News:
I'm sorry I haven't been around much this week! I've been spending more time with my children (still cannot believe my baby starts school this year), and less time online. Normally, I would stay up after everyone went to sleep, and used that time for blogging and commenting, but I've been going to bed early now that I'm working out again (consistently). I have to squeeze it in before the kiddos wake up, because the little monsters try to work out with me. It's adorable, but really distracting. They end up rolling into me or colliding with each other, which results in lots of laughter and no work out for Mom.
I'm kickboxing and running for my cardio, and doing the 28 Day Summer Sculpt Program by Blogilates. I'm also doing the 100 Ab Challenge, which is brutal but effective. I wake up feeling sore and grumpy, but force myself to work out which loosens my muscles and gets my endorphins going. Previously, before the #SUMMERSCULPT, I was doing the PIIT28 program, and it's intense. I highly recommend Casey and her videos! Most of the challenges are free and on YouTube. PIIT28 is the only one I've paid for, and it was definitely worth the money. Her videos are easy to follow, and there are usually beginner moves for people just starting out (which I sometimes have to use myself).
Between working out and spending more time with my kids, I barely have any time to myself these days. During their naps I try to conquer the beast that is Housework, and start dinner preparations. I love my life, but it's bananas right now.
Previous week on the blog:
Sunday: Deogratias: A Tale of the Rwandan Genocide by Jean-Philippe Stassen ⋆⋆
Monday: To Night Owl From Dogfish by Holly Goldberg Sloan, Meg Wolitzer ⋆⋆⋆⋆
Tuesday: Nothing!
Thursday: Nothing!
Friday: Nothing!
Saturday: One Day in December by Josie Silver ⋆⋆⋆⋆
What I'm currently reading:
Call It What You Want by Brigid Kemmerer
A Darker Shade of Magic (Shades of Magic, #1) by V.E. Schwab
I finished Soul of the Sword by Julie Kagawa earlier today (fantastic book), and then polled Twitter to see what I should read next. Call It What You Want initially had the most votes (it's still ongoing), so that's what I went with. I'm really enjoying it so far! Kemmerer is an amazing writer, and her characters are always so relatable and complex. I'm barely into this one, and I already feel a connection with both of the main characters.
I'm finally, finally starting A Darker Shade of Magic. The first book was available on audio at my library, so I decided to give it a shot. I love how apathetic Kell seems so far, and the different versions of London have been interesting. I'm barely into it, so we'll see how it goes.
What I plan on reading next:
Kingdom of Exiles (The Beast Charmer, #1) by Maxym M. Martineau
Children of Blood and Bone (Legacy of Orisha, #1) by Tomi Adeyemi
Kingdom of Exiles was the other book on my Twitter poll, so I'll start it after Call It What You Want. I started Children of Blood and Bone a few weeks ago, but my hold expired before I could finish it. I didn't realize the book was so long! However, I was thoroughly enjoying the story. I can see why everyone was raving about it.
What I'm watching:
I'm still working my way through Brooklyn Nine-Nine, but I also watched Murder Mystery with my mom. It was enjoyable, but not as funny as I was expecting it to be. I think most married people will be able to relate to their relationship, and what happens to couples after 15 years of marriage. ;) I plan on starting Jessica Jones sometime this week. I've been catching up on my shows while I run (treadmill win!). My husband recommend Afterlife. Have any of you seen it? It's super depressing so far.
Challenge updates:
Audiobook Challenge: 26 / 30+
Beat the Backlist Challenge: 40 / 100
Discussion Challenge: 4 / 11-20
Discussion Challenge: 4 / 11-20
Goodreads Challenge: 199 / 500
How cool that you were able to reconnect with your old friend! I need to start Jessica Jones too. I'm still watching The Rain S2 but now Dark S2 is out so... haha ALL the shows are back. Do you watch Stranger things? I saw the S3 trailer yesterday and... WOW!
ReplyDeleteIf you watch JJ before I have a chance to start it, let me know how it is! I'm curious how Jessica is going to handle Trish in this new season. What is The Rain? Do you like it? I also haven't heard of Dark... haha! Clearly, I'm behind. No! Stranger Things is on my TBW. ;)
DeleteStranger Things... you MUST watch before S3. Binge both seasons. :) Then you'll be ready haha. The Dark is a European show- very similar in some ways to Stranger things, but moodier, more European lol- it's about time travel and strange things going on in a German town. I'd say watch Stranger things first though.
