Every morning, I read and write at the kitchen table with my cup of coffee and this week, I read and wrote to a snowy backdrop here in New York. I’ve got two books to review, a new journaling habit, sponge candy and notebook cards to share. Keep reading!

What I'm Reading:

This week, I’m reading a book for my very first Get Lit(erate) book club. I’m so excited! Click here to learn more about Get Lit(erate). And my second book? Well, that went straight to my heart and I cannot stop thinking about it. 

The Switch by Beth O’Leary

This book is my book club selection for Get Lit(erate) this month. I saw it on a few book lists and wanted something light-hearted and fun, but also could teach me a thing or two about fresh starts. This book certainly fits the bill. I adored it. O’Leary introduces us to Eileen and Leena, a grieving grandmother and granddaughter who decide to switch places for two months to bring a bit of adventure and a whole lot of clarity to their lives. Ultimately, each learns to push past their comfort zone, embrace who they are, find their true gifts and then believe in themselves enough to reach for them. It was a delightful book and I’m sad to see Eileen and Leena go as I turn the last page. I need a sequel.

The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy

If you’re reading this post on the day it was released, then you are reading this on National Hugging Day. And that’s a pretty cool coincidence because I hugged this book when I was finished. Well, first I dried my eyes and then I hugged it. This book is a treasure. The line and watercolor illustrations are instantly soothing and the handwritten words are heartfelt, introspective and loving. This book soothes the soul, reminds us of the good in the world and fills that hole in your heart that hard times can bring. This book is now propped up in my office and I read it often. Every home should have a copy. 

What I'm Writing:

This year, I’m renewing my morning pages routine. Originally created by Julia Cameron (author of The Artist’s Way), morning pages are three pages of longhand, stream of consciousness writing written first thing in the morning.

Now admittedly, I’m not writing three full pages, but I am writing whatever comes to mind. At first, I struggled the see the significance of it, but as I track my writing over time and see how it’s growing, I’m realizing the power of this practice. Want to get started? Here’s guidance from Bibliolifestyle. 

What I'm Learning:

I took a creative detour this week to learn all about sponge candy. When my children were little, my husband traveled often for work and would come home with the most delectable treat: sponge candy. If you’ve never had it, I like to describe it as chocolate-covered-toffee-florist-foam. And while that might not sound appealing, it accurately captures the unique texture of this dessert. I’ve tried re-creating it at home with varying levels of success, but my youngest son urged me to make a batch. So I did. And it was good (but that’s not my batch in the image). =)

I couldn’t get it to rise quite right, so I spent some time reviewing recipes, watching videos (please watch this!) and tinkering with new batches. If you need something to do this week, then I recommend you give it a try and let me know how it goes!

What I'm Loving:

After finishing The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy, I instantly went online to learn more about him and found these beautiful cards. I may have ordered a few. 

Yes, I’ve joined the masses and started playing Wordle. You must join me. 

Gretchen Rubin is hosting another 5-Day SMS journaling challenge! Text REFRESH to +1 (844) 934-1913 and join me!

There you have it! I hope this inspires you to make space for more reading and writing in your own life. What are the highlights from your literate life this week?