Here’s a look at my February Reading Rituals – what I’ve been reading this month as well as my reading challenge for next month…
Challenge Results
In January’s post I set myself the challenge of reading The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin. The book stayed on my bedside table as a reminder but as the month went by I found myself choosing fiction books instead. I did start but I haven’t finished it yet – I will report back when I do!
I need to be in the “right mood” for non-fiction. I’ve been busy with my Vein of Gold work and at the end of each day I wanted something I could read to switch off and wind down rather than something that would get my mind buzzing and make me want to take notes!
February Reading Rituals
I ended up rummaging through my bookshelf of favourite books and authors to re-read something lighthearted and fun. As you may already know I am a fan of romance and one of my favourite authors is Jill Shalvis. I picked out “Smart and Sexy” which I’ve had for a while and got stuck in. It was an enjoyable read and I searched out the next two books in the series (Strong and Sexy then Superb and Sexy). Not having my own copies I decided to find and reserve them both on my local library catalogue.
I picked the books up a week or so later and got stuck in. I enjoy reading series-linked books and revisiting characters and locations. They weren’t my favourite Jill Shalvis series (Lucky Harbor is probably my favourite) but were worth a read.
While picking up the reserves at the library I had a browse and picked up another couple of books…
Hygge and Kisses by Clara Christensen
One of the books I picked up is a romantic fiction called Hygge and Kisses by Clara Christensen. I loved the play on words in the title and coziness of the cover.
Hygge (pronounced hue-gah) is a Danish word. It’s definition is “a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.” I love the idea of Hygge!
I thoroughly enjoyed the story and loved the description of Danish winter and Skagen where part of the book is set. Reading this story has made me even more keen to visit Denmark. I also liked the development of the main character Bo and her mission to figure out what she wanted to do with her career.
It snowed this morning and I found myself curled up on the couch with a hot coffee reading the last few chapters. I’ve come away feeling more favourably about the cold weather and how I can embrace the warmth and coziness of staying inside (especially if we do end up with a snow day or two this week!)
My challenge for March
My challenge is to read some magazines next month.
I subscribe to In the Moment magazine and always love the first glance at what’s inside when the new issue arrives. I usually add the magazine to my papers pile and I never quite get around to reading it properly. It always surprises me when the next one comes through the letterbox!
I’m going to pop the most recent copy in the car. If I end up early for appointments or waiting (at school pick-up for instance) I will spend a few minutes reading the magazine rather than scrolling my phone. Let’s hope it works!
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What have you been reading in February? Have you tried any different ways to sneak more reading time into your days? I’d love to hear your tips and tricks!
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PS – I’m working on my March newsletter today which is due out later this week. If you’re not subscribed yet you can sign up here. Subscribers receive a FREE printable workbook “How to Find the Good Everyday”. I’ve also created a freebie printable for the March newsletter based around one of my recent posts.