video: off the shelf – July 2019

What I read (and didn’t finish) in July.

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video: off the shelf – what I read in May

 

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video: The Four Tendencies

I became aware of Gretchen Rubin’s The Four Tendencies during the summer of 2018 and was fascinated by the idea that people respond to internal and external motivations in different ways. The Four Tendencies is not about changing your habits or personality, but about learning what drives you and how to work with people who respond differently to internal and/or external factors.

Gretchen Rubin offered a Four Tendencies course last fall and I was quick to sign up. I find the whole concept really interesting, and am looking into ways to apply the Tendencies in a work setting.

If you’re wondering, I’m an Upholder. My partner is a Questioner.

Have you heard of the Four Tendencies? If so, what are your thoughts? I’d love to know.

loves & latest: December 10, 2018

monday musings

Loves

Reads

The Phantom Tree by Nicola Cornick

I love a good time-slip and this book is the perfect blend of history, mystery, and romance. I had a serious book hangover after reading it, and can’t wait to read more by Nicola Cornick (she has a long history as a romance writer, but this is her second work of historical fiction). Her first historical novel, House of Shadows, is equally engaging.

Beauty

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Mood Exposure

I love blush. I love blush almost as much as I love lipstick  (and that’s saying a lot). Mood Exposure might just bump Benefit Dandelion from my holy grail makeup collection (not least of which, because Hourglass is cruelty free, whereas Benefit is not). It’s the perfect blend of color and highlight, and gives the right amount of glow to my cheeks. It makes me look fresh-faced and ready for the day every time I swipe it on.

I have the mini travel size and I can see it lasting for years, you don’t need much at all to get a good amount of color.

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off the shelf: writing fiction

Molly from Wrapped Up in Books recently asked about my favorite books on writing fiction… tada! I give you my top recommendations in pin form. I’ll be updating this collection as I discover new ones, so make sure to follow the board for updates!

But, of course, the best way to learn to write is simple to write. And read. Read all the things, and learn from them. Learn your craft by doing and find inspiration in what you love to read.

off the shelf: 5 books on health, wellness, and living

Once upon a time, I only read fiction; the thought of reading non-fiction or *GASP* “self-help” or wellness books was anathema to me. Then I grew up and started to care about things like health and well-being (happens), which led to books. Lots and lots of books (and websites too, obvs). I started by reading about food and nutrition, then I jumped onto lifestyle, mental health, organization, and so much more. I clearly found a new source of inspiration.

The following are some of the books that have most inspired and enlightened my understanding of health, wellness, and living in general.

 photo eatwild_zpsityvqk6h.jpgEating on the Wild Side by Jo Robinson

The first book I read on food and health. Easy to read, highly engaging, full of insight on how to eat for optimal antioxidant absorption. Also, provides a history of the foods we eat and how they have evolved with modern farming. I refer to this book more often than I can count.

 

 

 

 photo saltsugarfat_zps8ohynkkz.jpgSalt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us by Michael Moss

If you’re interested in the science of food, this is the book for you. Journalistic and engaging. Keeps you reading without being judgmental.

 

 

 

 

 photo chopra_zpsc9gavmle.jpgPerfect Health–Revised and Updated: The Complete Mind Body Guide by Deepak Chopra

I have an interest in alternative medicine and traditional foods, and was searching for an easy guide to Ayurveda. This definitely fits the bill. If you’re interested in a quick intro to Ayurveda and Ayurveda types, give this book a try.

 

 

 

 photo konmari_zps0u6appmy.jpgThe Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

I’ve talked about it herehere and here, but this book is just the holy grail of home life transformations.

 

 

 

 

 photo parisian_zpsji4pj5ha.jpgHow to Be Parisian Wherever You Are: Love, Style, and Bad Habits by Anne Berest, Audrey Diwan, Caroline De Maigret, Sophie Mas

A little fluffy, but I just live for French style. J’adore!