Currently {Spring 2021}

Currently {Spring 2021}

Jun 11, 2021

I first shared my own version of this post last year, and I decided it was time for an update! As I mentioned before, thanks to Lauren from Bookmark Lit for the inspiration for this type of post. I've seen lot of variations on it, but hers inspired me to finally do one of my own. So, here's what my life looks like lately:

ALL THE BOOKS

Currently reading: While sampling The Library of the Dead by T.L. Huchu at the bookstore, I couldn't put it down. I'm not very far in but am thoroughly enjoying it so far, even though it's not something I'd typically read. 

Currently audiobook-ing: I'm listening to Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price – a fun twist on my favorite book. I love retellings, and this one turns it into YA murder mystery. I'm halfway through and loving the creativity!

Currently recommending: Mhairi McFarlane is a favorite author and her latest release, Just Last Night, is fantastic. A debut that I can't stop raving about is Olympus, Texas by Stacey Swann. I loved the ties to mythology. 

Currently on hold at the library: I'm looking forward to trying A Peculiar Combination by Ashley Weaver and Anne of Manhattan by Brina Starler. Two books I'm interested in but wasn't ready to commit to yet.

Currently pre-ordered: I know almost nothing about it, but I can't wait to read The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton. The cover! The summary! It all sounds so delightful to me.

Currently in my cart: I'm currently eyeing A Pho Love Story by Loan Le and Home Made by Liz Hauck, two (very different) books involving food. Will I add them to my shelves? Probably, let's be honest.

Currently adding to my TBR: My June Book of the Month pick just arrived this week – Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon. Let's not talk about everything I ordered from Book Outlet in a moment of weakness.

Currently NetGalley-ing: I adore Berkley for approving me for The Devil and the Heiress by Harper St. George. I loved the first book! I'm excited for Ghosts by Dolly Alderton, especially after reading her memoir.

ALL THE THINGS

Currently listening: New albums from Olivia Rodrigo and Mat Kearney, plus From the Front Porch podcast.

Currently watching: Not much. Just re-watching New Girl and catching up on this season of Grey's Anatomy. 

Currently eating: TOSTITOS Hint of Guacamole chips, which are unbelievably addicting.

Currently drinking: Chick-fil-a's sweet tea + lemonade, which they call Sunjoy. It's an Arnold Palmer to me. 

Currently wearing: These pajama shorts around the house, and I bought this cute swimsuit for pool days.

Currently bookmarking: I found Stuck in the Stacks through a Book of the Month group, I think, and I look forward her monthly BOTM prediction posts (an example). They always put new releases on my radar!

Currently coveting: This Apple watch band, but the price is making me hesitate. Should I do it?!

Currently obsessing over: My screened-in porch, which I deep cleaned after my mom got new bedding + pillows!

ALL THE EMOTIONS

Currently celebrating: In May, we celebrated our big boy turning five and finishing this year of preschool! Now, Father's Day is coming up, along with summer family adventures and our 10th wedding anniversary. 

Currently loving: My (almost) weekly Barnes & Noble dates with my sister, usually on New Release Tuesday. 

Currently looking forward to: Spending time in the mountains this summer with my favorite people.

Currently procrastinating: Everything? I haven't worked on our family yearbooks, which is the biggest one. 

Currently accomplishing: I've slacked on my goals recently, but I've loved checking items off our family bucket list.

Currently researching: My favorite used bookstore closed unexpectedly, and I've tried to find out if it's relocating or permanent. I think the latter, which makes me so sad. There are other locations in Georgia, but none nearby.

Currently thinking about: All the things I keep procrastinating? Additionally, whether or not I want to continue blogging. This December marks 10 years, and the milestone is making me evaluate the future of this space. 

Currently feeling: Hopeful! Life is looking a lot more normal here in Georgia, and it's made me so happy.

What's Currently going on in your life?

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Currently {Winter 2021}

Currently {Winter 2021}

Feb 26, 2021

I first shared my own version of this post last year, and I decided it was time for an update! As I mentioned before, thanks to Lauren from Bookmark Lit for the inspiration for this type of post. I've seen lot of variations on it, but hers inspired me to finally do one of my own. So, here's what my life looks like lately:

ALL THE BOOKS

Currently reading: I haven't picked up a physical book in a week, but my plan is to read Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano next. If I keep repeating it, do you think my brain will finally make it happen? 

Currently audiobook-ing: I just finished re-reading A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas on audio, and I'm so excited to listen to Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore since it just became available for me at the library.

