20 Must-Read Books for 2021

book wrapped in cream colored wrapping paper with pinecone and holly on it.

Nothing is better than getting wrapped up in a good book.  The characters become friends and you stay up late flipping the pages and telling yourself you’ll read just a few more.  Books make the perfect Christmas gift… or a little treat for yourself to get you through the hectic holidays.  Here is my recommendation for 20 Must-Read Books for 2021:

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20 Must-Read Books for 2021

When We Believed in Mermaids (***Top Pick)

By: Barbara O’Neal

When We Believed in Mermaids:

Her sister has been dead for fifteen years when she sees her on the TV news…

Josie Bianci was killed years ago on a train during a terrorist attack. Gone forever. It’s what her sister, Kit, an ER doctor in Santa Cruz, has always believed. Yet all it takes is a few heart-wrenching seconds to upend Kit’s world. Live coverage of a club fire in Auckland has captured the image of a woman stumbling through the smoke and debris. Her resemblance to Josie is unbelievable. And unmistakable. With it comes a flood of emotions—grief, loss, and anger—that Kit finally has a chance to put to rest: by finding the sister who’s been living a lie.

After arriving in New Zealand, Kit begins her journey with the memories of the past: of days spent on the beach with Josie. Of a lost teenage boy who’d become part of their family. And of a trauma that has haunted Kit and Josie their entire lives.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (***Another Top Pick)

By: Taylor Jenkins Reid

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.

Summoned to Evelyn’s luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the ‘80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn’s story near its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.

I Found You

By: Lisa Jewell

I Found You: In the windswept British seaside town of Ridinghouse Bay, single mom Alice Lake finds a man sitting on a beach outside her house. He has no name, no jacket, and no idea how he got there. Against her better judgment, she invites him inside.

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Great Subscription Boxes of 2021

I have always been drawn to subscription boxes because they are a surprise in your mailbox every month.  I do a little happy dance when I see a package in the mail and can’t wait to rip it open to see all the goodies inside.  They make wonderful Christmas gifts because they often contain things people love but wouldn’t buy for themselves. They will think of you every time the package arrives and there’s a box for everyone…including yourself! Here are some great subscription boxes of 2021.

Celebrate States

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS COMPANY

mustard, soup mix, pretzels, cutting board, tea towel

One of the best things about travel is getting to know your destination.  You can learn a lot about the place by eating their food and using products made by local artists.  Celebrate States lets you “travel” around the US and explore each state.  Each box is packed full of items that will make you feel like you’ve packed up your suitcase and are traveling across the country. This box is also a great motivator of places to add to your Travel Bucket List.  It is a wonderful introduction to the state and will make you want to see what else the state has to offer.

WHAT’S IN EACH BOX?

Celebrate States boxes are packed full of fun items from small businesses.  You will receive 6-7 full sized items that include food, beauty, and home goods. The wide variety of products gives you a good feel of the state. The boxes also contain interactive material and travel material about the state. I love when kids have fun while learning.

WHAT PRODUCTS DID WE GET?

Pennsylvania Dutch box

Cutting board with Pennsylvania stamp (From Totally Bamboo)

bamboo cutting board

We love this bamboo cutting board and have been using it to cut lemon and limes when we are making cocktails with friends.  The stamp makes it so unique.

Pennsylvania Dutch tea towel (From Crafted Southern)

tea towel with birds on it

This tea towel looks adorable draped near my oven.  The bright colors on the birds add a nice touch of color to any kitchen.

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Best Candle Companies of 2021

candle near christmas tree

CANDLE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

No matter how crazy our day goes, I always try to light a candle to set a calm mood in our house.  The flickering of the flame and the relaxing scent sets the tone and a calmness washes over us.  Candles are the perfect Christmas gift for someone special…family, teachers, coaches, bus drivers, holiday housewarming hosts, etc. They are also wonderful ways to pamper yourself.  (We all need some of that!) Take a peek at some of the best candle companies of 2021.

