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!
Relaxing in the tub with a Lush bath bomb and a good book is my personal self-care.
I like a nice hot shower followed by an hour of reading in bed. Maybe some ASMR videos right before sleep. And whee, Belmont Books is my local bookstore!
Aside from reading, decorative planning and planning-related youtube videos.
honestly reading romance is my favorite method of self care. Add in chocolate and perfection is achieved.
Re-reading has been my self-care this year. Bingeing old favorites, especially series with HEAs.
I love a nice cup of hot tea after dinner. I usually drink an apple cinnamon chamomile blend that’s relaxing before bed. If I’m lucky I get a cat cuddle in, too.
A cup of tea and a few minutes away from work.
Like the majority of the commenters, reading is a big self-care for me, which is why I’m on this site 😉 Reading sci-fi, fantasy, & historical romance just relaxes me and takes me away from all stress and worries like no other. With a good cup of green tea & lots of honey or, during the winter time, some good hot chocolate. Out of the books in the giveaway, I’d most look forward to Nettle & Bone, Legends & Latte, and Incredulous Witches. Altho, I’ve heard good things about the The Stand-In too. I’m excited 😀
a pedicure is my favorite
I read, of course.
Playing video games— they keep my hands and mind busy giving me a break from the world. Currently, I’m playing Spider Miles again because it takes place during the holiday season & I am enjoying walking around looking at the decorations in between Spider Man duties.
@Stefaie: No way! I wonder if you’ve been in the store while I’ve been working.
Reading!
I’ve noticed that self care works best for me when I acknowledge that I am feeling sad/frustrated/etc and that I need self care. It’s like I’m giving my brain a little prep time to fully enjoy the effects of whatever I’m about to do.
Favorite methods include: hand-sewing, mac and cheese, going for a walk, hot chocolate with marshmallows, and making list related to something that excites me like a future trip, books I want to buy, sewing projects, etc. I think it’s because it helps me focus on good things?
My self care is keeping my kindle stocked with HEAs. Banter and snark abound. Also, therapy!
Taking a few hours to only do what I want to do.
Not the first to say this, but making tea the old-fashioned way, with teapot and tea strainer and bone china cup (it tastes better. I am not making this up.).
Making time for self-care is really challenging for me. When I need to perk up my mood, I listen to music, read, re-watch favorite TV shows that make me smile, or in the summer, just sit outside in the sunshine.
Not going to lie… talk therapy. Because the world is on fire.
Also, the ritual of making a cup of coffee (pourover)/tea and just sitting and being with it. For 20 minutes everything stops and I just enjoy the beverage. If I’m away from home, buying a latte and finding a quiet spot to sit and sip works well too.
Cuddling with a cat 🙂
Flannel sheets have been an unexpected comfort this winter. Also retirement, best self care ever.
Reading is definitely my self care. Dance class comes in second.
Putting on the ‘do not disturb’ sign and sitting with a book and a cuppa.
My favorite act of self care is putting on a show and knitting. There’s nothing else that helps me relax like that.