Books, blogs, podcasts…my happy places.
Reflecting back at the end of each year is one of my favorite things to do. Rather than focus on resolutions that fell by the wayside, it’s refreshing to take stock of all the accomplishments.
(And truthfully, with three small kids at home making time for reading and listening to podcasts is something to celebrate!)
Reading books and blogs, and listening to podcasts are ways I love to unplug and connect.
The common theme of most of my media consumption in 2017 seems to be somewhat “self-help ish.” Other than The Nightingale which was one of THE BEST books I’ve ever read which kicked off my year of reading.
(And yes, I’m including the Winemakers podcast as a form of “self-help.” Because wine.)
Books read
In my iPhone, I use the ‘Notes’ app to keep a list of ‘Books to Read’ whenever I get a recommendation from someone or hear of one that sounds like I’d enjoy it I add it to the list. Typically I try to rent books from the library so I’ll add them to my ‘holds’ list.
A quick tip about placing library books on hold. Search for all forms of the book – regular print, large print, eBook (if you have an eReader like a Kindle), and place holds on all of the versions. Then you have the best chance of getting the book the soonest, and you can always cancel your holds on the other forms.
I’m not going to make this post a book review and tell you my thoughts on each book, but I’ve included Amazon links (not affiliate) to each, and there are lots of great opinions there. Books are subjective and influence each person differently.
2017 was filled with good books for me.
The Nightingale
Kristin Hannah
Grace, Not Perfection
Emily Ley
Big Magic
Elizabeth Gilbert
The Big Leap
Gay Hendricks
Present Over Perfect
Shauna Niequist
The Miracle Morning
Hal Elrod
How to Talk so Little Kids will Listen
Joanna Faber and Julie King
Simplicity Parenting
Kim John Pain and Lisa M. Ross
Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy
Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant
The Happiness Project
Gretchen Rubin
A Simplified Life
Emily Ley
Blogs followed
I’ve been an avid blog reader for at least 8-9 years and have compiled a variety of blogs I enjoy. Topics include parenting and children, cooking and baking, home renovations and DIY, blogging, health/fitness/meditation, and just some favorites that are individual personal blogs.
I use feedly to organize and compile all of my blogs in one location. Feedly is great because 1. it’s free and 2. all my blogs are in one place for easy reading. It’s also easy to add and remove blogs as your interests change.
Here are my most favorite blogs from the past year.
Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Blog
Podcasts consumed
Listening to podcasts was a new thing for me in 2017. There was an occasion where I was driving alone for a couple hours (!) and decided to try a podcast. I started with Young House Love has a podcast because I have been an avid reader of their blog for years and I was instantly hooked.
These are the top podcasts I try to keep up with each week while I’m driving to and from preschool.
Young House Love has a podcast
So there you have it. My media consumption compilation from 2017.
What suggestions do you have for me to add to my list for 2018?
Best books you’ve read that you think I’d like?
Any podcasts or blogs I MUST check out that are life-changing or just super entertaining?
