• Books and Reading - Uncategorized

    The Reading Report, Vol. 33: My “Plan” for 2026

    February 2, 2026 - By 

    It’s been a while since I sent out an up to date Reading Report! I finished 2025 strong, achieving my goal of finishing 50 books during the year. I set a slightly lower numerical goal for myself this coming year, and I am changing how I approach my reading life. Let’s talk about it! To Challenge or Not to Challenge? Most years I join at least one, sometimes two, reading challenges that push me to finish a book a month and/or read from certain genres. This year, I decided that this approach to reading is taking some of the joy…

  • Homemaking - Knitting and Crochet - Sewing and Crafting - Uncategorized

    My 2026 Make Nine

    January 23, 2026 - By 

    Since 2025 was my first time trying to plan my sewing and knitting according the “Make Nine” method, I didn’t accomplish quite as many projects from it as I might have liked. I don’t think I thought everything through very well. However, l did get a few of my goal projects completed, in addition to many items that were not on my Make Nine last year. This year, I aimed to plan only projects for which I already have either the pattern, the materials, or both. There are a couple of exceptions, of course, but I tried! My other goal…

  • Books and Reading - Homeschooling - Uncategorized

    America 250: Reading Across the 50 States Booklist

    January 15, 2026 - By 

    In celebration of America250, my friend, fellow book lover, and homeschooling mom, Summer Smith, recently created a book list of American literature to read in 2026. She was on The New Mason Jar podcast today to talk about this list, and as I listened, I was inspired to create my own book list specifically for children’s and YA books from each of the 50 states. Summer’s list was very broad with many adult titles, and I wanted to narrow my focus to books appropriate for my own kids (ages 10 and 15.) It was harder than I expected! Some states…

  • Books and Reading - Uncategorized

    Reading Report, Vol. 32: A Long Overdue Update

    December 2, 2025 - By 

    Well, here it is the beginning of December already, and I am just now finally getting ’round to writing a new reading report update! Goodness. But life just keeps being complicated, and I simply don’t have the energy to sit down and string words together in coherent thoughts. Anyway, since my last update a while back (ahem!) I have finished quite a lot of titles. I think the best plan is just to give a very brief review of each one and note if a particular book was read for a club or challenge. Let’s go! Finished Books: Move Your…

  • Knitting and Crochet - Sewing and Crafting - Uncategorized

    On the Needles: Fall FOs Galore!

    November 18, 2025 - By 

    After an unintentional blogging hiatus, I am back with a whole lot of finished projects to share with you! I was so busy this fall, and most days I just didn’t feel like I had anything coherent to write. Apparently, all my creative energy was being directed into knitting, crocheting, and sewing instead. I know many knitters share that their craft helps keep them grounded in time of stress, and I think that held true for me in this season. So, without further ado, here are the things I finished over the past month! (Also, forgive the weird light and…