Currently recommending: Aside from the newest Sarah J. Maas, I adored Lauren Fox's Send for Me. I hadn't heard much about it before release, and it was my first five-star read of 2021. The writing was gorgeous!

Currently on hold at the library: After loving her work on Instagram, I requested All Along You Were Blooming by Morgan Harper Nichols. It's ready for me! I'm also waiting for The Kitchen Front by Jennifer Ryan, a new release.

Currently pre-ordered: There are lot of books I could list, but next week I'll have Good Girl, Bad Blood by Holly Jackson, An Unexpected Peril by Deanna Raybourn, and Chain of Iron by Cassandra Clare in my hands.

Currently in my cart: Nothing, shockingly. 

Currently adding to my TBR: My most recent purchase was Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason, which I wanted to read after seeing Annie B. Jones' rave review. I have soft spot for Australian authors, so I'm looking forward to it.

Currently NetGalley-ing: I was thrilled to get The Invisible Husband of Frick Island by Colleen Oakley for review.

ALL THE THINGS

Currently listening: Podcasts have been a go-to lately, and I've recently added 10 Things to Tell You to my queue.

Currently watching: I haven't been watching much lately, though I did have a movie night when To All the Boys: Always & Forever came out on Netflix. And I'll probably try to catch up on this season of This is Us soon. 

Currently eating: My mom's home cooking! It's one of the best thing about spending a week with my parents.

Currently drinking: My sister got me hooked on tea! Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Sunset is a favorite.

Currently wearing: I bought Madewell's Medium Transport Tote: Woven Leather Edition in a beautiful green that's now sold out. I broke my no-spend challenge for it, but I couldn't resist the sale + additional 20% off. 

Currently bookmarking: I loved this post about children and the passing of time on Em for Marvelous. And my favorite newsletters to slowly savor are from Emily P. Freeman, Kendra Adachi, and Annie B. Jones.

Currently coveting: These jeans, which are currently backordered until the end of May in their Taller sizes. Ugh.

Currently obsessing over: Olive & June's nail polish and manicure system. It's my new Saturday ritual. I've loved every color I've tried and just bought three from their spring collection, even though I wanted all six.

ALL THE EMOTIONS

Currently celebrating: All the birthdays! Mine was the 1st, Kelly and my baby on the 7th, and Nick on the 29th.

Currently loving: Nick had to travel recently for work, so the boys and I came to stay with my parents. It was so fun to spend a week with them, and I was so thankful for all the help + the break from cooking! 

Currently looking forward to: Kelly is coming to visit this spring, and I cannot contain my excitement! I miss her.

Currently procrastinating: My meal planning goal. I have to remind myself to just start! Small progress adds up.

Currently accomplishing: I'm down to one Diet Coke per day and am walking 3x per week. Both are huge for me!

Currently researching: The Book of the Month picks for March so I can decide what I'll order.

Currently thinking about: Making our family yearbook(s). It's one of my 2021 goals, and I just finished watching Miss Freddy's course about it. Now I'm loosely scheduling the next steps to get the first album done.

Currently feeling: Tired. Who isn't, right? 

What's Currently going on in your life?

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Currently {May 2020}

Currently {May 2020}

May 29, 2020

I first shared my own version of this post back in February, and I decided it was time for an update! As I mentioned before, thanks to Lauren from Bookmark Lit for the inspiration for this type of post. I've seen lot of variations on it, but hers inspired me to finally do one of my own. So, here's what my life looks like lately:

ALL THE BOOKS

Currently reading: One of my May goals is to read one of the books from my 10 to read in 2020 list, and I'm currently a third of the way through Magic for Marigold by L.M. Montgomery. It's kind of boring me, I can't lie. And I've just started The Switch by Beth O'Leary, which I ordered from the UK! I'm so excited about it.

Currently audiobook-ing: I'm in the middle of the Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare and am currently listening to the third book, City of Glass. I've never read them before, so it's been fun to binge the series in this format. There's a waitlist for the next book, however, so I'll have to listen to something else in the meantime.

Currently recommending: I've read a lot of great books lately! The Heir Affair by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan (sequel to The Royal We) comes out in July, and I adored it. Happy & You Know It by Laura Hankin was a surprise favorite. And Beach Read by Emily Henry has been earning rave reviews, for good reason. It was a delight!

Currently on hold at the library: My library just re-opened for curbside pickup this week. With the shutdown, they suspended fines and extended due dates so it will probably be a while before I get some of my holds. I do, however, have The River by Peter Heller in transit, and Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert waiting to be picked up.

