Category: Good Reads

Good Reads, Lifestyle, Miscellaneous

5 Things I Learned in College

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I was in college from 2003-2008, then went back to grad school from 2009-2013.

I have zero regrets when it comes to going to college.

I feel like college taught me more than academics.

Here is a list of 5 Things I learned in college.

  1. I learned that I was smarter than I thought I was. I have always had to work hard in school, and labeled myself as “average.” However, college was a reminder that even if I wasn’t at the “top of the class,” I still had more intelligence than I gave myself credit for.
  2. Confidence- college gave me MUCH more confidence. Not just with academics but with public speaking, working with groups of people, technology…and the list goes on. If you want to build your confidence—go back to school!
  3. College taught me to work the HARDEST. I say “hardest” because working hard is not always enough…often times, you have to work the “hardest” you ever have. That means sacrificing social life, favorite tv shows, traveling, and more. Working “hardest” means studying through dinner sometimes, or waking up at the crack of dawn to study before other classes begin. It’s extremely hard work at times, but how rewarding it is to know you have worked your “hardest.”
  4. College taught me how to prioritize my life. When you have a full load of classes, it’s important to prioritize which class to study for first, what assignments to get done first, and so forth. Prioritizing is more than just organizing life, it’s making sure you put the most important things first.
  5. Balance-Along with prioritizing life, college taught me balance. Like that one semester I rarely socialized and I got straight A’s, but I realized my emotional well-being was struggling and I needed friends, so the next semester I didn’t get all “A’s” but I did have some fun memories with friends. Because part of college is creating fun memories with friends and roommates.

So if you ever ask me if you should go to college …I’d say “Yes,” …100% you should go to college.

The life lessons learned at college are incredibly life changing.

If you went to college ..what would you add to this list ??

xoxo,

Christy Lee

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Family, Good Reads, Gospel Topics, Lifestyle

A Spiritual Book I am Enjoying…

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If you have been following me you know that this month my goal and focus is on “Strengthening My Spirituality.”

If you click here, you can find the free printable I made which is “20 Days of Spirituality.”

My reasoning for wanting to strengthen my spirituality is because I believe spirituality is the core of who we are.

2020 was a bit of a whirlwind …and I became aware of just how powerful and significant spirituality is in my life, and in the lives of others.

Naturally–I knew I wanted to straighten my spirituality and it will not end after a month. My hope is that this month with really kickstart me into truly prioritizing spirituality into my life.

Disclosure: this blog contains affiliate links. This means that I get commission from any link you click on…but of course it’s at no cost to you!

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So with that…

I would recommend this book “Holy as You Are,” By Christie Gardiner.

I will say, this book relates most to people that are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

However, the overall theme behind the book is for anyone wanting to strengthen their spirituality.

This book is beautifully written and it’s focus is on reminding women that they already possess so many holy attributes and qualities.

This book is uplifting and a great read.

You can find this book online or at Desert Book or Seagull Book.

I would love to hear any spiritual book recommendations you may have, please just comment below.

Until Next Time!

xoxo,

Christy Lee

Good Reads, Lifestyle

One of My Favorite Books to Read!

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I read this particular book recommendation a few years back and I still remember how interesting and thought-provoking it was.

The book is entitled “Hotel on the Corner is Bitter and Sweet,” by Jamie Ford.

This compelling book is a novel. Part of the book takes place during the time period of World War Two.

The main characters are Japanese-American and Chinese American.

The story line goes into great detail about the struggles, trials, and racism that was experienced by Asian-Americans at this time.

There is also a beautiful love story intertwined amidst the trials.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone.

It was a book that I didn’t want to put down, I enjoyed the storyline and the characters.

A beautifully written novel.

I hope you enjoy this book too!

To purchase, click here

As always, I would love to hear any book recommendations you have as well!

xoxo,

Christy Lee

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Good Reads, Lifestyle

Top 5 Books I Want to Read This Year/Goodreads

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Do you have the Goodreads app?

If not you should get the app, or go online and join goodreads!

It’s fun to find friends on Goodreads and see what books your friends have enjoyed or would recommend.

Here are 5 books that I would love to read in the next six months :

All the Light We Cannot See

Educated

Little Fires Everywhere

Insights from a Prophets Life: Russel M. Nelson

The Girl with Seven Names

Have you read any of these books that I hope to read?

Or, do you have more recommendations for me?

Find me on goodreads under: Christy Austin and I will follow you back!

I hope you take time to read a bit today!

xoxo,

Christy Lee

Good Reads, Lifestyle

Day 2: Father’s Day Gift ideas

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Today’s gift is for those Fathers that like sports, specifically football.

The former quarterback of the 49ers, Steve Young, wrote a wonderful book entitled “QB:My Life Behind the Spiral.”

This book goes into detail about Steve Young’s football career and his life. The book addresses Young’s biggest weaknesses as well as his successes.

I myself enjoyed this book and I’m sure your dad would too.

Click here to purchase!

Xoxo,

Christy Lee

Good Reads, Lifestyle

How to take time to Read

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If you’re following me, you’ll notice this month my goal is to take time for your mental health.

Last week I worked on my mental health by listening to a podcast everyday …. this week my goal is to read for 20 minutes a day. It’s amazing how reading does wonders for your mind and mental health. Reading is a great way to relax and get absorbed into a story.

Relax and Read!

I know it’s EASY to find reasons not to read a book. However, reading a book is so great for mental health in a variety of ways. Here is a list of ways to take time for reading without feeling guilty :

1. Read a book that helps you learn a new skill and feel accomplished after your finished reading. Even if the skill is a “self- help” or “how to better your life” type of book… read it.

2. Find a genre you know you love. When you’re easily sucked into a book there’s less of a reason to think about your long “to-do” list while reading.

