Hello! We made it to Thursday! After three days of setting an alarm, I think I’m getting back on track and adjusted to school life.
Speaking of back on track, January is always a good time to get back on track, but I don’t want to make resolutions or lofty goals that end up making me feel like a failure.
I think it’s fun to find little “mini challenges” or short workout programs that I can kind of “chip away at” to make progress.
I shared in yesterday’s post that I like the Bodi widget that I’ve recently added to my phone to see my weekly workout progress. This only tracks when I do a Bodi workout, but it’s still been pretty motivating.
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I follow @followkristenfriend on Instagram…she’s a fun, sassy, elementary teacher who also has a “Healthy Teacher Tribe” channel on Instagram.
She shared this little challenge with a fun graphic to kick start going back to school. I love that it incorporates other things besides fitness.
That being said, I worked out 21 days in December, and I want to keep that progress going. I also want to get back to having some “quiet time” either with a devotional or the Headspace app. Of course, sleep and water are important too!
Here’s my progress so far this week:
(She shared on the channel that she realizes she needs to update the graphic to include the toggles for Friday. haha)
My mom got me a subscription to Headspace, and I’ve spent a few minutes most days with “mindful mediation.” I’d like to do this before the day starts, but realistically, I’ve had more time in the evening.
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Mallory (@mallory_fitzsimmons_) shared about the devotional she’s using this year, and I thought it would be a good way for me to set aside a few minutes every day to have some quiet time.
I have a couple of these tumblers, and they are definitely the way I get in my water intake. I typically drink at least two a day.
The Bodi workout I started in December is 25 Minute Speed Train. I’ve done other workouts by Joel Freeman, and this program is definitely the most like what I prefer for a workout. They are tough but efficient workouts. I appreciate that I can complete them in the comfort of my basement. haha
I still love my SSYS leggings, but these Hanes 7/8 length leggings that I purchased a couple of months ago have been my “go to” lately. They are buttery soft and stay put!
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I have a couple of these workout tops, and they are my preference. For me, I like the muscle cut style, and the length is perfect.
For Christmas, Trav and the kids got me new tennis shoes, per my request. I knew Trav would know what brand would be best, and Hadley picked out the pretty color way. I didn’t realize how much I needed a new pair of shoes for walking and workout.
With going back to school, it’s easy to just want to come home and relax…and I do!…but I also wanted to keep up the commitment I made in December and even regroup and prioritize other goals too.
Hello Wednesday! It’s already the middle of the week. I had a great day back to school with students yesterday, but your girl is Tired with a capital T!
It’s the first Wednesday of the month so I’m linking up with Amy as she has taken over the Currently reins.
The Currently topics are: loving, resolving, planning, eating/drinking, watching/reading…
I’m loving…
My Christmas gifts, including new tennis shoes (Trav suggested Brooks, and Hadley found the cute color way)…
….and Hadley and Trav apparently spent a bit of time in Sephora because I said I needed some perfume. Hadley chose these three:
Guccia Flora
Prada Paradoxe
Burberry Her
I also have these two scents from Dime, and I love them too.
I’m loving the glow of my remaining Christmas decor…but let’s call it “winter decor.” I like to keep these trees (and my skinny tree in the bedroom) up for a couple more weeks. I will say that the 60 degree temps don’t really make it feel like winter right now!
I’m resolving…
To keep up my workouts. I didn’t have the best October and November, so I recommitted myself in November to getting in at least four workouts a week and having 7500 steps every day. I’ve kept up with at least four workouts as well as the step count most days. I’m doing a Bodi program that I’m really liking, so that’s motivated me to keep moving. These workouts are around 25 minutes, so I’ve been doing that and then walking on my walking pad (or outside) for 15-20 minutes.
I also realized Bodi has a widget, and it’s been pretty motivating to see my workouts as the app tracks them.
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I’m also resolving to read 40 books again this year…
I’m also keeping my 2026 words in mind. These are the ones I drew from the pot on New Year’s Eve.
I’m planning…
We’re back on track with meal planning after a couple of weeks of winging it! Honestly, we didn’t eat many dinners out over break, but we just had more lazy “eat whatever you want/can find” dinners. My kids were requesting actual meals by the end of break. I guess I was a lazy mom when it came to cooking the past couple of weeks.