Currently pre-ordered: Although I don't think I've actually done it yet, there are three June 30 releases I'm planning on pre-ordering: The Empire of Gold by S.A. Chakraborty, Her Last Flight by Beatriz Williams, and Sex and Vanity by Kevin Kwan. Three very different books, but I'm looking forward to all of them!

Currently in my cart: I just purchased a few books from Book Outlet, and now I'm trying to narrow down another very long wishlist. I think The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner will likely be my next purchase.

Currently adding to my TBR: My most recent addition was The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins. My expectations are very low knowing it's from Snow's perspective. We'll see... UGH. WHY, SUZANNE?!

Currently NetGalley-ing: I might have done a little happy dance when I learned that I was approved to read Majesty by Katharine McGee, the sequel to American Royals. I'm saving it for just the right moment!

ALL THE THINGS

Currently listening: I've lost precious music listening time since I'm rarely in the car these days. But when I do open Spotify, I keep streaming Lennon Stella's Three. Two. One. The whole album is excellent.

Currently watching: A lot of the shows in my queue are hour-long dramas, and I just haven't been in the mood for them. But I just flew through Never Have I Ever and highly recommend it! Now, I'm two episodes in to The Great, the new Hulu show about Catherine the Great starring Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult. I think I like it?

Currently eating: All the snacks. Seriously, I can't stop! If I let myself add Peanut Butter M&Ms to my grocery order, they're gone in like three days. THE PARTY SIZE! I jokingly told Kelly that I'm going to gain the quaran-19 soon. Also, I'm regularly cooking again, and I still hate it. Why can't my family just feed themselves? Haha!

Currently drinking: A lot of Diet Coke, I can't lie. And still guzzling water, since I'm nursing.

Currently wearing: Most days it's pajamas, or some variation on them. I've been trying to put on real clothes to feel normal, but sometimes it's hard to find the motivation if we aren't going anywhere or seeing anyone.

Currently bookmarking: I'm so excited that Modern Mrs. Darcy's 2020 Summer Reading Guide is here! Though I won't end up reading everything on her list, I always love using her guide to help shape my summer TBR.

Currently coveting: I think it seems overpriced, but I still want to splurge on this Weezie Women's Short Robe. And I'm probably going to buy this Notes dry-erase board from Simplified for our fridge.

Currently obsessing over: My sister has joined bookstagram! If you're interested, she's @talesandtigerlily. She's already killing it with gorgeous photos and amazing reviews. I'm so happy that she's developed a love of reading!

ALL THE EMOTIONS

Currently celebrating: At the beginning of May, my big boy turned four. I can't believe it! He's obsessed with animals and requested a rain forest theme party for months. I was excited to deliver on the theme, although we weren't able to have a party. We still had a great day celebrating him, and he loved every minute of it.

Currently loving: Our sweet baby has been laughing lately, and it's music to my ears! He's done a little chuckle for a while now, but it was a delight to finally hear some real giggles. I make a fool of myself trying to draw it out of him.

Currently looking forward to: The hope that life will go back to normal eventually. Who isn't feeling that way?

Currently procrastinating: Two projects that I know will take less time than I feel like they will: 1) backing up a bunch of videos to OneDrive + deleting them off my phone, and 2) filling out my big boy's Promptly Journal.

Currently accomplishing: I'm really proud of the fact that I've maintained a (mostly) consistent blogging schedule since the baby was born. I wasn't sure I could, and it's been fun and rewarding to be able to make it happen!

Currently researching: All things baby sleep. I know way too much about a bunch of things that don't necessarily translate into a baby who naps well. But he's falling asleep on his own (in his crib, too!), so it's a start.

Currently thinking about: When the new Book of the Month picks will be posted – and what they might be!

Currently feeling: Grateful, but still a little anxious, too. I'm thankful for so much, but it feels like my mind is always racing these days. I just want to turn my brain off for a little bit and stop worrying about things.

What's Currently going on in your life?

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Currently {February 2020}

Currently {February 2020}

Feb 27, 2020

I've seen so many variations of this type of post, but I don't think I've ever participated in one myself! I don't think there's an official source, but I do have to give Lauren from Bookmark Lit a shout out for the inspiration. I've always loved reading her Currently posts – and this one, in particular, gave me some ideas for categories to fill out! I'll post my February recap next week, so you'll see a few things repeated there. But let's dive in:

ALL THE BOOKS

Currently reading: Lately, I've been taking too long to chose my next read. But while browsing unread books on my Kindle yesterday, I noticed that I hadn't yet read The Harp of Kings by Juliet Marillier, which I received for review. I sampled a few pages and was immediately intrigued, so now I've committed to it. I think...