Southern Elegance Candle Company

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS COMPANY

candles, room fragrance, wax cubes, air freshener

I love a candle that has the ability to transport me to a comforting place.  Southern Elegance is proud of their southern culture and have created candles that take you to a time when life was simpler.  They blend their candles with unique scents that scream southern charm with images of a cool glass of sweet tea, slices of delicious pound cake made from scratch, and the swaying of massive magnolia trees.  Take a PEEK HERE at all of their signature scents and PEEK HERE for their fall/winter scents. I love the farmhouse feel of the labels and I especially love the ones in mason jars. These hand-crafted soy wax candles are made in small batches in the heart of North Carolina.

WHAT PRODUCTS DO WE LOVE?

sweet tea candle

RAISED ON SWEET TEA AND JESUS

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Best Coffee and Tea Companies of 2021

iron tea pot with small tea cups and loose tea

The simplest form of relaxation is wrapping your hands around a warm beverage, inhaling deeply, and taking a long sip. A rich cup of coffee gets me out of bed in the morning and a soothing cup of tea helps me fall asleep at night.  Tea and coffee make the perfect gift.  It is an inexpensive way to show someone they are appreciated.  Don’t forget all those people that help keep your life running smoothly like teachers, coaches, bus drivers, postal carriers, etc. Here are the Best Coffee and Tea Companies of 2021:

Amora Coffee

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS COMPANY

2 bags of coffee

One of the great things about Amora Coffee Company is their coffee is roasted in the USA by fifth-generation Master Roasters devoted to bringing you the perfect cup.  They only roast the beans after you order and then they are hand packed in foil-lined bags, while still warm, to protect the flavor and aroma. I also like that you get the choice to have whole bean or ground in regular or decaf. I’ve tried several flavors of their coffee and I’ve loved them all! Amora beans come from Central and South America, Indonesia and Africa, and when you are sipping your warm cup of coffee you’ll feel like you’ve been transported there. I love to support philanthropic companies and Amora is helping to bring clean water and sanitation to over 10,000 people in the remote Jabi Tehnan district of Ethiopia.

WHAT PRODUCTS DO WE LOVE?

two bags of coffee

Birthday Cake

$14.95

(This sweet flavored 100% Arabica bean coffee is a medium roast coffee with flavors of sweet, creamy vanilla frosting with undertones of buttery vanilla cake.)

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Best Skincare Companies of 2021

Self-care is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give someone.  Taking a few minutes every day to do a face mask, nourish your skin, apply a body butter, or take a deep breathe of an essential oil can add up to a stress-free day.  I have found some amazing companies this season that have fabulous products that my family and I have tested and are obsessed with.  I am very conscious of what my daughters and I use on our bodies and these companies share the same values.  Here are our top picks for skincare and body products.  Enjoy the Best Skincare Companies of 2021:

Wicked Good

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS COMPANY

sugar scrub, roll on perfume,

Wicked Good is the one stop spot to creating a spa day at home.  They have everything from bath soaks, scrubs, lotions, bath tea, etc.  They have over 150 unique scents (created in small batches) and you will definitely have a problem choosing just one.  I love that they believe that aroma is at the heart of every wicked good experience!  They also have a candle line that is not only hysterical, but also smell great. Their products have clean, consciously crafted fragrances and are vegan and cruelty free. Want a gift that keeps on giving?  They also have a Scent Club.  Get an exclusive, limited edition perfume delivered to you every month along with 2-3 other scented goods.

WHAT PRODUCTS DO WE LOVE?

SUGAR SCRUB

sugar scrub

$21.95

(Scent: Pumpkin Pecan Waffles)

 

A coconut oil-infused brown sugar scrub that polishes, exfoliates, and hydrates dry skin for a gorgeous glow.  Solutions for: – Dryness, dullness, uneven texture, and uneven skin tone.