This meal plan/shopping list continues to be my fave. I’ve used this same one for years.
Also, Trav cooked a couple of meals over the weekend. It’s pretty rare that we don’t order dinner out on Friday/Saturday, so I appreciated his effort! haha
On Monday, I made thisEasy Salsa Verde Chicken on Monday, and everyone gave it a 10/10! Hadley said it was better than Chipolte! That’s definitely a compliment. I served it with rice and black beans, and I even took some for lunch yesterday.
I’m eating/drinking:
Well, I was eating “snack plates” for lunch over break which is my favorite.
I made chili last night even though it hasn’t been super cold outside. I’d like the temps to drop a bit, so I can really lean into soup and chili season.
Are you tired of me talking about iced coffee yet? haha
Truthfully, I’ve always drank iced coffee from Starbucks occasionally through the years, but recently, I’ve started having it in the morning (and then taking a cup of hot coffee to school in my travel mug)
I’ve tried Dunkin Donuts a few times recently too.
I do pat myself on the back because I do a great job of drinking at least two 40 oz tumblers every day. I never felt like I drank too much Diet Coke, but I’d say in the past couple of years, I drink far less…maybe one a week?…and I stick with water after my coffee.
I’m watching/reading…
Over break, I watched a lot of favorite holiday movies like Home Alone, A Christmas Story, and The Holiday.
After Christmas, I made sure to watch a few other fave movies of mine (that I tend to always watch over break)…
and…
I’m almost finished with season 2 of Nobody Wants This…
My mom suggested The Pitt, and I’ve watched a couple of episodes. It reminds me of when I loved watching ER.
I still love to watch Golden Girls, but Designing Women has been when I’ve turned to recently to watch before bed.
I’m readingThe Wedding People; I’m halfway through it, and I’m really enjoying it.
I just started Before Dorothy on my Kindle, and I can tell I’m going to love it!
I’m starting my 2026 reading off strong.
Yesterday, I read the UpFront magazine with my students. They had some good conversations about some of the articles. It was a good way to ease back into learning!
Well, I made it through my teacher work day, and now I’m ready to see my students! The routine will be good for all of us…at least that’s what I always tell myself.
It’s been a long time since I’ve shared a day in the life post, so I captured last Friday on one of my last days of break!
Homer woke me early, and unfortunately Trav was out of town, so I had to be the one to let him out! Truly, sleeping until almost 8:00 is amazing, but I felt like I was run down and fighting off a cold, so I did go back to bed once Homer came back in the house.
Around 9:00, I woke up again, and decided to try a few minutes on the Headspace app. My mom bought me a subscription for a year. “Five Mindful Minutes” sounds like a good way to start the day.
Out of bed at 9:15! What more could I ask for before having to resume setting an early alarm on Monday?
One habit I started in 2025 and will continue in 2026 is drinking water before coffee, so most mornings, I drink water and read a few favorite blogs.
When I got up to get my coffee, I realized if I was going to do Bloganuary, I probably needed to write down a few ideas. I’m a paper/pencil girl for blog planning content.
Then, it was breakfast and coffee time. I don’t usually eat breakfast, but I do on break. It’s almost like a nice little treat. I guess I should put up my festive icon glasses, but I’ve still been loving my iced coffee. Also, Hadley got a towel warmer for Christmas, and I used it to warm up my blankets last week. It’s the little things!
I watched the third hour of the Today show. The crew was “sending off” Sheinelle as she’s now going to co-host with Jenna. I got a little teary-eyed as Sheinelle has had a very difficult year losing her husband to cancer. She’s a sweet soul, and I’m sure this next step is a blessing for her and her family.
Of course, I played my daily Bejeweled Blitz.
Another day, and I completed my daily word search.
Then, it was time to get going with the day. My morning skincare:
…and of course I made the bed.
I got dressed for a couple of errands. These leggings and cardigan are my “go to” lately. *Peep* my new sneaks…I love them so much.
I stopped by Dunkin for a coffee (one last winter break treat!) before running errands.
I went to Target for a quick pickup…I’d ordered a few baskets for organization.
