I’ve come to look forward to these monthly posts about what I’m into beyond travel because there’s so much more to my life than where I go, despite the fact that it’s something I love. It’s funny how many people respond with their obsessions or agree with mine! As with last month, I’m sharing the things I’m obsessed with at the moment. Thanks for following along! Be sure to share what you’re loving this month below!
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Reading
Something about this time of year pushes me to buy more books than I actually have time to read. I did end up getting the Minimalist Baker cookbook and I’m looking forward to testing out some tasty vegan recipes. I finished reading Welcome to the Goddamn Ice Cube and two issues of The Walking Dead but still barely made a dent in my 2016 reading challenge.
Oh well, I’ll try harder in 2017. I just started reading Beyond Belief, a memoir by the ex-Scientologist niece of David Miscavige.
Speaking of the books I’ve bought lately on Goodreads and Bookbub, here’s what I’ve downloaded (but not read) so far: Adnan’s Story, Blackout, Go Set a Watchman, How to Build a Girl, I Am Malala, Jesus Freaks, Kitty Genovese, Reading Lolita in Tehran, Shrill, Truly Madly Guilty, Waiting To Be Heard, Walden on Wheels, Without a Doubt, and Yes, Chef.
I highly recommend subscribing to these emails if you’re an avid reader! To see what else I’m reading, check out my Goodreads Profile here.
Listening
I’m in a bit of a slump in terms of music and podcasts. I’m enjoying the Kimbra station on Amazon Prime Music, but need some new artists to obsess over. I’m also listening to the same podcasts, but need some new ones as well. I love true crime and cleverly told stories. Share your favorites below!
Watching
Bottle service, Letty’s way. #2017 #GoodBehavior pic.twitter.com/fhfJUudoFh
— Good Behavior (@goodbehaviortnt) December 31, 2016
As I mentioned earlier, I’m reading a book about Scientology as I’ve always been fascinated by cults (which is what I wholeheartedly believe that it is). So Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath has been fascinating to watch. It’s so crazy how everything comes down to money.
People bankrupt themselves over a “religion” that uses their funding from “courses” to turn on their own people. