Hey Besties! 🌟

August was a monumental month for me as I dove headfirst into the world of audiobooks, consuming a whopping 21 titles! I've found audiobooks to be a fantastic way to multitask while indulging in my love for stories. Here's a glimpse into my month-long auditory adventure and why I think you might want to listen to some of these books.

Why I Chose Audiobooks

With a busy lifestyle, sitting down with a physical book can be a challenge, so audiobooks have become my go-to. They allow me to enjoy books while gardening, renovating, or even during my thrift store hunts. This month, my selections were largely inspired by Reese's Book Club and trending titles on the Libby app. It's like having a conversation with the characters and authors themselves, making mundane tasks so much more enjoyable.

Top Picks from August

Here’s a list of the books that kept me company, with my top favorites marked with an asterisk (*). Whether you're looking for inspiration, a gripping mystery, or a transformative self-help book, there's something here for everyone:

• A Child Called "It" by Dave Pelzer
• *I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
• The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson
• *Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister
• Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman
• How to Keep House While Drowning by KC Davis
• *Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
• *The Scent Keeper by Erica Baumeister
• *The Lying Game by Ruth Ware
• Braving the Wilderness by Brene Brown
• *Cassandra in Reverse by Holly Smale
• *Grief is a Sneaky Bitch by Lisa Keefauver
• *The Day He Never Came Home by Andrew DeYoung
• One in a Millennial by Kate Kennedy
• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
• *None of This is True by Lisa Jewell
• *This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub
• *Main Character Energy by Jamie Varon
• The Age of Magical Overthinking by Amanda Montell
• *Campervans, Cooking, And Corpses by Tyler Rhodes
• Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

Why These Books?

The starred books are ones that particularly resonated with me, either due to their compelling narrative and transformative messages or simply because they were a joy to listen to. From the darkly humorous and painfully honest memoir of Jennette McCurdy to the intricate mysteries by Lisa Jewell, these books have added immense value and perspective to my daily routines.

Dive Into Audiobooks

If you're considering diving into audiobooks or looking for your next great listen, consider starting with one of my August favorites. You might find yourself as hooked as I am! Pause, rewind, or fast forward; audiobooks allow you to consume stories your way. Happy listening!

Hey there, Besties! 🌟

As you all know, I've always loved books, which even led me to open my own Little Free Library in our neighborhood. But with life being as hectic as it is, sitting down to read has become a rare luxury. That's when I stumbled upon the magical world of audiobooks on Spotify, and let me tell you, it was love at first listen!

The Spotify Surprise

One day, while exploring Spotify, I discovered they offered audiobooks. I decided to give it a try, and it was a game-changer. Audiobooks allowed me to "read" while doing other things—like gardening or driving. However, I learned that Spotify limits the monthly hours you can listen to with a premium plan. You can buy more time or wait for the monthly reset, but I wanted something a bit more straightforward.

Diving Into Audible

My journey then took me to Audible, thanks to a few free months I snagged with a promotion. Audible's premium plan is fantastic, offering one credit per month to purchase new releases or any book you fancy. While it's a paid service, the variety of books available, including many new releases not immediately available on other platforms, is quite impressive.

Rediscovering Libby

Then, I remembered Libby. Oh, Libby! For those unfamiliar with it, Libby is a free app that links you to your local library, allowing you to check out books digitally. It's just like a physical library; there are a finite number of copies, and you must return them within 21 days. If your desired book is checked out, you can place it on hold and wait your turn. It's a fantastic resource for free reading.

Conclusion: There's an Audiobook Option for Everyone

Whether you're a casual listener or a voracious "reader," there's an option out there for you. From the convenient streaming on Spotify to the extensive library on Audible and the community gem that is Libby, you can keep your literary love thriving without breaking the bank or your schedule.

Happy reading—or should I say listening? Let me know your favorite way to consume books these days! 📚✨

Hey there, Besties! 🌟

Is your garden begging for more greenery but your wallet saying, "Hold on there!"? Well, I've got some fabulous news for you! Propagating your own herbs isn't just for the green thumbs or expert gardeners. Today, I'm diving into the "lazy gardening" technique of sticking herb cuttings directly into the soil—a simple, cost-effective method to expand your garden.

Why Propagate Herbs?

Propagating herbs is not only economical but also incredibly satisfying. It allows you to multiply your favorite herbs without spending extra bucks at the garden center. Whether you want to enhance your meals with fresh flavors or add some green to your space, this method is a perfect choice.

Herbs That Love to Root in Soil

While many herbs can be propagated by water, here are some that thrive when their cuttings are planted directly in soil:

• Mint: Known for its aggressive growth, mint is a perfect candidate for direct soil propagation. Simply cut, stick it in the dirt, and watch it take off!
  
  
• Rosemary: This fragrant herb roots well in well-draining soil. Ensure it's kept moist, and you'll have new plants in no time.
  
  
• Thyme and Sage: Both herbs root easily when planted directly in light, sandy soil.
  
  
• Oregano: Similar to thyme, oregano cuttings adapt well when planted in moist, fertile soil.

Step-by-Step Guide to Propagating Herbs in Soil

1. Prepare Your Cuttings: Select healthy, non-flowering stems from your existing herb plants. Cut about 4-6 inches from the tip, making sure to cut just below a leaf node.
   
   
2. Prep the Soil: Use a pot with good drainage filled with a mix of potting soil and sand or perlite. This ensures excellent drainage, which is crucial for root development.
   
   
3. Plant Your Cuttings: If you have it on hand, dip the cut end into rooting hormone. This step is optional but can help encourage root growth. Make small holes in the soil with a stick or pencil, place your cuttings inside, and firm the soil around them.
   
   
4. Create the Right Environment: Water the cuttings well and cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a mini-greenhouse effect. This maintains humidity and warmth, speeding up the rooting process.
   
   
5. Care and Patience: Place your new plant babies in a spot with indirect sunlight and keep the soil moist. In a few weeks, check for roots by gently tugging on the cuttings. If you feel resistance, congratulations—you've got roots!

Wrapping Up

With these simple steps, you can turn a single plant into an entire garden of aromatic herbs. It's a sustainable way to keep your kitchen stocked with fresh flavors all year round. Plus, who doesn't love a bit of greenery to brighten up their home?

Happy gardening, and remember, every little leaf is a step towards a more sustainable, lush life!