I listened to The Wedding People as I ran my errands. I’m also reading the book, but since the audio was also available, I’m doing both.
I went to Home Goods to look for a new paper towel holder, and got distracted by these canisters….which I did, in fact, purchase.
Then, I went to World Market (again!…I haven’t been there in years, and now I’ve gone a few times in the past month)…anyway, I was curious about their after season Christmas items…
Again, I was distracted — how cute are these crocks and baking sheet pans?
…and these little croissant and farfalle plates?!
Well, I showed restraint and only left with a new pillow that was marked down 60%.
Then, I went to Micheal’s because I needed a couple of frames. Two years ago, Trav gave me pics of the kids, but one of the frames cracked, and I wanted something bigger. This is the same frame I have in the bathroom, so I picked up two more.
Then, my afternoon took an unexpected turn. As I was driving to Michael’s, it sounded like I had a flat tire. I pulled over and checked it out, but nothing stood out. After Michael’s, I drove home a way that I knew passed a tire store if needed, and I did keep hearing the noise. So, I stopped in and the nice guy looked at my tires, and immediately saw a huge screw on the inside. So, I spent about 45 minutes at the tire store while they patched my tire.
I’d like to blame one of the teen drivers in my house, but I guess I must have run over something during one of my errands?! Thankfully, it was an inexpensive fix.
Then, once home, I did laundry…
…and put the pics in frames.
Finally, I ate lunch at 3:00. I was hungry!
Homer joined me! haha
He’s the biggest beggar, and honestly, he’s hard to say no to!
Then, it was rest time…and I read for a bit.
Finally, I gathered all the Christmas decor. This was the main thing I wanted to accomplish on Friday, and I was dragging my feet about it! I’m glad I rallied to gather up everything.
I sat and worked on my ornament for a bit until Trav and Hayden were ready to leave…
…for a basketball game.
We were there most of the evening, and I finally had dinner…leftover Chipolte at 8:30…and the Nutcrackers were my company this time!
Then, I showered and did my evening skincare.
I watched a couple of episodes of Nobody Wants This….
…while enjoying a “hold the cone” from Trader Joe’s. I never feel guilty about this little treat. haha
Hadley was at a movie, but once she got home at 11, I headed to bed.
Goodnight!
The only thing I didn’t accomplish on Friday was getting a workout in, but I feel like I made the most of my last day off.
Did you hear that? It’s the sound of my alarm going off…and back to reality. All good things must come to an end!
Did you catch post weekend posts? (I kicked off “Bloganuary” by sharing posts on Saturday and Sunday)
It’s the first Monday of the month, so I’m sharing some of my recent Amazon purchases.
This is a bit of a “super-sized” post since I bought a few gifts on Amazon, and a few were purchased in November.
Gifts:
As I shared in yesterday’s post, my family members usually end up with one pretty practical gift from me, and I got Trav this hat organizer. This set of two is stackable, but he is using one, and I’m now using the other one!
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Hayden usually just throws his golf shoes in the car when we go out of town, and I thought this bag would be the perfect solution. Besides holding the shoes, there are spots to hold golf balls and golf tees too.
On Hadley’s wish list was a sunrise alarm clock. The original one she asked for didn’t have a sound machine, so we returned it for this option. So far, it’s Hadley approved, but the true test will come tomorrow when she can use the sunrise feature to wake up at 6:45!!
Hadley has limited storage for her curling iron, beach waver, straightener, etc, so I got her this travel bag for her to use to hold the items she’s not using, but she can also use it for travel.
I put this pack of solid cologne in Hayden’s stocking. I thought it would be a good way to introduce him to cologne without him spraying too much! haha
All four smell really good!
I’ve seen these tissue tubes for the car, so I gave one to my Grandma. I plan on getting one for the kids when they get a car too.
Hadley:
Hadley was looking for an outfit to wear for Christmas Eve service. While she does have lots of clothes, most of them are leggings, sweatshirts, and summer dresses.
As I’ve shared previously, I found this ornament kit at World Market. There are six patterns, but three ornaments. I found the same kit on Amazon, so I can complete the other three patterns. I only have one more to go. These have been so fun to do.
