January // What I Read

As I mentioned before, I began this year determined to read more books. I have always enjoyed reading and expanding my ever-growing library but in the last few years I have gotten away from the hobby. I decided to make a goal for myself: read a book a week. I have always been a slow reader so the goal was a little daunting to me but I've stuck with it and it's actually been a lot of fun! I created a Goodreads account and my OCD side has loved organizing and keeping track of what I read. Each month I will share with my readers what I read that month and give mini reviews of each book. If you are a reader than I'd love for you to follow along (and hear from you!) and if not, than just skip these monthly posts and I'll see you on the next one.

 

Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery

I started off the new year reading an old favorite. I still have some of the loveliest memories of my mom reading the Anne books to my sister and I as we made the long trek to Prince Edward Island and wherever our travels took us.

This book to me is a treasure of a classic. If you have never read it than treat yourself to the magical world of Anne. I found myself laughing out loud at Anne's often hilarious and over-the-top conversations with Diana, misfortunes with Mrs. Barry (both of them) and Rachel Lynde, and then tearing up as I saw her relationship with Matthew and Marilla deepen into a beautiful bond. Reading the book was like visiting the Island all over again and I constantly saw pictures or scenes from the movie (a must-see!) flashing before my mind. A beautiful, beautiful novel.

a new favorite second-hand shop

Making January Beautiful

Let's face it: January is the most boring month. It's always been my least favorite because it follows on the footsteps of the most celebrated, anticipated holiday, it's usually (with the exception of this year) the most miserably coldest month, with nothing seemingly to look forward to. 

I've always struggled somewhat with the post-Christmas blues. Packing away the ornaments, throwing out the tree (or using it as a bonfire which some of our friends did recently...wouldn't recommend! haha), and saying goodbye to loved ones that you won't see again for another 6 months or until next Christmas. 

A vintage Christmas gift

"What I really love about them...is the fact that they contain someone's personal history...I find myself wondering about  their lives. I can never look at a garment without thinking about the woman who owned it. How old was she? Did she work? Was she married? Was she happy? I look at those exquisite shoes and I imagine the woman who owned them rising out of them or kissing someone. I look at a little hat like this, I lift up the veil, and I try to imagine the face beneath it... When you buy a piece of vintage clothing you're not just buying the fabric and thread - you're buying a piece of someone's past."   ~ Isabel Wolff, A Vintage Affair 

This lovely frock was under the tree for me to open on Christmas morning. It was carefully wrapped in paper and twine with dried flowers adorning the top. It came from a little Instagram shop I have grown to adore. Take some time to browse here and be inspired. Kerrie Moon started the little shop a couple years ago or so and I love her vision for the ethereal, romantic woman. I could get lost in her Instagram for hours. What a dream. 

Notes for 2017

First off, Happy 2017! I am so so excited about this next year and what the Lord has in store for Josh and I! I feel like it's going to be a good one.