Bookish Links- December 2021

Christianbook.com's cyber sale... Up to 88% off! 

I saw something very similar to this fake stack of Christmas books last December and decided to make some for myself. I didn't. 🤷🏼

It's a beautiful night to turn on an audio book (or a good book podcast?) and sip hot cocoa between satisfying puzzle piece clicks, no? A few bookish puzzles- Jane Austen // The cutest bookstore // Classics (even though it prominently features my book enemy, Catcher in the Rye) // A Christmas Carol // classic Christmas children's books 

And if you're in need of a new mug for that cozy puzzle night- A Christmas Carol // The Nutcracker // 'Twas the Night Before Christmas // The Grinch who Stole Christmas // All I Want for Christmas is Books // and for good measure, a second All I Want for Christmas is Books 

Blast from the past: Christmas picture books we loved in 2017 // last year's Christmas episode on the podcast 

Where are my crafters? How about a DIY book ornament tutorial? 

One of the December activities on my list is a Nutcracker viewing party! We'll read our favorite version of The Nutcracker and watch the movie version... And maybe I'll go above and beyond a la this Pinterest board! 

Christmassy Christian romance novels 

I always wanted to take my kids to Storybook Island but goodness, how fun does it look at Christmas?! 

The 35 best Christmas books according to The Pioneer Woman and even more according to Sarah Mackenzie of Read Aloud Revival 

Books I'm planning to read this December: the second story in Once Upon a Dickens Christmas // A Treasury of Christmas Miracles // Jingle Bells 

One Christmas book at a time

My name won't ever be up in lights and no one will know who I am a hundred years from now. I still fall asleep each night knowing I matter. 

I'm making his life brighter, setting a loving foundation for them. I make all kinds of mistakes and will never be a perfect wife or mama but I don't have to be perfect to be the best wife and mama for my family. 

I am making their Christmas magical and that matters. The special ornament each year, the Christmas light drives, the different Christmas picture book each night- that matters. 

When they look back some day, these are the things they'll remember. They won't remember every gift they received or how clean the kitchen was each day of December but they will remember how it felt to snuggle up and be read to and which book was their favorite. 

They'll hear a Christmas song and remember the smell of sugar cookies baking while we danced in front of the Christmas tree or the taste of the chai-nog I made for them. I'm crafting a magical Christmas one picture book, one special treat, one Christmas light at a time. 

I am enough. 

So are you. 

*The book in the photo is The Polar Express 

Deck the Halls with my Friends and Family!

I always like to encourage people to shop small and in their local communities. Still, I always wind up getting some things online and I bet you do, too! Here is a list of the ways your purchases can support us, my friends, and my family this year. 

If you're buying books, we'd love for you to buy them through our Bookshop shop. You pay the same price but buying any books you want through our link gives us a 10% commission. 

If you're looking for comic books, manga, and vintage collectibles then check out my brother's store-- The Galactic Geek- on Mercari. 

My sweet friend Tawny sells Young Living essential oils and products... Might I recommend Christmas Spirit oil? The best scent!! 

My husband's sweet cousin Emily sells vegan hair and skincare products through Monat. 

My friend Rae takes beautiful family portraits in Arizona. 

My friend Heidi makes beautiful, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces using Northern Arizona nature and sells it via Instagram. 

My friend Natasha sells clothing liquidation through The Northern Sea and jewelry-making supplies through The Violet Room. 

Gretchen sells all kinds of goodies on her second-hand Instagram shop. 

Episode 28- The Christian Bookworm Podcast

It's Black Friday! IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME! I'm once again chatting with my mom about Christmas books and all things Christmas. 

You can listen right here or through Anchor // Apple // Breaker // Google // Overcast // Pocket Casts // Radio Public // RSS // Spotify 

General shownotes page 

Episode 6- last year's Christmas episode 

Devotionals- My Utmost for his Highest // Duck Commander Devotional // Chicken Soup for the Soul: Life is What You Make It // God is My Hiding Place 

A Christmas Carol // Once Upon a Dickens Christmas // 12 Days at Bleakly Manor // A Tale of Two Hearts 

A Treasury of Christmas Miracles // Catching Christmas // Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Blessings of Christmas 

Middle grade books: The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street (secular) // Christmas Stories: Little House Chapter Books (secular, young reader adaptation) // A Little House Christmas Treasury (secular) // One Wintry Night 

Bookworm gifts: Out of Print book-themed socks // Books to Bed children's book pajamas // book lights // Around the neck book lights // Our Daily Bread scripture cards // A Fine Quotation Etsy shop // Carrot Top Paper Shop Etsy shop 

My blog // Goodreads // Pinterest 

Where to find Cindy: Episode 6 // Blessed by Birth 

Home ec-ish books this homemaker is thankful for

I have been a homemaker since 2013. It is a role I love with all of my heart and have never once questioned, even when others were questioning that role for me. I never took a home ec class in school and have wondered many times if I was actually doing a good job in this role but this year I have found so much confidence and delight in simply saying the words "I'm a homemaker." 

I am the one who makes our house a home. 

Today I thought I would share a few books I have learned from and loved along the way. Some of these books are all about housekeeping or meal prepping while others encompass the role of homemaker in its entirety. Enjoy! 

Cozy Minimalist Home and The Nesting Place... Myquillin Smith's style isn't just like mine but I still felt quite inspired to craft home spaces we all adore after reading these books. 

The Honest Life... I read this book during the very beginning stages of my homemaker life and trying to get a better understanding of all the toxins in our homes and products today. This was a great stepping stone to a low-tox way of life for my family and me. 

How to Sew a Button... How to Sew a Button, fold fitted sheets, clean with vinegar + baking soda, and so much more! 

The Lifegiving Home and The Lifegiving Table... You all know I adore Sally Clarkson's books and these two are especially perfect for homemakers looking to be inspired about the kind of atmosphere they're desiring. 

Little House Living... This one was so perfect for me as a baby homesteader with a deep desire for natural living and I love all the recipes for natural home and body care, the pantry tips, and the adorable photos. 

Honorable mentions are Love Lives Here and When Less Becomes More since they both have such lovely things to say about making a house a home! 

I also love the podcasts At Home with Sally and The Titus 2 Minute. I've also shared favorite cookbooks and sewing books on the blog before.