I enjoyed doing the daily word search last year. Trav and the kids found me the 2025 daily word search at a local bookstore. That same bookstore didn’t seem to have one for 2026, so I purchased this one. I’m off to a good start with it!
I got this cardigan in red last December, and I wore it quite a bit. I knew I’d wear a more neutral color even more, so I purchased it again in the “camel” color. I’ve already worn it so much in the past month to school and even with leggings after a workout or to run errands. I sized down one and it’s the perfect over-sized fit without being too baggy.
Refresh:
I gave up years ago having nicer pillows on our living room couch. Homer hops of there, so I found that having washable slipcover pillows is the way to go. I wash them occasionally, but I also like to replace them about once a year. For under $10, I figure that’s a pretty good deal.
I had a few things to wash, including my nylon crossbody purse, so I picked up a pack of mesh laundry bags to use. They worked out perfectly for washing my purse.
Restock:
I still like using this half-caff coffee and typically order a bag once a month. I use decaf pods too, but this does the trick for my morning pot of coffee that I make for Trav and me.
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Well, it’s time to head back to work…and I’ve told myself that I could wait until Monday to regroup on all the things…so it’s time to pay the piper!
{This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Thanks for supporting my blog.}
Well, today is the last day of winter break, and overall, I can say it’s been a good one. We had a good Christmas, we had some down time, and I did spend a good chunk of time getting our house somewhat in order.
The Christmas tree and decorations finally got put up yesterday. Since I did spend a bit of time purging and organizing, today I’m sharing a few organizational things that my family utilizes.
Starting off strong with something very cute. I saw these little scallop trays on a Mark and Graham ad back in November, and I thought one would be perfect for Hadley.
When she opened it on Christmas morning, she said, “how cute!” …and it is. She tends to collect things on her bedside table, so I thought this would be a good spot for her to put her bracelets, car keys (one day…still looking for a used car!), and other odds and ends.
Also, since her vanity only has one drawer, she tends to have her hair tools everywhere (which drives me crazy). I got her this hair tools travel bag, so she can keep her hair tools in it that she’s not using, but she can also use it for travel. It’s a win/win! This bag was one of her Christmas gifts, and I put some new makeup brushes in it which was something that she needed too.
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When we went to KC for Thanksgiving, Hayden just threw his golf shoes in the car, and when I saw this on Amazon, I thought it would be a good way for him to store his shoes and transport them when needed. There are pockets for golf balls and tees too.
Two years ago, I got Trav this trunk organizer for his car, and he’s gotten such good use out of it.
This year, I got him this hat organizer for one of this presents (who says love is dead?!)…honestly though, every year, I get him some kind of “practical/organizational” gift, and he appreciates it. Anyway, this is a set of two, and they stack on each other. He ended up using one, and I used the other for my hats.
I’ve had the same pillow storage bags for years, and one of the zippers broke, so I bought a set of these moving/storage bags, and they are perfect. I like that they are longer and the handles make for easy transporting.
One other area I tidied over break was my bathroom closet, vanity drawers, and skincare. I’ve had this skincare/makeup organizer for a couple of years, and I re-organized it and prioritized it with products I use daily.
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We’re still using these little clear (plastic) jars in our bathrooms to hold Q-tips, cotton balls and shower steamers.
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We have a few of these medium size Bright room baskets from Target, and I picked up a couple more this weekend. They are perfect for under the sink in the kitchen, holding papers in our office cabinet, storage for Homer’s dog food and treats and more. I have a couple of large ones in my hall closet that hold my off season sweaters. Target has a small size too.
For me, the purging and organizing can sometimes feel overwhelming since it’s a “it has to get messy before it gets better” situation, but once things are put in their place, my type A brain can relax.
My first Saturday of posting in quite some time…but I’m going to try to post as many days as possible in January.
I saw this meme…
…which made me LOL!…but also inspired me to keep up with my blogging goal.
January has always been a favorite month of mine. It’s a fresh start and typically a much slower pace than November and December. To me, January is like exhaling on the deep breath I’ve been holding over the past couple of months.
How cute is this graphic? So cute and cozy.
In January, we have a bit more downtime, the house is reset back to normal, it’s my birthday month, and typically we have some chances for snow days!