Currently audiobook-ing: In the mood for a comfort read, I'm listening to Act Like It by Lucy Parker. It's my third time reading it in as many years, and I love it so much! It's everything I needed right now.

Currently recommending: My favorite read this month was If I Never Met You by Mhairi McFarlane, which I recently posted about on my Instagram. McFarlane has been a favorite for years, and she keeps getting better and better! I'll be writing a full review soon for this gem, but this is one you definitely need to read.

Currently on hold at the library: I have two ready to be picked up – Chasing Cassandra by Lisa Kleypas and A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson. But I'm still in line for more than twenty other books!

Currently pre-ordered: I'm counting down the days until House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas hits my Kindle. I can't wait! And I've got A Murderous Relation by Deanna Raybourn, the newest Veronica Speedwell mystery, pre-ordered on Audible. But there are so many other March releases I'm anticipating, too.

Currently in my cart: Shockingly, nothing right now! I'm currently challenging myself by doing three months of no spending, and books are included. It's been so good for me that I'm considering extending it past March.

Currently adding to my TBR: I just added a lot of romances to my Consideration shelf thanks to this post, but I haven't added anything to my actual TBR this year thanks to my book buying ban. I make one exception a month and did purchase Open Book by Jessica Simpson in February, but I've already read it!

Currently NetGalley-ing: After seeing Go Fug Yourself's recommendation, I requested Beach Read by Emily Henry. And I got an email offering me What You Wish For by Katherine Center, which I downloaded immediately.

ALL THE THINGS

Currently listening: Mostly just audiobooks this month with a little bit of music to mix it up. In particular, the music video for What a Man Gotta Do from The Jonas Brothers has made that song a repeat listen this month.

Currently watching: Nick and I just finished watching the show Timeless, which we both enjoyed. Now I need to figure out what I'll binge next! I'm leaning towards Outlander since I still haven't watched past the first season. But I can't lie... Love is Blind on Netflix might be calling my name, even though it's not something I'd typically watch.

Currently eating: Either delicious meals that my mom has made for us or fast food. Since my baby was born three weeks ago, I haven't been cooking. We're all so thankful for the food deliveries we've received lately.

Currently drinking: Lots of water, since I'm nursing. And I rarely order new things at Starbucks, but I decided to try their Cinnamon Dolce Latte recently and loved it. It's been my go-to coffee order this month!

Currently wearing: If we leave the house, I'm putting on my cute pre-pregnancy clothes because they make me feel like my best self. But at home, you'll find me in leggings, a nursing tank, and a cozy robe. Two very different looks!

Currently bookmarking: I saved a post called 9 decisions that led to a life I love by Em for Marvelous because I loved reading and reflecting on it. What decisions would I point to in my own life? I hope to blog about it soon.

Currently coveting: I've been eyeing several things from The Cambridge Satchel Company, which I know that I don't need. But I haven't looked at much else because avoiding temptation is the key to my no-spend success.

Currently obsessing over: The newborn photos we just had taken this week. The photographer sent me proofs so that I could choose my favorites for editing, and I'm having a hard time narrowing it down. They're all so adorable!

ALL THE EMOTIONS

Currently celebrating: All the birthdays! Mine was February 1, my husband's is Leap Day, and I just gave birth to our second baby on February 7. Our sweet boy has stolen our hearts and brought us so much joy already.

Currently loving: Watching my older son with his little brother. He is so loving and tender, and it's just the sweetest thing to see. And on a more superficial note, audiobooks are saving my reading life and bringing me joy.

Currently looking forward to: Being done with postpartum recovery. In a lot of ways, I feel pretty normal and motivated to get things done. But any time I'm too active, my body reminds me it's still healing. Ugh!

Currently procrastinating: Aside from cooking? Probably getting my newborn on a bit of a schedule, including napping in his crib instead of in my arms. But I'll do it soon because I know it will be good for him (and me).

Currently accomplishing: I'm proud of myself for successfully taking my three year old + newborn to the grocery store by myself this week. And I've met most of my February goals, which I'll chat about next week.

Currently researching: All my postpartum and newborn questions! I feel so much more confident this time around than I did with my first, but I still find myself Googling random things that I just can't remember.

Currently thinking about: Nick's upcoming travel schedule for work, which is packed. I'm nervous about it, and wish I could change the timing. But I know I can do it... and can call my mom when I need help or a break!

Currently feeling: So tired – but so thankful, too! These newborn days are such a special season. Even with its challenges, I love snuggling my baby and spending simple, slow days at home adjusting to life as a family of four.

What's Currently going on in your life?

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