Sarah Morgan, The Book Club Hotel, Rewilding Jude, 30 day Self Care Challenge and more on Monday Musings.
MONDAY MUSINGS NO. 152
Good morning friends, happy New Year! I realize that technically the first day of 2025 was on Wednesday but today seems to be the day that everyone, including the kids are back at school and work. So today is the first day of 2025 work wise.
I do not know about you but I am easing into the year, savoring the cold days and using them as an excuse to be still, snuggle with my pups and to stay inside. My cosy warm house is a cocoon from the weather and the world outside my door, a place to hibernate until spring. I am doing a winter clear out, not Marie Condo style but a clear out none the less.
This week it is going to be cold, in the 20’s overnight for several days. Don’t get me wrong winter is my favorite season but if it is going to be cold and gray I would enjoy it a wee bit more with a few inches or feet of snow. There is something about a snow day even as an adult that seems special. Have you gotten any snow yet?
Unfortunately the only precipitation here will be rain. Oh well.
Ok, enough about me, tell me about your weekend and then let’s move on to 5 things!
1.READ~
Any book that features a book club, a library and a cozy weekend away is for me. This weekend I read
With its historic charm and picture-perfect library, the Maple Sugar Inn is considered theultimate vacation destination. But widowed far too young, and exhausted from juggling the hotel with being a dedicated single mom, Hattie Coleman dreams only of making it through each day.
When Erica, Claudia and Anna—lifelong friends who seem to have it all—check in for a girlfriends’ book club holiday, it changes everything. Their close friendship and shared love of books have carried them through life’s ups and downs. But Hattie can see they’re also packing some major emotional baggage, and nothing prepares her for how deeply her own story is about to become entwined in theirs.
In the span of a week, can these four women come together to improve each other’s lives and make this the start of a whole new chapter?
MORE BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
If you have already read these books or missed something I have featured before on the blog check out My Bookshop on Amazon.
2. WATCHED~Rewilding Jude
I recently discovered Rewinding Jude on Instagram. In 2024 Jude lost both of his parents, sold his house, closed his business and bought a 100 year old cottage in Scotland. His Youtube documents his new life as he rebuilds, renovates, gardens and homesteads.
3. LINKS: READ+WATCH+LISTEN
Did a 75-day TikTok challenge make me uglier on the inside?
How to Take the Perfect Weekend Nap
The surprising depths of the Real Housewives franchise
How Much Do Animals Think About Death?
The frozen housing market shows few signs of thawing as 2025 begins
Burned Out Parents Need Better Public Spaces
7 Proven Ways to Help The Planet in 2025
6 Good Reasons to Stop Proving Yourself to Everyone Else this Year
4. SHOPPING BREAK~OUTFIT OF THE DAY
Do you have a “uniform” that you turn to again and again? In the summer I am all about dresses but in the winter when it’s cold I want to be warm and cozy. My casual uniform is a pair of jeans, a sweater, sometimes with a t-shirt or button down underneath, and a pair of booties. If I am staying in I will wear comfy lounge pants in place of the jeans and slippers.
I spend more time in the winter picking out my coat and accessories. Of course if I can add a little plaid I do whether it be a coat or accessories.
What about you? What is your go to cozy, warm outfit?
5. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT THIS WEEK
After the last three months of holidays, parties and preparation instead of jumping into a New Year New You challenge why not try a 30 day self care challenge instead? Or if you like, in addition to whatever else you have planned this month.
THAT’S ALL FOR NOW
Have a great day friends, thank you for spending part of your day with me.
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On My Radar
The article about how animals view death was interesting. I read about the housing market because my oldest daughter is into buying and selling real estate. At home, I lounge around in comfy jogging pants and a T-shirt. My wardrobe is nothing fancy. How are they progressing on the remodel?
Happy New Year Brenda, I hope that you are enjoying your new kitties! They are so sweet.
The remodel is going very slow, with the holidays we lost 2 weeks. Oh well.
HAve a wonderful week my friend.