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Five For Friday

Five For Friday – Blogging Hiatus Turned Slow-Living Summer

September 1, 2023

Happy Friday! And Happy September! It feels like ages since I last checked in here. Spring and summer led me to a much-needed blogging break, and it was an incredible chance to fully immerse myself into a more slow-living lifestyle spending all my time with my kids, as disconnected from social media as I could be. Of course, I wasn’t completely immune to the TikTok rabbit hole – I may have even dabbled with an account myself (yikes!). But the best part? Once I closed the app, it was as if the digital world took a back seat. No deadlines, and no need to glance at my schedule.

During those months, I found myself in a surprising spot – my writing motivation seemed to be on vacation too. A break was truly what my mind was yearning for. Interestingly, it was during this downtime that my vision for the blog became clear. That’s why, if you’re a familiar face, you’ll notice my little corner of the internet has undergone a complete rebrand.

This post could contain affiliate links, which means I would receive a small commission at no cost to you should you shop using the links.

I’m thrilled to be back, brimming with excitement over the plethora of planned posts. Just before signing off for my hiatus, I had a lightbulb moment and launched a brand-new blog series – “Book to Film.” These are the pieces that have my heart racing, the ones I’ve meticulously crafted. From themed posts (Halloween, I’m looking at you!) to a delightful “Kids Books to Film” segment, where even my toddler will be chiming in with his pint-sized opinions. So, stick around you little bookworms and moviegoers!

And thank you, new faces and familiar faces, it’s you that add to my motivation to continue my blogging journey.

1. Slow-Living Summer

These past few months I have tried to embrace the slow-living lifestyle. What do I consider the slow-living lifestyle? For me, it’s not just about doing things slowly; it’s about doing them deliberately and intentionally. It’s finding beauty in the mundane, making time for self-care, and letting go of the constant need to be busy.

One way I have been practising slow-living is with my new mantra “Rise and Shine Before You Swipe.” Below I have gathered a few Pinterest images that encapsulated the aesthetic of slow-living for me. From planting and caring for flowers, reading more, having mindful mornings, daily art (like rock painting), and a lot of library trips paired with picnics with the kids.

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2. What I’m Reading

I’m currently reading/finishing up Outlander’s second book in the series: Dragonfly In Amber. I would have finished this book MONTHS ago had I not started a TikTok account based solely on the Outlander books vs. TV series. I’ve reread the first book like four times in a matter of a few months. Not complaining, I love it.

I’m also rereading “The Fault In Our Stars” to fill in the gaps I have in my latest Books To Fiim post about the book and movie. Do I want to relive this story? No. It’s a beautiful torturous emotional rollercoaster. Alas, I am doing it for the blog…

3. What I am Listeing To

I LOVE the Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions — I will play that on Disney+ just as background noise. I just discovered you can purchase all those songs on iTunes. I can’t believe I’ve never checked before. Needless to say, it’s been on repeat 24/7 and it will remain that way until the “1989 Taylors Version” drops.

4. What Am I Watching

I should really start a new blog series called: TikTok Made Me Watch It, because that’s truly where all my recent TV and movie suggestions come from. Currently, I have submersed myself in Big Love. When I was much younger I used to watch Sister Wives with my mom just for the laughs. Now I watch this fictional polygamist show, and I am way more invested in those fictional lives than the reality show.

5. What I am Wearing

I have happily entered my “cozy-girl era” and I hope I never leave. My wardrobe has become stock-piled with sweatshirts and graphic tees that bring me more joy than any other piece of clothing I have ever owned. Except maybe my wedding dress, I mean it was blush pink — what more could I want? One of my favorite graphic tees via Etsy has been this Vintage Butterfly Shirt

Image via Etsy

Thank you for taking the time to read! If we have mistagged a photo of yours or you want a photo removed please email us.

*featured image source

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Julie Jackson

Books, Books to Film, Turner Classic Movies, and Outlander are topics (aside from my kids, husband, & two cats) that elicit instant joy for me. Here at 'Home With Two' you'll find those topics in plenty -- amongst so much more! Thank you for being here!

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Hi I’m Julie

I love to read, write, and take too many pictures. Blogging has always combined all three loves into a fun and beautiful hobby. You can always find me with an iced coffee in one hand and a book (or two) in the other. Thanks for stopping by!

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#arc Under Water by Rachel Callaghan surprised me in the best way! Early on i thought I had it all figured out but nope!! Rachel Callaghans writing and Courtney Patterson’s narration made this an easy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you @netgalley and @victoryeditingngc I LOVED this one!! 

#BookReview #Bookstagram #BookReviewer #underwaternovel
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#arc Under Water by Rachel Callaghan surprised me in the best way! Early on i thought I had it all figured out but nope!! Rachel Callaghans writing and Courtney Patterson’s narration made this an easy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thank you @netgalley and @victoryeditingngc I LOVED this one!! #BookReview #Bookstagram #BookReviewer #underwaternovel
3 days ago
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1/4
A decaying estate with a library full of secrets (both literal and figurative) all wrapped in a Gothic atmosphere…  The Story Keeper by Kelly Rimmer sounded like it was written for me. Like my favorite book, Rebecca (which was mentioned in this story!!) 

Thank you so much for the ALC @netgalley 
Full review on the blog 💻 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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A decaying estate with a library full of secrets (both literal and figurative) all wrapped in a Gothic atmosphere… The Story Keeper by Kelly Rimmer sounded like it was written for me. Like my favorite book, Rebecca (which was mentioned in this story!!) Thank you so much for the ALC @netgalley Full review on the blog 💻 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/4
Finishing The Lathe of Heaven beneath a full moon, with jellyfish warnings and turtles nearby felt like the perfect ending, one even George couldn’t have dreamed up ☮️🐢🪼🌕 (review to come)
Finishing The Lathe of Heaven beneath a full moon, with jellyfish warnings and turtles nearby felt like the perfect ending, one even George couldn’t have dreamed up ☮️🐢🪼🌕 (review to come)
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Finishing The Lathe of Heaven beneath a full moon, with jellyfish warnings and turtles nearby felt like the perfect ending, one even George couldn’t have dreamed up ☮️🐢🪼🌕 (review to come)
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
3/4
“Beauty and the Beast meets organized crime” that was enough for me. Instantly needed to read this. Loved it. Cannot wait for more because the ending? That cliffhanger? How dare you. Happy pub day @sadie_kincaidxx !! ♥️ 

Full review on the blog 📚

Thank you @netgalley and @harlequinbooks #theauctionsadiekincaid #bookarc #bookish
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“Beauty and the Beast meets organized crime” that was enough for me. Instantly needed to read this. Loved it. Cannot wait for more because the ending? That cliffhanger? How dare you. Happy pub day @sadie_kincaidxx !! ♥️ Full review on the blog 📚 Thank you @netgalley and @harlequinbooks #theauctionsadiekincaid #bookarc #bookish
3 months ago
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4/4
@julieejacks

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Rebecca

Outlander

Pride & Prejudice

Normal People

Jane Eyre

Little Women

Hunger Games

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