DeleteThe Rain is a Netflix post apoc- also European- about something that makes the rain toxic- like if you get rained on you turn into a crazed killer. It's not as good or deep as Dark, but it's a decent show.
I can't wait to see Jessica and Trish interact! I hope Trish goes full Hellcat in this season!!
Okay, so I'll start Stranger Things once I've caught up on Brooklyn Nine-Nine. It's what I'm binging now, and if I keep running every day, I'll be finished sooner rather than later. Hey, are you watching the newest season of Riverdale? I never picked it back up after every left the insane asylum, and some people were trapped outside of the town.
DeleteRain that makes you crazy?? What about the water supply? Is there a way to purify crazy-making rain??
Yes!! I hope we get to see her as Hellcat, and not just at the very end. Unless she's getting her own show... although, Trish can be a little insane on her own. I want to know what Malcom has been up to.
Speaking of rain that makes you crazy... have you seen Zoo?? It's when the animals start fighting back and killing people. Even the ants get in on it, which is... !!!
DeleteI watched the first season of Zoo but that's it. I liked it though! And The Rain... I'm trying to remember but yeah they must purify water or something lol. It's actually a virus I think that the gov't or someone created, and it got in the rain... I guess haha. Sounds dumb, I know, but it's not bad. Stranger Things though is much better.
DeleteYes I'm watching Riverdale too! Hiram just got shot and I guess Archie and Veronica have broken up? I'm sorta juggling Dark, The Rain and Riverdale all at the same time lolol.
It's always the government's fault, haha. I've watched the first two seasons of Zoo, but I think there's a third... I never understood Archie and Veronica anyways. Her dad has done some series shit to her boyfriend, and she barely bats an eye. Yes, she tries to save him, but she still doesn't fully cut her family out either. It sounds like you've got a lot of shows on your plate! ;)
DeleteHow fun to reconnect with your childhood friend. And, good for you getting back to your workout regime. I love Kemmerer's books and Call It What You Want was another hit with me.
ReplyDeleteWe were best friends growing up, our families would vacation together, and we were always at each other's houses, but we grew apart in high school. It wasn't anyone's fault, we just started hanging out with different people. Apparently, our dads kept in touch over the years, and when I moved back here, we were able to reconnect!
DeleteWorking out is ugh, but I'm making myself do it. I've been procrastinating since having twins, and now I'm finally in a new groove. I've always enjoyed working out, but it's starting that's hard. Also, finding the time!
I'm happy to hear Call It What You Want was another hit for you! I'm really liking it so far. I would not have been able to keep Samantha's secret though...
Aww, that's so sweet about your childhood friend and getting to celebrate a big birthday together!
ReplyDeleteHaha, don't you wish working out would only take a couple minutes a day to be effective? It takes up so much time, so good for you for making it a priority!
We've literally known each other since birth, haha. We were born at the same hospital and our mothers had rooms near one another. <3 It seems fitting that we'd celebrate our 30th together! We've shared a lot of birthday parties in the past.
DeleteI wish there was a way to work out without working out... ;)
That's super cute about your kids wanting to work out with you haha, but I can totally see how that's distracting! I love Casey's videos! She got me into working out at home and I love how positive and encouraging she is. Ahh that's so exciting that you re-connected with your friend and are planning on celebrating your birthdays together.
ReplyDeleteI'm starting Call It What You Want today with a friend and I can't wait!
My son is five and the girls are two, so they like the idea of working out with mom, haha. They don't actually want to do the work, and their tiny bodies aren't that flexible. ;) They REALLY love it when I do my kickboxing cardio, because I have one of those Bobs. They think it's hilarious to punch him and run, while I make sure I'm not going to kick anyone in the face. It's like a work out during a work out!
DeleteCasey is amazing! After having kids, it's hard to get to the gym or other classes. She makes it easy to work out at home, and her work outs are super effective. She makes me feel good about myself and working out, and I love how positive she is. It's about how you feel more than how you look.
I cannot wait to celebrate my 30th with my childhood BFF! <3 I hope you're enjoying Call It What You Want! I'm close to finishing it, and it's great!
I know how tiring working out in summer can be and thus result in more sleep. I have been trying to getting back to running and it definitely is getting tougher due to the rising temperature. I hope you have a great week ahead.
