I’m skipping out on the Homemaking Challenge again today. I have had some post-surgery pain the past two days that I didn’t feel was right. I called my doctor about it this morning and she wanted me to come in to get it checked out.
Turns out, I have a small infection. So, they’re treating that and I’m supposed to take it really easy this weekend. It seems that’s the story of my life right now, but it’s good for me to slow down, give myself grace, and learn so much compassion for people who chronically struggle with health issues.
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up
I finished reading The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up today. Honestly, I think that I loved the first 2 or 3 sections the most. The final section was a little on the weird side again (greeting your home, feng shui, and more).
The sections on why you should declutter and how decluttering can impact other areas of your life was good and thought-provoking.
I especially loved this quote: “The question of what you own is actually the question of how you want to live your life.”
I Guess We’re Starting a Book Club? Or Something!
So I didn’t intend to start a “Book Club” here and I don’t really know that I am. But I really and truly enjoyed reading through The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and blogging through it here, so I thought it would be fun to pick another book to blog through next week.
I picked three books and then asked on Periscope yesterday for the viewers to vote on which book they’d like for me to blog through next week and talk about on my daily Morning Motivation show on Periscope (I’m MoneySavingMom on there, if you’re not already following me!).
The votes are in and I’ll be going through Emily Freeman’s book, Simply Tuesday. I can’t wait to dive into this book — it looks so good!
If you’d like to join me, you can pick up a copy this weekend or borrow one from a friend. We’ll be reading one section per weekday next week.
Chime In!
I’d love to hear from you: would you be interested in me blogging through more books like I did this week? If so, which types of books would you most enjoy me going through?
So excited! Just grabbed the audiobook. I’ve heard so many great things about Emily Freeman but haven’t had the chance to read any of her books yet.
If I can make myself get up at 5 I’ll be able to make your scopes live out here on the west coast 🙂 It will be great motivation for me to get up early!
This is a book I have been wanting to purchase. If I can’t, then I will see if the library has a copy. If not, well–I will catch the next wave. haha Love this idea!!!
I am ready to scope in the morning with you. I am finished with the first part of the book and can’t wait to talk about it. I have my coffee pot set to fill at 4am and even moved the pot to my bathroom ( thinking it will motivate me to get up? We will see) . Thanks so much for all you are doing with the scope, I really love it. Also I wanted to mention that I got the book for this week on the Kindle app. Its super easy to read since I have a 7 week old and a 4 year old and finding time to sit and read is hard. I do believe that what you want to accomplish you will. See you in the EARLY morning. ( I am in California)
Hi Crystal,
It seems that you manage to read a lot. How much time do you spend reading per day, and how do you fit it in?
Crystal, so love that you’re taking it slow and just listening to your body. You’re being a great example for lots of women out there who tend to want to just push through everything.
Love your honest review of the first book and I have a sneaky suspicion I’ll agree with you on the parts I’ll like and think are a little “out there”. 😉
I can’t wait to read Simply Tuesday! I’ve been following along on IG with that hashtag and some really inspiring and encouraging photos and captions have popped up. 🙂
Thank you so much for your kind encouragement! You’ll have to let me know what you think of Marie Kondo’s book!
I looks like the Lord really does want you to rest. I hope you feel better soon. 🙂
I’m in for the book club 🙂 I’ve been looking for some book recommendations for a while. I haven’t read an “adult” book in way too long. Mostly fairy tales around here…
I really like the tidying up book. It’s a huge motivator for me. Sometimes I just don’t know where to start when I’m dealing with clutter, so it’s nice to have some guidance.
We’re turning our master room into a playroom/office/craft room/guest room. lol. So, we have quite a bit of de-cluttering to work on. It’s already looking great, so that is also a motivator.
Praying that you are back on your feet lickety-split! I had a similar surgery several years ago. Definitely take it easy. Enjoy these moments of rest … all to soon you’ll be running crazy again 🙂
Just bought the book … looking forward to the Beta Book Club 🙂
Hugs & Blessings!
I *LOVE* the book review idea! I rarely comment but I had to chime in on this one! Last week I bought the KonMari book on my Kindle (Missionary in Guatemala here, so thanks for picking books I can buy on Kindle!) and read it in a day! Her “all-in-one-go” push to declutter and find a place for every item hugely motivated me. This is coming from “Stop learning and start doing” gal but KonMari did have some helpful information but most of all the MOTIVATION and VISION I needed. Even though I have reduced my stuff so much, I haven’t been able to reach the goal of having a place for everything and everything in it’s place. KonMari book said something like, “You can cross the finish line.” I needed that because I felt like I have been decluttering for so long but never really getting my house in order. Now I have a clearer picture of how to do that.
So, I really liked parts of that book and am looking forward to the next one! Thank you!
Yes! Please blog through more books. I feel much more connected to you and your blogging community as we share books together. I also love the added variety it gives to your blog. The best part of the “book club” is that you post more throughout the week:-)
Just ordered my book and it should be here tomorrow! Yes, please suggest books to read together!!!
I love the idea of you blogging thru books! I just read the intro to Simply Tuesday and am looking forward to reading along!
As far as types of books I’d love to see you go thru, ones like the choices you showed this time around and even some live giving fiction ones would be fun also! Looking forward to this “book club!”
