A New Decade Awaits – January, 2020

New Books I’m Dying to Read

Let me tell you: belonging to the Book of the Month club can be sorta kinda extremely dangerous. They just always seem to have amazing selections in all genres, and the fact that I can read a sample before committing usually seals the deal for me.

I’ve been buying more books that I can possibly read, and now my bedside table is stacked too, too high. But I kinda like it like that.

Anyway, here are the books staring me in the face right now: 

Get a Life Chloe Brown, by Talia Hibbert

Named Best Romance of 2019 by Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, Apple, and Amazon. So yeah, there’s tons of social proof that this book is gooo-oood!

Okay. I actually just finished this one because I could not put it down. It was adorable! It had absolutely everything a great novel, for me, contains: a likable (but imperfect) heroine, an eccentric, sexy hero, tongue in cheek humor and a character-driven plot that will make you fall in love with Chloe and Red. 

Plus it’s also extremely hot. So, careful where you leave it. 

Talia Hibbert is my new favorite. She is smart, witty, hilariously funny, and the way she writes is incredible. Please, if you only take away one suggestion from this month’s newsletter let it be this book. You will adore it. Promise.

The Wives, by Tarryn Fisher

“Imagine that your husband has two other wives. You’ve never met the other wives. None of you know each other, and because of the unconventional arrangement, you can see your husband only one day a week.”

But what happens when you meet one of the other wives and discover something disturbing about her husband…who is of course, also your husband. 

I wish I could actually just straight download this one right into my brain. I hear it’s bite-y, ruthless, and has a possible unreliable narrator. 

And guys, check out Tarryn on Instagram. Especially her IG stories. She is truly incredible, and beautiful, and a major bad ass. 

The Family Upstairs, by Lisa Jewell

In The Family Upstairs, the master of “bone-chilling suspense” (People) brings us the can’t-look-away story of three entangled families living in a house with the darkest of secrets.

I hear this one is super creepy and twisty…exactly my kind of book.

---

Current Favorite Podcast

I’m addicted to Chalene Johnson. She’s probably the most upbeat, positive person on the internet right now, and she just exudes energy and vibrance.

And she has a brilliant podcast that covers any topic you can think of, from business to marketing to exercise and health to aging parents to marriage and parenting advice…you name it, she has talked about it or has plans to talk about it soon. 

One of my favorites of hers is this quick episode about interesting, must watch documentaries. 

I love documentaries. 

I feel like it’s like taking a college course, except you can attend from your living room and you can wear your jammies and no one cares. You can learn so darn much from documentaries.

My favorites from the past are Waiting for Superman (education crisis), One Million Minutes (education crisis), Supersize Me (health), Fat, Sick, and Nearly dead (health), and the first several episodes of Wild, Wild Country (Rajneesh documentary) – but after the first several episodes it became too weird and I had to turn it off. But wow, what an eye-opener. And to think, that all took place right here in Oregon! 

Anyway, here is Chalene’s list of favorites and a brief video description and review of each:

• Unnatural Selection 
• The Bleeding Edge
• The Game Changers
• Bikram
• Holy Hell
• Inside Bill’s Brain
• Long Shot
• Amy
• When They See Us 
• Voyeur
• Tell Me Who I Am

I’m excited to watch The Game Changers and Voyeur. Which one(s) sound good to you?

---

Products I Would Give up Coffee For

We are just past the major gift-giving holidays, and yet, I still find things that seem like amazing products I truly cannot live without. 

For example, new boots that are also ON SALE

Look at these beautiful babies by Free People. With these you get the best of both worlds: clogs and booties. 

Currently on sale at Nordstrom, these Bungalow Clogs will set you back $100 (and that’s 40% off!). But with that sole, these will last you for…like, ever. So, think of it as an investment (as long as your feet have stopped growing).

Lace Trim Satin Camisole

I really think this whole camisole-as-a-shirt style is coming back again this spring, and it seems to be stronger than ever. 

And I’m totally okay with that. 

I think these cami’s underneath a suit jacket or long cardigan are just the cutest thing ever. You can bet I’m going to grab this one too, because it’s on sale at Nordstrom right now for $23.00. 

 

Label Maker, from Dymo 

My love for organization + my love of labeling things = this label maker for ever and ever and ever. 

January is the perfect time to reorganize your spaces. Maybe you need to sort out that cupboard in the kitchen (medicines? first aid? SPICES?). How about adding a little label to your newly designed areas?

This label maker has 5 font choices, two lines for printing, and an LCD screen so you can see what you’re typing before you print. Plus, it’s on sale right now with Target circle. Honestly, I cannot wait to label all.the.things.!

Oprah’s Favorite Coat

You know Oprah knows her stuff, right? I mean, she’s been single-handedly controlling the Christmas market for decades now. And this down coat recommendation is no exception. With over 7 thousand reviews, and lots of color choices, this darling and stylish coat is a sure win. 

Go ahead, get yourself the gift you really wanted this holiday season.

 

Yoga / Workout Top from Crz Yoga

     

I know I talk a lot about this brand of workout clothing, I know. But the thing is, it’s really pretty awesome. And this little workout top is another home run. At only $20, this mesh racerback will give you new motivation to hit the gym or yoga studio. You can tie it up in the back if you like, or leave it low for bum coverage. 

This brand (Crz Yoga) is so buttery soft you won’t believe it. And it is super affordable. I’ve purchased two pair of leggings and even my teenage daughter loves them. I’ve also purchased a couple sports bras and they really are quality items, which is incredible considering how reasonably priced they are. I would only caution you to size up one size as they do seem to run a little small. But even if the size isn’t just right, returns are free and easy. 

Primal Palate Spice Blends

 

If you are doing Whole 30 this month, or have found that an Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet is working really well for you, you will want to grab these spice blend packs like, yesterday. These are all gluten free, Whole 30 and AIP approved. There’s a breakfast blend, a garlic and herb, and a super gyro that is apparently incredible. I’ve read a ton of great things about this company; especially how wonderful these particular blends are. I am definitely adding this to my wish list!

PS: AIP diet is a game changer for me. Yes, it’s sort of a pain to get used to. Yes, it requires some planning ahead. But wow, I can feel a difference in my body (fewer aches, less tiredness, WAY fewer cravings) and bonus: I’ve lost a few pounds as well. 

---

Music That Will Change Your Life

Music can definitely change your mood, your day, and in some cases, your life. Here’s what’s making a difference in mine lately.

Adore You – Harry Styles

Hurts 2B Human – P!nk (featuring Khalid)

---

Alright, that’s it for now luv. I’m off to work on finishing up the editing on my novel.

Have a wonderful January, and may all your kisses be long ones.

x. Megan