ReplyDeleteGayathri @ Elgee Writes
I recently acquired a treadmill (my mom had one she wasn't using), but the belt needs to be replaced. It sounds simple, but it looks complicated, so I haven't attempted to fix it yet. I was running anywhere from 30-45 minutes in the mornings, but have adjusted my work out to compensate for its absence. I like running on treadmills, because I can catch up on my television shows while I do it. ;)
DeleteI remember the time I raised kids as a near-constant time of exhaustion. With little moments of joy. Lots of them. But it was the tiredness I remember so much. It goes quickly, though.
ReplyDeleteCelebrate your thirtieth. That will be fun.
I am curious about your thoughts on Darker Shade. Let us know.
Have a great week!
Near-constant exhaustion sounds abut right! It's mostly joy, although they have their moments. ;) I try to appreciate and enjoy every single day, because it does go by quickly.
DeleteDarker Shade started off slow, but there's a lot of world-building, so it makes sense. Things are starting to get interesting!
I did PIIT 28 for awhile and it does work! Its brutal!
ReplyDeleteI get through the first round and want to cry when I remember there are still three more! Haha! I make myself do it, and then I'm happier for it. It's a really great program! :)
DeleteLook at you go with those intense workouts and neat that you met up with an old friend just in time to share birthdays. :)
ReplyDeleteTrying to balance all of life is a real trick sometimes.
Have a great week, Lindsi!
Intense workouts are what I need, haha. Working out helps with my anxiety/stress, and makes me feel better about myself. It's exhausting while I'm doing it, but then I have more energy throughout the day, which is appreciated with three young children. ;)
DeleteI cannot wait celebrate my birthday with an old friend! It's crazy that we were able to reconnect when we did, but very fortuitous. <3 It's so hard trying to balance everything I want to do with everything I need to do.
You go Lindsi! Working out is the best of times and the worst of times. Sounds like your life is so lovely with your kids. And reconnecting with your friend, how neat. I hope you guys have a blast. I loved Kingdom of Exiles so I hope you enjoy it and Call It What You Want. I need to read more of that author. ❤️
ReplyDeleteThanks! It's both exhausting and exhilarating. I love how I feel after working out, just not during. ;) I love being a mom, and I love spending time with my kids. If I have to sacrifice some personal time, like blogging and reading, I'm totally okay with it. They're only this age for so long, and I want to enjoy every minute of it.
DeleteCall It What You Want has been fantastic so far! I'm also excited about starting Kingdom of Exiles, so I'm happy to hear you loved it. (Yes, read more Kemmerer!!) <3
Happy Birthday! Have a great celebration with your bestie!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy this time with your kids, soon they will be teenagers and the only way you’ll get their attention is by turning off the wifi LOL
Have a great reading week
Thank you! I'm sure we'll have a blast. :) I'm definitely trying to enjoy all this time with my children. I'm feel so lucky and thankful that I get to stay home and be with them until they start school. I know some people have to use daycares, or they even choose to do so, but I've really loved getting this time with them. I can't even think about them being teenagers!! <3
DeleteI demand video of a workout with the kids. LOL (j/k... but it would be hilarious!) I am in awe of your workouts, girl! That is so awesome. Ho cool to reconnect with an old friend... and celebrate birthdays together. Can't wait to hear about it and see pics! Looking forward to your thoughts on Call It What You Want. I love Kemmerer and I'm excited to pick that one up.
ReplyDeleteHaha! It would be hard to video them while they're trying to work out with me, or I would do this for you! ;) It's hilarious, but also a distraction. These kids... I'm telling you... bananas. Thanks! I really enjoy working out, and I'm happy I'm making time for it again. It's so much easier to sit down and read than getting geared up to sweat!
DeleteKemmerer is fantastic! I'm really enjoying Call It What You Want. I was hoping to have it finished today in time for a review (since it's the release day), but haven't had time. I'm almost finished with it, so I might get a review up tonight, or this afternoon.
Pictures will be up next week after our trip! <3
Oh, gosh, I'm so excited that you reconnected with a childhood friend! It's always so fun to do so (well, with the right childhood friend, maybe!) and it's so exciting that you guys are going to celebrate your birthdays together. Timing is everything and that is such a good time!!! Call It What You Want sounds SO fun, I hope you enjoy it! Have a good week!
ReplyDeleteOur dads have kept in touch over the years, so they put us in touch once we moved closer to home. She's in a neighboring town, but not too far away! We're both looking forward to celebrating our 30th together! Call It What You Want has been fantastic so far! I wish I had more time to sit down and finish it. I'm sure I could read it all the way through without stopping. :)
DeleteI think you've had a great week, Lindsi. Spending time with the kids is something that you'll look back on in years to come and treasure the memories. Looking forward to seeing those birthday pictures too, I bet you both have a blast!