I read Simply Tuesday a couple weeks ago. It’s amazing! I think I highlighted the whole book.
When I had an infection and had to take an antibiotic, the doctor told me to drink Kefir after I was finished with all of the antibiotics. She said that this would replace the good bacteria that the antibiotics had destroyed. I hope that you have been told this too. You probably know that Kefir is found in the aisle with the yogurt in the grocery store.
praying for a quick recovery, Carol
I’m a nurse. Antibiotics kill bad bacteria, as well as good bacteria which can open you up to yeast infections. It’s recommended to eat yogurt daily when taking & for a while after you’re off antibiotics. Kefir is even better, because it has so many more live cultures in it than yogurt.
i know how you feel Crystal! After taking your Make Over Your Mornings course, I was in such a great rhythm and amazing positive changes in my home and work life. My energy was up, my kitchen was clean every night, and I was more productive! Then I ruptured my Achilles two weeks ago and I feel like everything has been derailed! Rest is all I can do.
I’m excited about this book selection. Also, I agree with you needing to take time for yourself. I myself injured my hand while putting together an office organizer this week, and myself this evening with an infected hand and an antibiotic I wish I didn’t have to consume. On the upswing, with a hurt hand I have more time for audiobooks, and have become a champ at one-handed iphone typing! Tonight I am going to take time to re-watch your Make Over Your Morning series, get a cup of tea, and replenish my body with sleep and for a full eight hours. I think my new goal this season will be finding ways to fill up my life tank on grace! Please take care of yourself! Thank you for being a blessing in my day!
Can’t wait to read Simply Tuesday with you and everyone…. I would love to read more books along with you – what ones: organization and living intentionally……
P.S. I love watching your Periscope talks!!! Always very inspiring (even though I have to wait until I go to bed to watch them because I am at work when you come on). But, I love watching you and getting to know you more…..
Yes! Please keep blogging through books! I just ordered next week’s book 🙂
Have you gone through Longing for Paris?
I received my Simply Tuesday book. Can’t wait!:)
I’m glad you’re resting today. Even though you haven’t completed all of the challenges, it’s still been fun & inspiring to read your posts about them.
I REALLY want to read Simply Tuesday but even if I can’t join in next week, I’ll look forward to reading your thoughts about the book!
I think you regularly blogging through books is a great idea! As far as what kind of books to blog through, I think it would be so much more fun if you blog about whatever you feel like reading that week. Otherwise, it may start to feel forced and make you feel burnt out if you have a set list you feel like you have to keep up with.
And with most books being available as eBooks, most readers who want to join in can with just a small notice (maybe even recommend that people don’t join in every week, but save their cash for a once-a-month eBook splurge when the book really strikes their fancy).
I love this comment and the input/wisdom here. Thank you!
I really would love to read all three books you chose! I really enjoy Gretchen Rubin’s writing – she did a series for Good Housekeeping for a while there, plus the Happiness Project. I think I may be checking out Better than before. Just bringing books to my attention is helpful. Thanks! And feel better soon, it’s not easy to slow down the way you’ve been made to.
Love your perspective and love a good book. I may not always read exactly with the group however gaining a quality list of reads is fabulous!
I have enjoyed your commentary, although I haven’t received this week’s book yet (still on waiting list from library). I probably won’t be reading next week’s either, but I certainly enjoy your perspective!
Quick question – I really cleaned my kitchen today, but mine doesn’t look anything like yours. Where are your supplements? Your utensil caddy? Your fresh fruit and veggies? I would seriously appreciate a reply on this, because I still feel so cluttered even though I consistently declutter. Maybe I just need to read the book…
Your home is beautiful, your spirit is beautiful. I appreciate you.
We keep supplements in our bathroom cupboard. Utensils are in a couple of different utensil drawers (one for large serving spoons, etc. and one for silverware). And we keep fresh fruit and veggies in the fridge (except for bananas — which we usually eat up within a few days!)
I hope that helps! And thanks for your sweet words of encouragement!
Supplements (and medicine) shouldn’t be kept in the bathroom. They do better in cool dry places. The heat and moisture can actually damage your medicine and make it go bad before its expiration.
I get that people keep them there because it’s a spot they’re more likely to see and remember to take their meds. Which is why I keep my vitamins in the fridge. When I’m getting a drink I can grab a pill 🙂
Just a friendly tip, no judgements 😉
I love the idea but would need more advance notice getting the book. I will need to budget it or be able to look for it at the library.
I agree with Kadie and I made a similar comment on Facebook. If this becomes a regular feature, a little more notice would be awesome! 🙂
I actually petitioned the library a month ago to order this book and they agreed. But I’ve been waiting ever since then. It seems like a great read and a great way for you to get some rest yet have content to blog!
I don’t want to plan too far ahead or make many promises while I’m just testing this out (and while I’m trying to give myself grace and take it easy), so please forgive me for the short notice this week!
I totally understand. Thank you for all you do.
I love this idea! I can’t wait for next week. Have a great week end, and take it easy!
yes, please! Any books like this that have some sort of life application (obviously they won’t always fit my circumstances, but I like to glen bits of information and suggestions from you and other readers!)
Your honesty this week has been SO helpful to me, as my family faces some very difficult circumstances. I have been blessed by your gentle reminders to give myself (and others) grace.