the 100 days of blog posts, I also have these small watercolor cards that I could paint on for the project. So, kind of like a back up idea for the project. Sounds pessimistic, but if I'm honest that was my initial idea for the project, but I only just received the cards and well, writing was my other top idea, so....blog posts it is. 

2. Books. I find myself reading more, which I am really enjoying. Normally I grab the remote and get lost in a reality TV show (Housewives, Summer House) or an old favorite TV show (The West Wing, Sopranos, Lost), but lately I have been reaching for my current read. And, I am loving it. I feel like I have fallen back in love with reading. Here's to hoping it sticks!

3. My bookshelves. I have been shopping my own stash when it comes to which book to read next. Don't get me wrong, I am still buying new books and downloading some onto my kindle - I can't help it! However, I have also been grabbing books off of my own bookshelves. It's how I wound up reading, A Bookshop In Berlin, and chose One Of Us for my current read. I also like that it reminds me of all the wonderful titles sitting on my shelves waiting to be read. And, it goes to show that I do have good taste when it comes to books. LOL!

4. Planners. I bought way too many planners (again) for the new year. And lo and behold we are in the year and I am barely using my planners. I don't know why I always feel the need to have one planner for each thing that I can think of that will need a planner - what is wrong with me? I think it's my excuse for trying out all the different planners everyone is talking about. Anyhow, I am honestly only using a few of the ones I bought: a6 Hobonichi Hon (One Piece edition) for my gratitude, Smythson Weekly in Forest green for my general planning (everyday stuff, appointments, etc.), weeks Hobonichi (One Piece edition) for my dad's medical stuff, TN weekly for bills/budget, and a Mark & Fold weekly for my book blogs. Okay, so that is quite a few. Plus, I am using some of the ones I bought for random things just so I'm using them. In reality, I probably only need three total: gratitude, finances, general. Next year I am planning on sticking with just three total. At some point I will get to one only. 

5. No spend on stationery. Well, that has been a fail. I didn't want to buy anything new in the stationery category in 2024, because I wanted to use up my stuff. I planned on only buying books. Except, I have broken the no spend already. I bought a new Hobonichi cover - a5 Tragen. I've also purchased pens, markers, stickers, and some other things. Ugh! I really need to stop. So, I am going to do just that starting now. Wish me luck!

And now, I'm off to pick up a magazine to read. I have a pile sitting nearby that I want to get through. Hope you have a wonderful weekend! Happy reading!

February Bookish Plans...

I've been feeling 'meh' thanks to anxiety and depression. Or maybe it was January blues - is that a thing? Regardless, I want February to be a better month for my mental health. So, I've decided to throw myself into some projects - hopefully a busy mind will keep the sad thoughts away. Fingers crossed!

Here are the projects I want to work on:

1. The Maisie Dobbs Read-Along. I've decided to start this month, because that will give me time to read all seventeen books before the last one hits stores. Normally I gobble these stories up, but this time round I wan to savor them. So, I will be reading a book a week and sharing about it here. Let me know if you've read the books, or plan on reading them, too. I still can't believe the last book comes out this June - I'm excited, but sad, too. What series will I get stuck in next? Do you have any recommendations - let me know. 

2. The 100 Day Project Challenge. For 100 days you must create something every day. That's the challenge. It starts February 18th. I am going to start today. It's typically an art challenge, but you can do anything. You can post your progress on IG at #The100DayProject. My project is going to be to write, write, write. I thought of art journaling for 100 days, but I wanted to focus on something that has been on my mind lately and that is writing. I am going to read The Artist's Way and write morning pages for 100 days. I'll be posting about this project on my other blog, Books Are My Balm. I've tried reading the book before, but gave up after a few weeks. I've heard so many people mentioning this book and how it changed their lives that I decided I have to give it another go. So, here's to take two. 

3. The No New Things Challenge. Basically, you don't buy new things. I found out about this challenge last year via Shira Gill's newsletter, The Minimalista Edit. The challenge was started by author, Ashlee Piper. I participated in it last year and I've decided to join in this year as well. Wish me luck! I'm thinking of it as the beginning of a no-spend year. The only exceptions I would make in a no-spend are books and Illustrated Faith devotionals. Wish me luck! And, let me know if you've ever participated in The No New Things Challenge or done a no-spend. 

And now, I'm off to tackle my to-do list. Hope you have a wonderful Thursday. Happy reading!!