Monday, December 30, 2024

December 2024 Monthly Favorites

 How fast did this year go by? My goodness! 2024, you were a bit of a roller coaster ride but you ended well... thankfully! Anyways, this is the last 2024 monthly favorites- don't you fret I'm not discontinuing these! I know a lot of people enjoy reading these posts and I enjoy making them- so there is a bonus! 

December 2024, you were quite a month- it seemed a different type of energy was in the air- but you rounded out good! Here's the favorites I was into for this month! Thank you the readers for loving and liking and all of the above on these posts! If I didn't enjoy it, I wouldn't be doing it at all.

December 2024 Favorites Featured!

Favorite Music:


Favorite Coffee and / or Tea:

  • Wintry Blend Coffee from Trader Joe's: This coffee had a nice bite with the spices infused into it- red & green peppercorns, cinnamon, and either cloves or nutmeg. Smooth on the palate, too! Unfortunately, this was more of a holiday blend so I am unable to link it. Definitely next year add this to your coffee rotation (if you do coffee that is).

  • Cinnamon-Spiced Blend Coffee from Trader Joe's: This coffee had nice & warm notes (thanks to the cinnamon!) and was pleasant to drink for a flavored coffee (I'm not usually huge on flavored coffees but this one was a winner). Link- https://www.traderjoes.com/home/products/pdp/cinnamon-spiced-coffee-079201


Favorite Workout Videos:


Favorite Book(s) I've Read and / or listened to as an audiobook via Spotify:


Hope you enjoyed this month's favorites! See you next year for more fun posts!

-Lauren-




Sunday, December 29, 2024

My 2024 Book Wrap Up! | Ones I LOVED, Ones I Hated... & Ones I Liked!

 This post is for all of my fellow bookworms out there! I did read a lot this year- which I'm not ashamed to admit! Anyways, these are the books that got loved, hated and liked in 2024 (according to me that is). Hope you enjoy reading this (that was not meant to be a pun but rolling with it).


Books I loved this year:

  • Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera- finished on 3/18/2024- my March 2024 BOTM pick

  • Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen- finished on 4/12/2024

  • First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston- finished on 6/9/2024

  • The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger- picked up from my local library- finished on 6/19/2024

  • Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt- picked up from my local library- finished on 6/23/2024

  • Middle of the Night by Riley Sager- finished on 6/26/2024

  • Kill Joy (prequel to the first book: A Good Girl's Guide to Murder) by Holly Jackson- picked up from my local library- finished on 7/8/2024

  • The God of the Woods (my July 2024 BOTM pick) by Liz Moore- finished on 7/18/2024

  • People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry (picked as add-on in my July 2024 BOTM box)- finished on 7/22/2024

  • The Main Character: A Novel by Jaclyn Goldis- picked up from my local library- finished on 8/12/2024

  • The Wedding People by Alison Espach (my August 2024 BOTM pick)- finished on 8/20/2024

  • Summer Fridays: A Novel by Suzanne Rindell- finished on 8/24/2024

  • The Guest List by Lucy Foley (picked out from my local library)- finished on 9/21/2024

  • Lock Every Door by Riley Sager (picked this out from my local library)- finished this on 9/30/2024

  • The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak & Magic by Breanne Randall (picked out from my local library)- finished on 10/7/2024

  • Phantasma (Book 1 in the series) by Kaylie Smith- finished on 10/23/2024

  • Society of Lies by Lauren Ling Brown- finished on 11/3/2024

  • Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie (picked out from my library)- finished on 11/5/2024

  • PS I Hate You by Lauren Connolly (my November 2024 BOTM pick- early release read- available on 12/3/2024)- finished on 11/11/2024

  • We Solve Murders by Richard Osman (my November 2024 BOTM add-on)- finished on 11/23/2024

  • The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James (picked out from my local library)- finished on 11/28/2024

  • How to Solve Your Own Murder: A Novel (first book in the Castle Knoll series) by Kristen Perrin (picked out from my local library)- finished on 11/30/2024

  • The Family Game by Catherine Steadman (picked out from my local library)- finished on 12/16/2024

  • Definitely Better Now (debut novel- December 2024 BOTM pick) by Ava Robinson- finished on 12/20/2024

  • The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab (November 2024 BOTM add-on)- finished on 12/29/2024


Books I hated this year:

  • Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte- finished on 2/5/2024

  • The Astrology House by Carinn Jade- picked up from my local library- finished on 8/5/2024


