Happy Hanukkah!
It’s the fifth night of Hanukkah tonight!
Sarah has been imparting Hanukkah wishes with each night and I figure I’d keep with the tradition. My fifth night wishes for you are to delight in new discoveries. Nothing beats the joy of hearing a new song that captures whatever you’re going through or finding a TV show that makes you laugh until your face hurts.
It’s time for our fifth night giveaway!
For the fifth night of Hanukkah, I’ve curated a selection of books (and some surprises) from Belmont Books! As of last month, I was a bookseller and events coordinator at the store and they graciously let me keep my employee discount for a bit longer.
I selected titles that were favorably reviewed on the site this year, plus some extra goodies like a cute tote bag, a candle, and rom-com sticker. I’m also including a few extra books as surprises (they won’t be revealed in the photo).
To enter, please comment and tell us you favorite method of self-care! Love a good bath? (Me too!) Or do you prefer to indulge in some new yarn or crafting supplies once a month?
Standard disclaimers apply: We are not being compensated for this giveaway. Void where prohibited. Open to international residents where permitted by applicable law. Must be over 18 and eager to get cozy. Grab those blankets! Fluffy socks! A beverage of choice! We are taking no prisoners to build the ultimate reading nest.
Comments will close 23 December 2022 at or near 11:59pm ET, and winner will be announced shortly afterward.
Good luck, Happy Hanukkah, and thank you for being part of Smart Bitches!
Winner update: Congratulations to Shoshana!
Nothing winds me down after a stressful time like a cup of tea! It’s the whole process: warm the teapot, measure China Black tea, let it steep, ceremoniously set out a cup, pour, and sip slowly, savoring.
This may sound weird but thrifting is self care for me. Browsing Lifelong, Value Village, and Goodwill is just fun. My apartment is an eclectic mix of old and new stuff. Value Village in the suburbs is actually a great place to find yarn, FYI! I’ve gotten bags of really nice yarn for $5. But, ya know, you have to go regularly to score the good stuff 😉
Not responding to messages or phone calls.
Knitting whilst watching Time Team. Preferably with a cat.
Especially in winter when skin gets so dry, I go old school with lotion and white cotton gloves. Then read a good book while it absorbs!
I learned to stop obsessing about all the crap going on in the world today. That doesn’t mean sticking my head in the sand, but I refuse to give my head space over to all the negativity any longer. Like Mr Rogers said, “Look for the helpers.” And this community is one of them. Thank you, Sarah, for giving us a safe and welcoming space.
Honestly? Reading. If I’m stressed, or down, or anything, reading a good book is the best thing.
Snuggling under the covers with a good book.
(Does “leave me alone I’m reading” count as self-care? I sure hope so!)
Honestly, just go outside on my porch and just be, just stare off into space. Sometimes there’s a book or podcast/audiobook/music. Sometimes there’s coffee, tea, or an adult beverage. Sometimes I journal or meditate. But the key is part of the time, you just sit and do nothing.
Also, naps. I’m a big fan of a fifteen minute nap.
My favorite self care is a vente mocha. A place nearby has a truffle mocha which is “too die for” good!!
Time where I have absolutely nothing to do. Even if it’s only 15 minutes in a day, I like having that little bit of time where I can just decompress without obligations. I usually spend it reading, of course, but it’s my time to do anything (or not do anything) as I please.
Not gonna lie, self-care’s been a real challenge for me this year. But one thing I’ve tried to do more often is sit down with an album on my stereo (not a playlist, not streaming) and just really absorb it without distractions. Its not something I get to do enough, but it helps calm my thoughts.
I love snuggling up on the couch with some coffee and a knitting project while listening to music. So relaxing
My favorite method of self-care is going on nature hikes. But because of a variety of other commitments (family, work, going back to school, etc), these hikes have become increasingly tough to fit in. So, another great method of self-care is going to bed on time. It’s not exciting, but good sleep makes a huge difference!
Going for a walk is so helpful for me, making sure I get some sunshine in my life if the sun is out that day.
Yoga or meditation—sometimes I just need to get out of my own head.
Window shopping for things on Amazon in incognito mode.
No harm to my wallet or browsing history, but scratches enough of the “retail therapy” itch for my brain.
A short walk!
Another vote for walking, especially while listening to a podcast. It gets me out of my head, and I usually learn something. This year I was able also to start cross-stitch embroidery again. That has been very good for my mental health – and I am usually listening to a podcast there as well.
I’m lucky enough to own most of the books on this giveaway, so please don’t put my name in.
Books, baths, & beverages. Ideally all three together.
In the spirit of possibly helping others who are looking for new ideas as though this is a reading recommendation thread: pottery. Playing with mud makes my brain happy, and sometimes there are even pretty/useful objects to show for it.
Rereading my favorite comfort reads while listening to episodes of The Golden Girls
I love rewatching a favorite tv show with a heating pack stuffed animal (which lbr usually leads to me taking a nap) or rereading a favorite story!
Going for a nature walk always recharges me. In warmer weather, eating breakfast on our back porch is a good start to the day.
Watching the Norwegian knitting night (8+ hours of knitting) while knitting by the fire. (I feel more relaxed just thinking about it 🙂
My best self-care is good tea in the morning, and sitting down with my current knitting project at night.
Definitely reading! And allowing myself time to read without worrying about other things I have to get done.
Taking a yoga class and spending time with friends/family.
I love playing with fountain pens and inks! Geeky joy.
Chocolate. Something chocolate, and often something that’ll make the house smell like chocolate for a little while, like baking brownies.
My most effective self care is meditation.
And CBD gummies as needed
But a good book is always soothing too!
Cross stitching while watching Supernatural, preferably with some tea or homemade hot chocolate in front of me!
Rereading comfort reads or taking my dog to the park and just watching her have fun
Lately my wind-down has been playing Disney Dreamlight Valley on the Switch. It’s pretty, there are quests, familiar characters. It is a very soothing game.
My favorite method of self-care is listening to a guided meditation on the Calm app. I always feel less anxiety after a 10 minute session, able to proceed with my day.
Singing! I’m terrible at remembering to use calming breathing techniques, but I was a serious singer for years so that gets me to do breath control while also having fun.
Naps! Sleeping is my favorite, and I love to refresh with a nice nap on a weekend afternoon.
Following this website
Walk the dog and listen to a podcast.
Curling up with a fuzzy blanket and my cat.
Quiet restores me. Once a week, I try to shut the door to the bedroom, let my husband handle dinner and the teenagers, and read or crochet in quiet for a couple of hours.