Finding Beauty in the Ordinary: Weekly Highlights and What’s Ahead
Reflections on finding joy in everyday moments, plus bookish updates and what’s coming next.
The Weekly Wrap-Up: A cozy Sunday roundup of everything I’ve been creating, sharing, and loving this week, plus a preview of what’s coming next.
Weekly Wrap-Up: Finding Beauty in the Ordinary, Highlights, and What’s Ahead📚✨
Hi Bookish Besties,
Happy Sunday! This week, I’ve been reflecting on the power of finding beauty in the ordinary—the small, everyday moments that often go unnoticed but hold so much joy. It’s these moments that anchor me, especially during quieter months, and enrich my bookish, homebody life.
In today’s Weekly Wrap-Up, I’m sharing my reflections, this week’s highlights, and a preview of what’s coming next on Substack. I hope it inspires you to pause and savor the little things.
Let’s dive in!
Finding Beauty in the Ordinary
January has a way of slowing everything down, doesn’t it? The hustle of the holidays fades, and we’re left with quieter days to reset and reflect. For me, this is the perfect time to find beauty in the little things: the way the morning winter light filters through my shutters, the simple joy of brewing my coffee and tea, or the comfort of a book.
This mindset has deepened my connection to the rhythms of homebody life. I find I’m more intentional with my reading, choosing books that feel cozy and meaningful. It’s also sparked creativity—journaling more, puzzling, painting, baking, and rediscovering the joy of slowing down.
How are you embracing the quieter moments this season?
This Week’s Highlights
2025 Reading Goals & Vision Board Workshop Replay
If you missed the live workshop on Friday, the 60-minute replay is now available! I shared practical tips for mindset, setting goals, creating plans, overcoming roadblocks, and designing both physical and digital vision boards + bingo cards. Watch it here.
Weekend Edition: Books That Feel Like a Warm Hug
I curated a list of 13 books that feel like a warm hug—10 contemporary reads and 3 classics. There’s also a link to an extended classics list if you’re interested. Check it out here.Frugal Winter Activities for Bookish Homebodies
Winter is the perfect season to embrace cozy, budget-friendly activities that make staying home feel like a treat. From reading marathons to creative hobbies, explore ideas to inspire your season. Find more on the blog.Winter Self-Care for Book Lovers
Winter offers a unique opportunity to slow down and nurture yourself while enjoying your favorite books. Discover habits that will help you unwind and create cozy moments for mind, body, and soul. Read more on the blog.5 Bookish Habits for a Meaningful Reading Life
Looking to make your reading life more joyful and sustainable? I’m sharing five habits to help readers of all levels get the most out of their books. Watch the tips on YouTube.January’s Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Club Meeting Reminder
Don’t forget, our BYOB Club Meeting is THIS FRIDAY, January 25th, 2025, at 1 PM and again at 7 PM EST. Bring any book you’ve read recently and share it with fellow readers! Get the details here.
Coming This Week
The Journal (Tuesday): A Day in the Life of a Homebody
I’ll take you inside my world and share what a typical weekday looks like for me—from my 4:15 AM wake-up through to 2:30 PM.
Seasonal Stories (Thursday): My Favorite Winter Comforts
In this month’s Seasonal Stories, I’ll share my favorite cozy rituals, from go-to tea blends to beloved winter reads and the comforting TV shows keeping me company.
Literary Calendar
If you subscribed to my OG newsletter, you know I used to share a literary calendar every week! Well, I’m bringing it back, and it will be a staple in The Weekly Wrap-Up.
January is Braille Literacy Month.
January 20th 1993: Maya Angelou reads her poem “On the Pulse of Morning” at the inauguration of President Bill Clinton.
January 23rd 1930: Derek Walcott is born. Popular works include: Love After Love, A Far Cry from Africa.
January 24th: Library Shelfie Day. Celebrated on the fourth Wednesday in January, Library Shelfie Day is a day for book lovers to share their favorite books and library shelves.
January 24th 1862: Edith Wharton is born. Popular works include: The Age of Innocence, Ethan Frome.
January 25th 1874: Somerset Maugham Poe. Popular works include: Of Human Bondage.
January 25th, 1921: Virginia Woolf is born. Popular works include: Mrs. Dalloway, To the Lighthouse.
January 25th, 1950: Gloria Naylor is born. Popular works include: The Women of Brewster Place, Linden Hills, Mama Day.
Here’s to Savoring the Week Ahead
As we wrap up the weekend, I encourage you to find joy in the little things—whether it’s a good book, a quiet cup of tea, or a moment of stillness.
Also, if you enjoyed this list, please share it with a fellow book lover or post about it on social media. Sharing helps keep The Weekly Wrap-Up free, and you get rewarded when someone subscribes using the link you shared.
Thank you for being part of this amazing community. Wishing you a cozy and intentional week ahead!
Until next time,
Victoria
P.S. Join us for January’s BYOB Club meeting on January 25th, 2025 at 1 pm ET or at 7 pm ET, and bring a book you've read during the past month and share it with us:
