What are your weekend plans? We’re still recovering from last week’s snow and ice storm around here, so I’m crossing my fingers that two days of rain and warmer temps will melt the four-inch thick layer of ice on my street: I’m hoping it melts enough that Daisy and I can get in a good long walk before the weekend is over. I’m nearing the end of two different books—one paperback and one on Kindle—and would very much like to finish them both. And I got a new cooking gizmo I’m excited to tinker with. (Any tips?)
I hope you have something to look forward to this weekend, and that this collection of interesting reads and favorite things helps ease you into that weekend frame of mind.
Our 2025 Spring Book Preview is here!
Our Spring Book Preview always feels like the official kickoff to the new year. It’s not too late to experience it for yourself! Visit our Spring Book Preview online hub for access now, which includes the digital booklet and 90 minute unboxing video.
Here’s what one reader said about our 2025 Spring Book Preview: “I feel like I’ve read so many “books coming out in 2025” lists and listened to lots of podcasts on the topic, but yet there are SO many titles here that sound amazing that I haven’t heard of yet! Such gems for sure!” If that sounds good, get your preview access right here.
My favorite finds from around the web:
I offer gift links for articles whenever possible (you may still need to create an account with the publication); if there’s no gift link and you’re not a subscriber, check to see if your library carries the publication or use a service like Pocket.
Dispatch from Los Angeles. (Laura Tremaine’s Secret Stuff) “We are enormously grateful for our safety. We are devastated and heartbroken for those who have lost everything. Every day we learn of more friends who have lost their homes. In the last few days, the landscape of Los Angeles has changed. Physically and emotionally.”
The Seven Books I Took With Me When Evacuating Los Angeles. (Literary Hub) “While loading the car and chucking my cat in the carrier, more than half-frantic, I decided to pack one bag of books. I have hundreds, thousands of books. I took seven.”
This adorable sweats set (XXS–3X) reminds me of a favorite sweater set from my twenties. I had to buy for the nostalgia factor alone.
These Two Senior Best Friends Went Around the World in 80 Days—Here’s Their Travel Advice. (Afar) Friendship goals.
What I’ve been reading lately: the new and the notable. (MMD) A small assortment of the wildly different books I’ve been reading lately: a romance novella, a contemporary Australian drama, a stunning and unique story collection, and a feel-good German literary sensation.
The Best Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe (We Tested 6 Popular Contenders!) (The Kitchn) I love seeing how the recipes differ from one another.
Mark These 2025 Celestial Events on Your Calendar. (Lifehacker) Lots of reasons to look up in 2025.
Will surprised me with this Runamok Chipotle Morita Infused Honey for Christmas and now just a little bit on toast makes my morning. (Runamok also makes the fabulous sparkle syrup I first found out about from these “little luxury” blog comments!)
What Does a Translator Do? (The New Yorker) “Good translation draws on as much of life and experience and personality as good writing does.”
It’s Dry Hands Season. Here’s What to Do. (New York Times gift link) I wish I didn’t need this so much. It’s validating to see some of my go-to products recommended like Aquaphor and Neutrogena’s Norwegian Formula Hand Cream.
There Is No Safe Word. (Vulture) A harrowing investigation into the allegations against Neil Gaiman. It’s not easy reading so take care of yourself first and foremost.
Maybe what your January needs is Carrot Top Paper Shop’s Words of Affirmation sale? Everything in the shop with an encouraging word or phrase on it is 25% off, like
25 Hobbies You Can Start at Home—Today. (The Everygirl) Lots of good ideas.
Don’t miss these posts:
19 fiction audiobooks narrated by the author. Novelists know how to tell a good story but that doesn’t mean they’re the best one to perform it. These talented authors can do both!
Revitalize your To Be Read list with this simple method. Simple but it’s a game-changer!
8 fine arts thrillers you won’t want to put down. Fast-paced mysteries featuring art and drama, sculpture and dance, poetry and theater and more.
Have a great weekend!