This graphic is what I’m talking about:
This one is so cute too:
A few of my favorite points:
Starting a new hobby: You all–it might sound silly, but I’ve really enjoyed cross stitching these little ornaments over the past couple of weeks. I remember my mom cross stitching, and I would do little projects as a kid. It’s been a nice relaxing release.
First page of the 2026 calendar- It’s always hard going back to school after a couple of weeks off, but I do actually look forward to Monday, which is a teacher work day, to reset my classroom and turn the page on my desk calendar.
Lazy days, reading, tv- I’ve actually had a bit of those things over the past week, once Christmas was over…and I hope to continue those things in January and February.
Home decor refresh – Once all the Christmas decor is put up, it’s nice to get the “regular” decor back out and situation. That being said, we’ve lived in this house ten years, and I’m kind of “itching” to refresh a few things. I went to Home Goods yesterday and purchased a new paper towel holder and canisters for the kitchen. I also purchased new pillow covers for the couch…because Homer likes to put his head on a pillow, I tend to wash, but then refresh those slip covers a couple times a year. I honestly want to rearrange a few things too if it makes sense to do so…we’ll see.
Self-care: I will continue my monthly facials and my basement workouts. I enjoy walking and want to commit to going on walks during warmer weather days in December. I also want to try a few new workout classes, and my mom gave me a subscription to Headspace, and I will try to incorporate that into my daily routine.
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I enjoy following @parentingteensandtweens on Instagram, and I thought this was a good reminder for my teens:
I was lucky to get a “like” in the family group text, but maybe, just maybe, they read it!
Well, all good things must come to an end…or so they say!
Of course, I still have the weekend left, but it’s hard to believe that our two week break is almost over.
I’m linking up with Andrea for the first Friday Favorites of 2026.
I’ve shared some recent tid bits (Christmas Recap post), but today I’m sharing some of the “smaller” favorites of break.
I had time for a few appointments, and it was nice to go during the day rather than after school. I’d missed my monthly facial in November, so I was happy to have this appointment scheduled on the first Monday of break.
I love the Reformer Pilates classes I take in the summer, but unfortunately, the class times don’t work for me during the school year. I was able to go to one class over break which I really enjoyed.
I also decided to try something new…Solid Core. I’d love to find classes that I can take one evening a week to break up my workouts, so I thought I’d try one of these classes. Thankfully, they had an intro class this past Tuesday, and I hung in there…but I’m still sore! haha
I definitely think I will try more classes in the future.
I got a few lovely Christmas gifts, but I think the best thing I received was a new pair of tennis shoes. Travis took Hadley and she picked out these Brooks tennis shoes, and the second I put them on my feet, I didn’t want to take them off. I said, “I feel like they are giving my feet a hug!” I guess I didn’t realize how worn out my other pair had become.
Also, these were a surprise in the sense that I asked for shoes, but I assumed I’d get a gift card…they did a great job picking these out, and I appreciate that they checked my other shoes to know I size up a half a size in tennis shoes.
I’ve put these to good use going on walks and with workouts.
I had lots of time to read, and I finished a book and then I started this one that my mom gave me.
Y’all, I’ve purged most corners of this house! I typically do this in December and June, and it’s felt so good to get rid of things and get organized. On the years we stay home for Christmas, I tend to have more time to purge a little more.
My spice cabinet is looking great…
….as is the office cabinet.
When I was in the basement tidying up, I even organized some of our books by color.
I’ve watched some of my favorite movies. I watched Home Alone with Hayden on Christmas day…
…and You’ve Got Mail with Hadley this week.
I shared that I picked up a pack of three cross stitch ornaments at World Market, and it’s been so fun to complete these mini projects. I found the set on Amazon too, so I placed an order, so I could complete the other three patterns. So far, I’ve stitched four of the six patterns.
The day after Christmas, I ran a few errands, and I tried Dunkin Donut coffee for the first time…yes, you read that correctly! haha
I’ve never had Dunkin coffee. I ordered one of their festive holiday drinks that is probably too many calories, but I loved it. Next time, I will try something more simple.
We baked Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle cookies before Christmas…
…and Peanut Butter Blossoms for NYE!
I’ve loved having “snack plates” for lunch.
We’ve had lots of Homer time!