ReplyDeleteImpressive commitment to your fitness routine! I'm surprised you got any reading or blogging in at all. I loved Kingdom of Exiles and I'm looking forward to reading your thoughts.
Hope you have a great week, Lindsi. X
I love my children and really enjoy spending time with them! I want to make every day count, because they'll only be this age once. I read while I'm putting the kids down for their naps! They won't stay in their beds unless I'm sitting in the chair in their room, haha. It's not a lot, but it's something. ;) I'm happy to hear you loved Kingdom of Exiles! It makes me more excited to read it. <3
DeleteI'm tired just reading about your exercise regimen! Good luck with it and I hope you get the results you want.
ReplyDeleteNo one can complain that you're less active on the blog when you're spending time with your kiddies! That's the way it should be. They're not little for long. :(
Kingdom of Exiles is one that caught my attention this week! I hope you like it, can't wait to hear what you think.
I'm already noticing a difference in my energy and how I feel overall. I didn't realize how much my body had changed after having twins, although I guess that should have been more obvious. ;) I'm slowly getting back into a routine, and really enjoying everything.
DeleteI know!! My babies are growing up so fast. I want to spend as much time with them as possible, since they're only this age once. My son starts school in the fall, and I know things will never be like this again. I'm trying to make the best of the time we have left!
I am also doing the 28 Day Summer Sculpt and for my cardio I do The Fitness Marshall. I felt like I have seen some results with the 28 Day Summer Sculpt. Thank god this is the last week because I am getting bored with it. I get easily bored with working out so I have to do something different almost everyday. LOL I still need to read Children of Blood and Bone. Have a great week!!
ReplyDelete~Kendra @ Kendra Loves Books
I totally understand that! I'm the same way. I feel less excited about a workout when I know what to expect, haha. I like doing her monthly calendars, and PIIT28. It gives me variety. However, I do like trying her new challenges to see how they work for me. This one has been effective! I've combined it with the #100AbChallenge, so I think that's helped.
DeleteCan I just say that your workout routine is very impressing?! I don't think I could commit to all those challenges.
ReplyDeleteI also watched Murder Mystery this week and I was expecting it to be funnier too. However, the Agatha Christie lover inside of me is super happy about it. =P
Happy readings! ;)
Tânia @MyLovelySecret
Haha! I'm just doing two of the challenges right now: The Summer Sculp Program and the 100 Ab Challenge. I'll go back to my PIIT28 at the end of the month. :) Also, the kickboxing and running, but I alternate between those.
DeleteRight?? Sandler and Aniston should have been a funnier combination, but something felt off. I also wanted more from Luke Evans, but he was a little ugh in this one. I did like the ending!!
I can't workout too intensely anymore - knee and back issues but I try to do something everyday and we;ve been walking 3 miles around the lake every day.
ReplyDeleteKaren @ For What It's Worth
That not nothing! Three miles every day is amazing! I don't go that far when running/walking, haha. How's the weather up there? We're starting to see those scorching numbers that make you want to stay inside all day.
DeleteI have started "working out" again, too... well, power walking. Ha ha. I had an extended convalescensce at the beginning of the year and my stamina and strength suffered. I entered a Potterhead Running Club virtual half marathon. The nice thing is you can complete it walking if you want and can do it in segments. I thought it was a great way to ease back into things. The fees were contributed to an African anti-poaching organization so it is a win/win situation.🚶
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday early! 🎉🎂🎁👑
I hope you had a great first half of the week! 🌞
Power walking is working out! If you get up and go in any capacity, that's great. The Potterhead Running Club Virtual Half-Marathon sounds AMAZING! I want to do it!! Where do I sign up?? Love that the fees were donated to a good cause, too.
DeleteThank you!! <3
Watching kids and working out. That definitely takes up a lot of time and energy. That's awesome you're doing so well with your workouts. I really need to try new things and just be more active.
ReplyDelete-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net
My energy is completely sapped at the end of the day, haha. I look forward to sleeping and starting over again in the morning. Refreshed! Even if it's temporary... Just getting out more makes you more active! I've been doing more around the house and listening to audiobooks, which keeps me on my feet instead of in a chair, or on the couch. Every little but helps! :)
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