Non Fiction Review: Stretch

3 out of 5 stars

I picked up this book because the author has co-written the new Marie Kondo book, Joy at Work. I wanted to check out other books by this author before I read Marie Kondo’s new book.
I was disappointed.

The writing is much too verbose, taking forever to make a clear point. Every chapter is FULL of stories; true stories, anecdotes, business stories, and examples of people who succeeded or failed. Then the author uses the example from the story to illustrate their point about being resourceful with little instead of grasping for more. Continue reading

Non Fiction Review: Essential Oils for Soothing Anxiety

Essential Oils for Soothing Anxiety by Christina Anthis
Essential Oils for Soothing Anxiety: Remedies and Rituals to Feel Calm and Refreshed
by Christina Anthis (Goodreads Author)

5 out of 5 stars

The first section in this book focuses on general information about essential oils, their uses, history, and how they are made. There is also information on other self-care practices that can lower stress and soothe anxiety to be done in conjunction with aromatherapy and essential oils. These include meditation, massage, reflexology, and setting up a calm space with pillows, candles, and soft music.

Then there is a section with more details about the 10 most common essential oils used in this book. This gives more specific information about the benefits of each oil, the applications and uses, and precautions for allergies or skin sensitivities. The oils include Bergamot, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Coriander, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Lavender, Sweet Marjoram, and Neroli.
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Non Fiction Review: No One Does It Like You

No One Does It Like You by Amy Rose Spiegel
No One Does It Like You: 78 Illustrated Affirmations for Self-Kindness
by Amy Rose Spiegel, Catherine Willemse (Illustrations)

2 out of 5 stars


These affirmations and positive sayings are paired with illustrations that uplift and inspire the reader! I love the poignant and thoughtful axioms. Some of them really made me think about life in a different way!

“Picture yourself as a little kid. Remember the promises you want to keep to that person.”
“Give people a reason to remember your conversations, whether you do that by speaking or listening.”
“Carve out your own world.”

However, there were a few sayings that sounded very strange to me, and didn’t make much sense. (And there were a couple with profanity in them.)
For instance, “Your ethics and politics are your architecture; build up those convictions and you’ll have built a life.”
Since when does politics become a part of your identity?

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Non Fiction Review: You Are Doing a Freaking Great Job

You Are Doing a Freaking Great Job and other Reminders of You... by Workman Publishing
You Are Doing a Freaking Great Job and other Reminders of Your Awesomeness
by Workman Publishing

4 out of 5 stars

This book has 200 positive affirmations and encouraging sayings designed with beautiful graphics and fonts. The book is tiny, barely 4×4 inches, so it’s the perfect little pocket-sized gift.

Each page has a design with a quote or saying that lifts your spirits and gives you courage to face the day and go after your dreams. On some of the opposite pages there are recommendations for meditations, recipes, music playlists, inspiring books, and simple activities to make your day happier and more fulfilling. Continue reading

Non Fiction Review: My Perfectly Imperfect Life

My Perfectly Imperfect Life by Irene Smit
My Perfectly Imperfect Life: 127 Exercises for Self-Acceptance
by Irene Smit, Astrid van der Hulst,  Editors of Flow Magazine

5 out of 5 stars

This guided journal gives writing prompts and activities to help relieve stress, enhance your life, embrace the good, find joy in the little things, and simplify your schedule. With a beautiful pastel design and inspiring quotes, this book teaches us to be gentler with ourselves and forgive those little mistakes that make life so interesting.

I really love the overall message of this book! I am a perfectionist and a worrier, so this kind of reminder to slow down and accept the imperfect things in life is just right for someone like me. There are breathing exercises, creative projects, mindful writing prompts, gentle self-care challenges, goals to spend more time with friends, get out into the world, allow the imperfect to happen, and choose happiness. Continue reading

Non Fiction Review: The More or Less Definite Guide to Self-Care

The More or Less Definitive Guide to Self-Care by Anna Borges
The More or Less Definitive Guide to Self-Care: From A to Z
by Anna Borges (Goodreads Author)

2 out of 5 stars


This book gives practical self-care ideas organizing from A to Z, including things like healthy social interaction, meditation, cleaning and decluttering, making time for hobbies, using positive affirmations, taking a walk, listening to music, and practicing compassion. There is a flow chart quiz at the back of the book to help you determine what type of self-care you need the most.

I took off one star from my rating because of the heavy profanity in the book. It was completely unnecessary, and ruined my enjoyment of the book. I’m not sure why a book about calming self-care would include such ugly words. I thought the point was to surround yourself with positive thoughts and beautiful ideas to enhance the quality of your life. And the profanity completely destroyed that. Continue reading

Non Fiction Review: The Path to Positivity

The Path to Positivity by Caitlin Margaret
The Path to Positivity: Proven Positive Thinking Techniques for Getting Motivated and Living Your Best Life
by Caitlin Margaret

4 out of 5 stars


This book gives clear and practical steps for changing your mindset and changing your thoughts, emotions, and behavior to live a better life. There are techniques for dealing with fear, anxiety, negative people, and past hurts that influence your current experiences.

I really loved the intelligent writing style that breaks down complex ideas into small manageable pieces. Each section has actionable questions you can ask yourself to identify where you need to make changes and celebrate the things you are already doing well. Continue reading

Non Fiction Review: The Loneliness Companion

The Loneliness Companion by Shrein H. Bahrami
The Loneliness Companion: A Practical Guide for Improving Your Self-Esteem and Finding Comfort in Yourself
by Shrein H. Bahrami

5 out of 5 stars


This book gives practical advice for connecting with others and finding fulfilling relationships. I love how the chapters are organized, beginning with why loneliness can be so crippling, how to pull yourself out of it, and how to cultivate healthy and meaningful relationships and friendships.

Each chapter ends with a page of affirmations and encouraging sentences that you can claim as your own life lesson or mantra. Instead of just a book that “tells” you about loneliness, there are meditations, activities, and journal prompts that get you involved in the process of finding freedom from loneliness. These steps are truly helpful! So many of the things in this book would help the reader to heal from past hurts, and look to the future with hope. Continue reading

Non Fiction Review: Aromatherapy for Self-Care

Aromatherapy for Self-Care by Sarah Swanberg
Aromatherapy for Self-Care
by Sarah Swanberg

4 out of 5 stars

This book begins with general advice about self-care, and the role that aromatherapy can play in your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. There is a chapter about the types of essential oils and carrier oils, as well as lists of recommended materials and tools. I especially appreciated the section on how and where on the body to apply oils using acupressure points.

There is a list of Top Ten Essential Oils and their uses, substitutes, and how best to blend them with other oils. There is also a lengthy chart with many other essential oils and their healing properties.

The following chapters have recipes for essential oil blends to be inhaled or applied topically to the body.

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Non Fiction Review: Minimalism Room by Room

Minimalism Room by Room by Elizabeth Enright Phillips
Minimalism Room by Room: A Customized Plan to Declutter Your Home and Simplify Your Life
by Elizabeth Enright Phillips

2 out of 5 stars


This book guides the reader through the decluttering journey with chapters for each room. The writing style is excellent with practical advice on how to make decisions for keeping or tossing your possessions. One of the things I really enjoyed about this book was the way it encourages the reader to examine their emotions about their home and possessions. The book provides affirmations and inspirational advice to fuel your motivation and create a new way of living.

It was odd to me that Bathrooms were lumped together with the Entryways in the same chapter. What do Bathrooms have in common with an Entryway? It made no sense to have those two areas together and made for a very confusing chapter. And the Laundry Room is included in the chapter with the Master Bedroom. The information is poorly organized. Continue reading