Books I liked this year:

  • Interesting Facts About Space by Emily Austin- finished on 1/18/2024- January 2024 BOTM Pick

  • Ready or Not by Cara Bastone- finished on 2/22/2024- my February 2024 BOTM pick

  • Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez- finished on 4/29/2024- my April 2024 BOTM pick

  • Middletide by Sarah Crouch- finished on 5/20/2024- my May 2024 BOTM pick

  • Honey by Isabel Banta- my June 2024 BOTM pick- finished on 6/15/2024

  • You Like It Darker by Stephen King- picked up from my local library- finished on 7/7/2024

  • These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant- picked up from my local library- finished on 7/12/2024

  • The Summer Pact by Emily Giffin- finished on 7/26/2024

  • Home Is Where The Bodies Are by Jeneva Rose- picked up from my local library- finished on 7/28/2024

  • Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman (my September 2024 Book of the Month add-on pick)- finished on 9/13/2024

  • Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors (my September 2024 Book of the Month pick)- finished on 9/16/2024

  • Incidents Around The House by Josh Malerman (picked up from my local library)- finished on 9/22/2024

  • Spells for Forgetting by Adrienne Young (picked up from my local library)- finished on 9/24/2024

  • And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie (picked out from my local library)- finished on 10/3/2024

  • The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling (picked out from my local library)- finished on 10/11/2024

  • The Book of Witching (my October 2024 BOTM pick) by C.J. Cooke (available on 10/8/2024)- finished on 10/14/2024

  • The Kiss Curse by Erin Sterling (picked out from my local library- sequel to The Ex Hex)- finished on 10/18/2024

  • Final Girls by Riley Sager (picked out from my local library)- finished on 10/20/2024

  • The House at Watch Hill by Karen Marie Moning (first in the Watch Hill trilogy)- finished on 10/29/2024

  • The Vacancy in Room 10 by Seraphina Nova Glass (picked out from my local library)- finished on 11/1/2024

  • All The Dangerous Things by Stacy Willingham (picked out from my library)- finished on 11/9/2024

  • Juniper Bean Resorts to Murder: A Killer Romantic Comedy (book 1 in the series- got this from my local library) by Gracie Ruth Mitchell- finished on 11/18/2024

  • The Author's Guide to Murder by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, & Karen White- finished on 11/26/2024

  • Christmas at the Cupcake Cafe by Jenny Colgan (got this from my local library)- finished on 12/8/2024

  • The Wedding Witch by Erin Sterling (the third book in the Ex Hex + Kiss Curse series)- finished on 12/13/2024

  • The Mistletoe Mystery (book 3) by Nita Prose (picked out from my local library)- finished on 12/13/2024

  • The Maid (book 1) by Nita Prose (picked out from my local library)- finished on 12/22/2024

  • The Mystery Guest (book 2) by Nita Prose (picked out from my local library- finished on 12/25/2024


That's all for the 2024 book wrap up- any to add above to your own personal TBR (to be read)? Let me know!

See you awesome readers in the new year,

Lauren

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

2024 Favorites & Goals (featuring the 2025 goals too!)

How fast has this year gone by? Anyways, I'm going to share what were the BIG favorites of this year- ranging from music, books, coffee, Netflix films and body care. I will also go into my goals I focused on this year (the In's & Out's we've likely forgotten about), and self-reflect on that, too. Including my 2025 Goals so it can maybe give you some inspiration on what you may want to work on for the new year ahead.

My Favorite Music of 2024:

Made a playlist for all of the songs featured- here's the Spotify link- https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5NOx10fdnIAEyz7UguHuIF?si=d33c0db552f94f6e )

  • All My Untalented Friends (Ooh La La) by Games We Play

  • Landmines by Sum 41

  • Emergency Contact by Pierce the Veil

  • Anklebiters by Paramore

  • Fast in my Car by Paramore

  • One Eyed Bastard by Green Day

  • Bobby Sox by Green Day

  • Hey Mario by Bowling for Soup

  • Beautiful People (Stay High) by The Black Keys

  • On the Game by The Black Keys

  • Panoramic View by AWOLNATION

  • The Glass by Foo Fighters

  • Neon Pill by Cage the Elephant

  • Everybody Knows I'm High by SHAED

  • Cinderella by Remi Wolf

  • What You Make It by With Confidence

  • Got it Bad by Daisy Grenade

  • Good Day by Bombay Bicycle Club

  • Sad in Carolina by Dexter & the Moonrocks

  • 45 by the Gaslight Anthem

  • Kicks by Barns Courtney

  • Make it All Right by the Offspring

  • Liar (Truth Is) by Alison Eide

  • Hola Canada! by Pinhead Gunpowder

  • Honda Civic by Lauren Hibberd


My Favorite Coffee of 2024 (ones I would re-buy):