Your whole shower will fill with the aroma of pumpkin and you won’t want to get out!  The scrub is not too scratchy and will leave your skin so soft.

perfume oil

BLUEBERRY PUMPKIN PATCH perfume oil

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November Product Roundup 2021

acorns in a bowl that says thankful

Hello November! I hope you had a fun-filled Halloween and are getting ready for Thanksgiving this week.  It is time to start thinking about the holidays and I’ve got so many amazing holiday gift guides ready to share with you all! Here are a few things we’ve been using in the last month. Enjoy this November Product Roundup 2021:

Heirloom Video Book

WHY TRAVELERS WILL LOVE THEM

These last two years have been hard being away from friends and family.  Heirloom Video Books help bridge that distance between you by giving a personal video they will love. You can choose from 9 different cover designs (including some new holiday ones) and can add a personalized message on the inside cover. The book is sturdy and well made.  The video is clear and the sound quality is crisp and loud.  I think these books would be perfect for gifts for Mother’s Day, Fathers Day, Christmas, anniversaries, birthdays, or just times when you want to show some love!

WHAT PRODUCTS DID WE GET?

Includes: 5″ HD screen (charger included)

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October 2021 Product Roundup

Hello Autumn! This is one of my favorite times of the year…especially since I live in New England. Leaves are changing, the air is getting cooler, and we’re spending time at the apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and getting in the last rides on the boat. As you know, I love sharing new products I’ve started using! Here are some great products I’ve recently found.  Enjoy this October Product Roundup!

Octave Battery Safe

WHY TRAVELERS WILL LOVE THEM

This is one product that I’ve been using nonstop since I’ve received it.  I have several battery packs but what I like about this one is it has a hidden safe in it! Honestly…you would never know it has a storage area by looking at it. I love storing my license, cash, and any important papers I need.  I even store my jewelry in it. It is great for travel, concerts, the beach, music festivals and much more.

WHAT PRODUCTS DID WE GET?

The Battpak by OCTAVE

$99

It includes a 3-way USB/Type-C/USB mini cord. I like that it has a stainless-steel magnetic tray so you can put stuff like loose coins in it and they won’t move around.  I also like that it is difficult to figure out how to open the safe if you don’t know how to do it. None of us could figure it out, but after you know where to press it is easy to open.  The battery pack charges quickly and it is a nice size that you can throw it in your purse.

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Multigeneration Travel

We have been so lucky to travel with my mother-in-law throughout the years. We’ve created so many memories and it has meant the world to all of us.  Multigeneration travel has benefits for everyone involved and is something everyone should do if it’s possible. 

I hear some of my friends saying, “Not a chance!” I’m lucky that I’ve got a great relationship with my mother-in-law and understand that not everyone does.  If your family drives you nuts then stop reading but if not then read on for: 

10 tips for making a multigenerational trip memorable. 

FUN FOR ALL

Make sure everyone has something fun to do.  People have different interests and no one should be forced to do something they don’t want to do.  Make sure it’s stated that you don’t have to do everything together.  It’s also a great time to try something together that you’ve never done before.  Having ptions for everyone is key.

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A Visit to Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA

PEABODY ESSEX MUSEUM

If you are looking for a lovely activity for the whole family to do while you’re in Salem, Massachusetts, the Peabody Essex Museum is a wonderful option.  It was a gloomy, rainy day outside when I visited and it was the perfect place to spend the morning. Take a peek at some of the pieces that I most enjoyed:

Protector Goddess, mid-1800’s. Artist in Kerala, India

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Jolie Tea Company

Jolie Tea Company

You know I love a good cup of tea!  I had the pleasure of going to Jolie Tea Company in Salem, Massachusetts, and it was so great I had to tell you all about it.  Because I really wanted the full experience, I didn’t just go for a cup of tea, I did a High Tea!

After I was seated, I had to take a minute to take in the beauty of the room.  The room has seating waiting for guests. I love the pink light that showcases the wall of teas. Good luck trying to buy just one.

Look at how lovely each place setting is! I love the porcelain tea cup and plate.  The gerbera daisy is a fun touch!

I was pleasantly surprised that they bring out a hibiscus iced tea to enjoy while you look over the high tea menu.

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