Catching My Eye

Hi there! Happy 2020! I know I’ve been gone for a while, but I’m back. For now. I’m not sure how long I’ll be back, but I know I’m at my best when I’m writing regularly, and blogging is a great way to hold myself accountable, so for now, I’m back. The last few months of 2019 were a great treat. I turned 25 at the end of November, celebrated Thanksgiving and Christmas with my family in Nashville, and reigned in the new year with some of my favorite people by my side. I’m excited to see what 2020 brings!

I know some people hate new year’s resolutions, but I think the new year is the perfect time to reflect and set goals for the next 365 days. I always like to challenge myself, so I try to set goals quarterly, but I set my biggest ones at the beginning of every year. This year I’m hoping to read 50 books (I’ve never hit this goal, may 2020 be the magical year), cut out the use of plastic bags and straws from my life, and say yes to more adventures. While I’ve been planning some big things, this is what’s been catching my eye this week…

1. This unique use of book covers…
I love these purses made out of book covers! They come in a ton of different sizes and feature a variety of books from classics like H.P Lovecraft to Harry Potter. All the reviews are raving about the craftsmanship. This is such a unique way to present your reading interests to the world and carry around your belongings. I may be investing in one of these in 2020.

2. These jewelry pieces with meaning…
Judith Bright was founded in Nashville, which makes me love it that much more. I’m trying to support more local stores and artists in 2020, and I’d love to treat myself to ring or necklace with meaning. I’ve never really been into the meaning behind stones and gems, but I think it could be fun to get something that’s meant to bring clarity or confidence to the wearer. Even if it’s a placebo effect, it’d be fun to see how a piece of jewelry changes your perceptions.

3. This list of books that defined the last decade…
I can’t believe it’s 2020. I’ve officially been alive for two and a half decades, and I am feeling weird about it. I loved this look back at all the books that shaped the last decade of reading and writing.

4. These productivity tips and tricks…
With a new year, we are all looking for tricks to become more productive and better at our jobs (or life). I loved this matter-of-fact article about how to be less lazy and accomplish more in a day (or year). My favorite tip is to assign times to complete all your tasks.

5. This book in the middle of a series I started in 2019…
I’m on the fourth book in the Throne of Glass series, Queen of Shadows. It’s hard to explain books in the middle of series because I don’t want to ruin anything. What I will say is I’m still enjoying the series, and I’m excited to see how it ends. If you don’t know, the series is about an assassin that is enlisted to help the king kill his enemies. It turns into a story of redemption, love, friendship, and finding yourself.

Happy adventuring,
Kimberly