  • Peet's brand Off the Grid Coffee

  • Punk Bunny brand Soundcheck Coffee

  • Punk Bunny brand Last Ride In Coffee

  • Wintry Blend coffee from Trader Joe's


My Favorite Books of 2024 (ones I would re-read again- do add to your own reading list if you've not read any of these yourself):

  • First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

  • The Guest List by Lucy Foley

  • People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

  • The Wedding People by Alison Espach

  • Lock Every Door by Riley Sager

  • Middle of the Night by Riley Sager

  • Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

  • Society of Lies by Lauren Ling Brown

  • The Last Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger

  • We Solve Murders by Richard Osman

  • Summer Fridays by Suzanne Rindell

  • The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James


Favorite TV Show and / or Movie(s) I've Either Watched or Streamed in 2024:

  • Good Grief film on Netflix

  • Woman of the Hour film on Netflix


Favorite Body Care and / or Skincare product(s) of 2024:

  • Being Frenshe Palo Santo Sage Body Wash, Body Lotion/Cream, & Body Spray- this scent has become of my new favorites for a good reason! Can get this at your Target (online or in-store).


2024 In's & Out's- what can I do better for next year?:

In's:

  • Buying fresh flowers weekly.

  • Social media detoxes.

  • Moving after each meal.

  • Knee-Friendly / Low Impact workouts.

  • Yoga & Meditation.

  • Being more patient.

  • Reading more books.

  • Having 3-4 key habits to help me sleep well.

  • Making healthier snack choices.

  • Therapy.

  • Classic / Old Timey Books & Movies (anything in black & white film wise I love).


Out's:

  • Live plants.

  • Mindlessly Scrolling.

  • Sitting after each meal.

  • Heavy workouts that don't make my body feel great.

  • Impatience.

  • Staying up past 12- 12:30am.

  • Unhealthy snack choices.

  • Taking your problems out on others.

  • Watching / reading / streaming things that can trigger me in an unhealthy way.


Self-reflection portion here: There is a lot I felt I did good at (i.e.: social media detoxes, fresh flowers, reading- even the classic / old timey ones, knee-friendly / low impact workouts, etc) this year. But there are some things I wished I was a lot better about this year- staying up, taking out my problems on others, mindlessly scrolling, being impatient, etc. It always key to work on the most simple things like these items I listed. It just takes time to motivate yourself to do better at these things. Not to perfect / master them by any means. Taking the time does help! Definitely need to personally work on being patient part more next year that's for sure.


2025 Goals:

  • Getting back into kick-boxing / boxing workouts. I backed off these workouts due to my knee issues and I've been craving it again. Makes me feel confident anytime I do any kickboxing / boxing workouts! I will still continue to implement the more gentle / lower intensity forms of exercise (ie: Pilates, Walking, Dumbbell workouts, etc).

  • Stop drinking water late at night before bed. It's a terrible habit I got into years before and I want to listen to myself better about not drinking water late at night. Stop at a certain time really.

  • Develop an easy at home nighttime routine- sleep is something I do struggle with- not severely thankfully. Maybe reading more before bed in lieu of watching TV?

  • Continue to read more books. Try audiobooks out, too.

  • Do even more puzzles.

  • Implement hot or iced matcha's more often- especially on my very busy days when I need to slow down.

  • Continue to do more social media breaks- so soothing & helpful for anyone's mental health!

  • Opt for more plant-based / vegan meals for my health- high cholesterol runs in my family and having these meals more often may help with it!

  • Get back into bullet journaling- I used to do this in 2019- and I forgot how much I enjoyed it. Do monthly spreads however I like and do add a TBR (to be read) list to each month. Love to do a creative project whenever possible!

  • Listen to my body more often- when it really comes to needing to slow down and just rest.


That's all I have for this yearly favorites & goals post today! Let me know what you want to focus on next year and what you wanted to improve on for this year. Again, things take time! I will still continue these favorites post for next year because I know the awesome readers out there, like you for example, love to read them. See you in 2025! Have a great, healthy, and happy holiday season!