3. Remind yourself that reading is taking time-out for yourself and it’s not selfish … reading is uplifting and can help you be more productive in the long run.

4. With the great weather starting to settle in… read a book outside to soak up some natural vitamin d as well.

5. Join a book club and read along with your group. Being able to socialize and discuss the book is not only fun, but great for your deep thinking skills!

So …..go find a book you think you’ll enjoy and start reading!

During this pandemic where the world has turned upside down a bit, take time to enjoy some fun reading and I think you will be surprised by the positive effect reading has on your mental health and stability.

Here is a list of resources to follow to find some great books!

@moms.book.club

Amazons best sellers

Brookeromney.com has a great book list!

Until next time!

Xoxo,

Christy Lee

Family, Good Reads, Lifestyle

Why this months goal is to prioritize “presence” with my family

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I think we can all relate to the idea that being “present” with family and loved ones is a new challenge in 2020. Screen Shot 2020-03-07 at 11.09.34 PM

We live in a world of everything at our fingertips….literally.

If we want ANY information, really just about ANYTHING we want to find is on our phone.

We all know the internet and social media are such amazing technology advances, but did we think about the downfall of these incredible tools?

The downfall, is getting so “caught up” on your device that has endless information…that we forget to PRIORITIZE relationships that really matter, that really count. Our family relationships.

I personally, catch myself getting zoned into my phone and I hate that. I want my kids to remember me as a mom that was “present.” I want my kids to remember me as a mom that created memories and actually enjoyed playing with my kids. NOT the mom that was “too busy” for my kids.

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My goal is to learn to have limits and boundaries with my technology. Of course we are blessed to have the technology we have today, and it can benefit us greatly…but I just want to make sure I am utilizing my time productively and focusing my PRIORITY on my sweet family.

I love my family, I waited a long time to be a wife and mother, and I don’t want the years to fly by and to look back with regretting thoughts like:

“was I on my phone too much?” “Did I only cook and clean when my kids were home?” “Did I ever get involved and actually play make-believe with my kids?”

I don’t want to be haunted with the concern of how much I was distracted by technology so this months priority is to be “present” with family. 

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As always, I will keep you updated on how this monthly goal journey goes.

I would love to hear any tips and advice on this topic.

And I would love to share my goal calendar with you so click on the link below.

March MonthlyCalendar-5e640d2180754

 

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Until next time,

 

xoxo,

 

Christy Lee

Good Reads, Lifestyle

A Fun Reading Challenge That You and Your Family Will Love and Enjoy…

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I have mentioned before in the past that I taught school for seven years before I had my children.

I taught middle school history and I loved my experience teaching.

Something that surprised me when I started teaching school was how many children struggled with reading. Even by seventh grade, there were still many students that did not enjoy reading, because it was hard for them.

woman and girl lying in bed while holding book
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My heart when out to these students that struggled with reading. Of course there were many factors involved with why many students struggled. Some kids dealt with learning disabilities which affected their ability to be a success in reading.

However, I did observe that there were many students that just never “practiced” their reading skills. 

Everyday at our school we had something called “DEAR” time which meant

Drop

Everything 

And 

Read

DEAR time was a great way for students to get some reading time in.

person reading a book
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Sooo–I have decided to adopt DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) time into my families everyday life.

The plan:

-Choose a time everyday, set a timer and drop what everyone in the family is doing and READ for 15-20 minutes.

-Parents will read, children will read…the entire household will be reading!

-My goal is to get the entire family excited about reading more in their life.

 

Reading is the key to success not only in school, but life in general.

I will try DEAR time for a week and let you know how my family does. 

I am excited to have an excuse to curl up with a book everyday for at least 15 minutes.

Hopefully I can get some more books read!

I hope you join me in this challenge.

Let me know your tips and tricks for getting your family to read more….

 

Until next time,

xoxo,

Christy Lee

 

Good Reads

One of my Favorite Books: Book recommendation for October

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Here in Utah the temperatures have dropped and its chilly. October is the perfect time to grab a comfy blanket, and read a book with some hot cocoa close by.

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The book suggestion I have for this month is one that I was required to read in college…and I have loved it ever since.

The book is entitled “Tuesday’s with Morrie” by Mitch Albom. 

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I will warn you that you may need a box of tissues nearby, because I definitely teared up throughout this book. However, the tears were “heartwarming” tears as you can relate to this book in many ways.

The author, Mitch Albom, writes this true story about re-uniting with his old college professor who is slowly passing away from a disease called ALS.

Albom spends his Tuesday’s with “Morrie” and writes about life lessons and lectures that Morrie teaches him.

For me, this book made me think of spending time with my dear grandma who always had a lot to teach me without even realizing it. 

It’s quite a quick read, and I highly recommend adding this to your “reading list.”

(If you’re interested in purchasing the book click here. )

Enjoy,

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xoxo

Christy Lee

 

Good Reads

My August book pick for you that is an easy read and very heart-warming

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My career background before I stayed home with my kids was teaching school. I taught middle school, 7th & 8th grade. I loved every minute of teaching middle school. Sure it came with it’s challenges, but I felt that this age group was so open to learn and grow.

One book I read to my homeroom class that I absolutely loved was the book entitled “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio. My students listened incredibly well to this book, and I will say I loved it too.

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If you want a book that is a great reminder about respecting others and their differences this is the book for you. It may seem like a book just for young teenagers, but I would say all adults would benefit from reading this wonderful story.

Even better, they created a wonderful movie about this book as well, so after you finish reading the book…you can have a movie night and enjoy the show!

But as we know, the book is always better right?!

Link to book HERE

Enjoy your reading!

xoxo,

 

Christy Lee