…which included snuggles on the couch while I sipped my coffee and eased into the days. I will definitely miss waking up without an alarm!
I finished my daily 2025 word search (I love this gift from Trav and the kids last Christmas)
…and I started 2026 completing the first one in my new calendar. (The bookstore where they got mine last year didn’t have one, so I ordered this one…it’s not the same, but it will do!)
I always look back on these stretches of time off and wish I’d done more or accomplished a few more tasks on the list, but I guess it’s also time for rest as we gear up for going back to school. Overall, I’d say it’s been a pretty good break.
Favorite Mom Meme:
It’s going to hurt, but it’s time for these kids to get back to school…haha
How was your New Year’s Eve? We hung out with friends and actually stayed up until midnight, but overall, it was a low-key evening.
A few years ago, I participated in “Bloganuary” that WordPress hosted with topics every day. While I don’t think they host this anymore, I think I might challenge myself to blog every day in January. What I remember liking about Bloganuary is it was an opportunity to write about topics big and small. Sometimes, last year I felt like I had “writer’s block,” and I’d like to start the year strong.
I plan on sharing my regular content, but I hope to sprinkle in some random topics even if it provides for a short post. Now, once I get back to school, we’ll see if I can keep this up, but I’m going to try.
Last night, we had more of an informal New Year’s Eve. I’ve shared in the past that a few friends, who all live within a few houses of each other, started a progressive dinner years ago. Well, they expanded the invite to a few other couples, including us, a couple of years ago, and that’s been lots of fun.
This year, they/we decided to scale back and just host at one house an informal game night with pizza for people to come and go as they please.
We had lots of fun watching football, playing a few games, enjoying apps and pizza and just letting the kids come and go as well.
One thing that didn’t change was that one friend still organized the “words of the year” that we pull from a pretty jar. After we draw our words, we all go around and share them.
Here are my words for 2026:
Boundaries: I think I’m pretty good at setting boundaries…I feel like this is something that’s easier to do as we get older. If a situation or relationship isn’t serving me, I’m ok with saying no or letting that go.
Encourage:One thing about me is that I’m a pretty loyal person, and I think I do a good job encouraging my people. I’m in the “thick” of raising two teens, and I’m going to keep encouraging them through the ups and downs of life…and honestly, I’m going to keep encouraging myself to do things for myself and give myself grace.
Celebrate: Low-key celebrating, ok? I’m too old for much more than that. haha (That being said, my birthday is a couple of weeks away, and I’ve already started receiving birthday emails from my school district and places like Ulta, etc…I ‘ve got birthday coupons to spend, apparently!)
I always keep the three words in my bedside table every year, and it’s fun to look back on them and reflect on the year.
Hello and happy New Year’s Eve! Where oh where did this year go?!
Today, I’m taking a look back on 2025!
This year, I started “Monthly Moments” at the end of each month which I plan on continuing in 2026. I loved those little monthly snapshots, so I’m linking those in this post too.
January started off with lots of snow….we didn’t go back to school from winter break until January 16! We also celebrated my birthday in January. I appreciated the family time!
We finished the hall bathroom update, celebrated Mother’s Day, both kids got their driving permits, we had the last day of school, and Hadley ran in the state track meet.
Some highlights from June include pool time, our niece’s wedding in Louisville, going to KC, Trav and I celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary as well as Father’s Day.
In July, Hadley headed to camp, and we celebrated the 4th of July. Trav and I traveled to Michigan for a few days, and we went to our nephew’s wedding in Louisville.
September was a somewhat “simple” month focused around school and activities. I even squeaked in a couple more pool days, but also decorated for fall towards the end of the month. School pictures were in for sophomore year, and my dad came to visit.
We ended September kicking off fall break in Florida.
…and we’ve been spending the last few days of the year/break at home getting organized, watching movies, hanging with friends and more.
I love looking back on a year before ushering in a new one, and there was a lot to be thankful for this year. That being said, 2025 was pretty difficult as well…and I’m ready for a better 2026. I’m wishing the same for all of you too.
I’m already starting to panic…this week needs to slow down.
That being said, today, I’m sharing one of my favorite posts that I write every year…
I had a pretty good year of reading and my love for audiobooks grew, giving me a few more opportunities to complete books.
