New Reads For the New Year: Reviews + Giveaway

Disclosure: I received a copy of these books in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own. 
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Today I am reviewing three fun books for the new year from Ulysses Press. The first one is called The Big Book of 30-Day Challenges, by Rosanna Casper. The title immediately grabbed my attention because I like the idea of thirty day challenges. This book includes 60 such challenges, ranging from walking 10,000 steps to learning a foreign language. The challenges are divided into six categories:

• Fitness
• Food
• Self-Care
• Mindfulness
• Organization & Productivity
• Networking & Relationships
• Creativity & Learning

Even though each challenge is for only thirty days, the intent is that some of these challenges will become life-long habits that improve your quality of life.

The challenges range from “do-able” to seemingly impossible. For example, “Drink 8 to 10 Glasses of Water a Day” is something I know that I should do, but has always been a personal challenge. On the other hand, “Write a Novel” is a challenge that I do not ever intend, nor do I want to take! Even though not all of the challenges will appeal to everyone, the point is to pick the ones that speak to you. I like how the author offers helpful and practical tips specific to each challenge. I would recommend The Big Book of 30 Day Challenges for anyone looking to develop good habits for the new year.

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Have you heard of bullet journaling? I have seen various samples on Instagram, but I have never tried it. Beyond Bullets by Megan Rutell, gives an excellent overview of various journaling styles and encourages creativity in the process.

I like how there are many different journaling styles included in the book. I am a visual person, so lists and charts appeal to me. Beyond Bullets inspired me to create a “Water Intake” chart (related to the challenge I want to take from the first book in this review!) Journaling is a tool that can help you organize your life and also be a creative outlet. Beyond Bullets is a wonderful guide to help you get started.

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Finally, Twinkle, Twinkle, Social Media Star by Kate Kennedy, is a laugh-out-loud funny picture book about a mama bear teaching her baby bear the ins and outs of social media.

As a blogger, I must admit that I tend to obsess about my Instagram account. Many of the jokes hit a little too close to home, but that’s why this book is so hilarious! As the cover indicates, this book is meant to be “A Parody for Adults”. (My son n started reading it because he was curious, but most of the humor did not translate for him. Social media savvy teens would probably get it, though!) Give a copy of Twinkle, Twinkle, Social Media Star to the blogger/influencer/social media star that you know for some good laughs!