-Lauren-

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Christmas & Winter Starter Pack | December 2024

Well, well, well, it's time for me to share the seasonal post of all seasonal posts! The Christmas & Winter Starter Pack- I feature the films, books, coffees / teas, playlists & bath/body products for those that want to romanticize the season just a bit more than they like to admit! Anyways, these are all my personal recommendations and I hope you enjoy this post!

Some of my favorite Christmas films featured here.


 Christmas films/specials I enjoy:

  • Home Alone 1 + 2

  • Dr Seuss's How The Grinch Stole Christmas (specifically the Jim Carrey version)

  • The Polar Express

  • Miracle on 34th Street (specifically the 90s version not the original one)

  • Frosty the Snowman + Frosty Returns

  • Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

  • Noelle (Disney+ movie)

  • Write Before Christmas (Hallmark Movie)


Christmas-Inspired Books (some of these I've read, not read, would like to read, etc):

  • In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

  • Wreck the Halls by Tessa Bailey

  • The Twelve Saints of Christmas by Karen Baugh Menuhin

  • The Plight Before Christmas by Kate Stewart

  • The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore

  • One Day in December by Josie Silver

  • The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox

  • How my Neighbor Stole Christmas by Meghan Quinn

  • The Christmas Fix by Lucy Score

  • The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan

  • Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan

  • Christmas at the Cupcake Cafe by Jenny Colgan

  • Christmas at the Island Hotel by Jenny Colgan

  • The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley

  • Comfort & Joy by Kristin Hannah

  • The Christmas Jigsaw Murders by Alexandra Benedict

  • The Christmas Murder Game by Alexandra Benedict


Christmas Playlist(s) I enjoy listening to during the season:


Christmas-Inspired Coffees & Teas:

  • Peet's Dark Roast Ground Holiday Blend- Black Currant, Brown Sugar & Spiced Notes

  • Stumptown Coffee Roasters Evergreen Blend- Candied Citrus & Chocolate notes

  • Twinings Christmas Black Tea Blend

  • Twinings Peppermint Cheer Herbal Tea Blend

  • Trader Joe's Brand Candy Cane Decaf Green Tea


Christmas Seasonal Bath & Body Care Products:
  • Vanilla Bean Noel from Bath & Body Works- notes: fresh vanilla bean, warm caramel, & sugar cookies.
  • Twisted Peppermint from Bath & Body Works- notes: cool peppermint, sugared snow, fresh balsam, & Vanilla Buttercream.



Winter-Inspired Films:

  • Misery

  • The Shining (yes that classic thriller movie- set in Winter for a good chunk of the film as Jack Torrance is The Overlook's winter caretaker)

  • Murder on the Orient Express (2017 version)

  • The Pale Blue Eye (Netflix film)


Winter-Inspired Books (most of these I've not read, some of them I've read, some of them I'd like to read, etc)- ones with an * I've read before:

  • The Winter Mystery by Faith Martin

  • A Winter in New York by Josie Silver

  • Murder on The Orient Express by Agatha Christie *

  • Midwinter Murders by Agatha Christie

  • These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant *

  • The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz *

  • Misery (based off the iconic movie of the same name) by Stephen King

  • Winter's Garden by Kristin Hannah

  • The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn

  • The Wood at Midwinter by Susanna Clarke

  • Don't Let in the Cold by Keely Parrack


Winter Inspired Playlist(s):


Winter-Inspired Coffee(s) & Tea(s):

  • Yogi Tea Vanilla Peppermint Herbal Tea Blend

  • Twinings Winter Spice Herbal Tea Blend

  • Rise Up Coffee (local coffee shop in Maryland)- seasonal medium roast blend: “Winter Warmer”- notes of: sweet brown sugar & earthy Sumatra tones.

  • Trader Joe's “Wintry Blend” coffee- medium-dark roast coffee with notes of: green & red peppercorns, fresh cloves & sweet cinnamon


Winter-Inspired Bath & Body Care Products:

  • Winter Candy Apple from Bath & Body Works: notes- red apples, winter rose petals, candied oranges, maple leaf, and fresh cinnamon.
  • Snowflakes & Cashmere from Bath & Body Works: notes- vanilla cashmere cream, caramel woods & frosted clementine.

That is all for this super fun Christmas & Winter starter pack- I hope it gives you some inspiration for the upcoming season ahead!  We all could use slower days of where life can feel chaotic- so if you need that day take it as so!

Sending lots of love + colorful Christmas lights your way,

Lauren