December Books:
December reading is always festive and fun..
This month I read:
{As always, book summaries are from Goodreads…}
Blue Christmas:
Summary:
The popular Mary Kay Andrews delivers a tasty holiday treat as she brings back the winning characters from Savannah Blues and Savannah Breeze for a little Southern cheer.
It’s the week before Christmas, and antiques dealer Weezie Foley is in a frenzy to do up her shop for the Savannah historical district window decorating contest–which she intends to win. She throws herself into putting up a Graceland/Blue Christmas motif, with lots of tinsel, an aluminum tree, and all kinds of tacky retro stuff. The project takes up so much time that Weezie is ready to shoot herself with her glue gun by the time she’s done, but the results are stunning. She’s sure she’s one–upped the owners of the trendy shop around the corner. But suddenly, things go missing from Weezie’s display, and there seems to be a mysterious midnight visitor to her shop. Still, Weezie has high hopes for the holiday–maybe in the form of an engagement ring from her chef boyfriend. But Daniel, always moody at the holidays, seems more distant than usual. Throw in Weezie’s decidedly odd family, a 1950s Christmas tree pin, and even a little help from the King himself, and maybe there will be a pocketful of miracles for Weezie this Christmas Eve.
Quick Thoughts:
I listened to this one, and I really liked the narrator. I didn’t realize this was a series until after I finished listening. Anyway, this was a quick read with lots of festivity and a bit of mystery. Now, I want to read the other books in the series.
Rating:
Christmas with the Queen:
Summary:
December 1952. While the young Queen Elizabeth II finds her feet as the new monarch, she must also find the right words to continue in the tradition of her late father and grandfather’s beloved Christmas Day radio broadcast. But even traditions must move with the times, and the Queen faces a postwar Britain hungry for change.
As preparations begin for the royal Christmas at Sandringham House in Norfolk, two old friends—Jack Devereux and Olive Carter—find themselves reunited for the festivities. A single mother, typist at the BBC, and aspiring reporter, Olive leaps at the opportunity to cover the holiday celebration, despite self-doubts. When a chance encounter with the Queen presents an exciting opportunity, Olive begins to believe her luck might change.
Jack, a grief-stricken widowed chef originally from New Orleans, accepts a last-minute chance to cook in the royal kitchens at Sandringham. When he bumps into a long-lost friend, an old spark is reignited.
Despite personal and professional heartache, Jack and Olive’s paths continue to cross over the following five Christmas seasons and they find themselves growing ever closer. Yet Olive carries the burden of a heavy secret.
Christmas Day, December 1957. As the nation eagerly awaits the Queen’s first televised Christmas speech, Olive decides to reveal the shocking truth of her secret, which threatens to tear her and Jack apart forever. Unless Christmas has one last gift to deliver…
Quick Thoughts:
As you know, I love reading historical fiction, and that genre including the Queen and Christmastime, well, I’m hooked!
I loved every page of this book. Goodreads says, “Tis the season! The Crown meets When Harry Met Sally and Bridget Jones’s Diary, in the latest heartwarming historical novel from Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb…”
…and that’s a perfect little description. While, I love the royalty piece, the Queen actually wasn’t a main character at all, but she was still a key element to the story.
Rating:
A Seagrove Christmas:
Summary:
It’s time for Christmas in Seagrove!
Are you ready to catch up with your favorite characters on the tiny lowcountry island of Seagrove, SC?
When we last left off, there was a big wedding and an addition to the family. But, what happens when a new resident moves to town and shakes things up?
And what will everyone do when a familiar face shows up and creates chaos during the holidays?
Quick Thoughts:
This book was just ok…I found it because I was searching for audiobooks in the Libby app. I didn’t love the narrator, but since it was a quick read, I stuck with it.
There was a little twist at the end and that was about the only saving grace!
Rating:
Secret Christmas Library:
Summary:
Mirren Sutherland stumbled into a career as an antiquarian book hunter after finding a priceless antique book in her great aunt’s attic. Now, as Christmas approaches, she’s been hired by Jamie McPherson, the surprisingly young and handsome laird of a Highland clan whose ancestral holdings include a vast crumbling castle. Family lore suggests that the McPherson family’s collection includes a rare book so valuable that it could save the entire estate—if they only knew where it was. Jamie needs Mirren to help him track down this treasure, which he believes is hidden in his own home.
But on the train to the Highlands, Mirren runs into rival book hunter Theo Palliser, and instantly knows that it’s not a chance meeting. She’s all too familiar with Theo’s good looks and smooth talk, and his uncanny ability to appear whenever there’s a treasure that needs locating.
Almost as soon as Mirren and Theo arrive at the castle, a deep snow blankets the Highlands, cutting off the outside world. Stuck inside, the three of them plot their search as the wind whistles outside. Mirren knows that Jamie’s grandfather, the castle’s most recent laird, had been a book collector, a hoarder, and a great lover of treasure hunts. Now they must unpuzzle his clues, discovering the secrets of the house—forming and breaking alliances in a race against time.
Quick Thoughts:
I enjoyed this book! It was not very Christmasy, but I liked all the characters, and thought they were a fun crew. There was mystery and romance. At times, I felt like I was reading the Scottish version of The Goonies. That being said, I don’t really think the title applies to the plot…and even at the end, I went back and re-read the first few chapters thinking I missed something.
If you’ve read this book, let me know your thoughts! I must have been reading too quickly.
Rating:
Recap of 2025 books:
As with past years, I had a goal of reading 40 books, and I guess I fell one short of that goal…although Goodreads thinks otherwise.
Goodreads has me all kinds of confused. After I read my 40th book, I got the congratulations message…
But then some stats on the app, said I read 38 books. Maybe everything wasn’t synced up after I read my last books…that being said, when I counted my books on this post, there are 39… and the photos in the app, it appears I read 38 books. I do think I read one in January that I started last December. This is making my “type A” self crazy…haha …but no matter what, I was able to read more books than last year (35), and it was a better year of reading, for sure.
I did check the app and it seems a couple of books were counted twice, which I’m just now realizing. Anyway…
Here are the 39 that I books I read in 2025…
When looking at this list, there were a few books I didn’t even remember that I read this year! Also, as you probably know, historical fiction is my fave, so I have quite a few books in that genre. I also really like suspense/mystery, but apparently I didn’t read as many of those this year. I’d love some book recommendations for that genre…maybe I can branch out in 2026.
I love seeing the Goodreads stats on the app…
39 books read
12,837 pages read
The shortest book I read was Blue Christmas with 194 pages
The longest book I read was Lilac Girls with 497 pages
Average book length in 2025 was 337 pages.
…then I also received an email with a few more facts…including this graphic which isn’t really accurate because, for example, I read four books in January and December…not three!
Over 12,000 pages read — which means I read enough pages to go up, down, and all around the Eiffel Tower, with pages to spare.
My top genres for 2025 were: romance, memoir & biography, and historical fiction
I finished five of the most read books on Goodreads this year: The Academy, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, One Golden Summer, From Here to the Great Unknown, and The Night We Lost Him.
I (supposedly) completed my 40 book reading goal.
I read in lots of places this year:
Book trackers:
I also continued making book trackers this year which were fun to share on Instagram. (They are saved in monthly highlights on my Insta)
Before I share my five fave books from 2025, these deserve honorable mention:
In the order that I read them:
Lilac Girls
From here to the Great Unknown
A Happier Life
All the Summers in Between
Top Five Books in 2025:
Here are my top 5 reads in 2025:
The Underground Library:
I loved that the story was told from the perspective of three different women…and I had some fave quotes that stuck with me too.
Confessions of a Grammar Queen:
I read this book thanks to Sarah’s recommendation…and it was great!
Let’s Call Her Barbie:
I can thank Sarah for this one as well…and it was another audiobook that I listened to this year. I think I would have loved it anyway, but I really enjoyed the narrator as well as the mix of historical fiction, romance, and girl power.
Christmas with the Queen:
Typically when I read holiday books in December, I’m not expecting one of the books to be a top contender, but this one was such a favorite of mine.
Horse:
Why did I wait so long to read this book? My Gma recommended it a couple of years ago, and I finally got to reading it in November. It has a little bit of everything, and I loved it so much. Gma knows best!
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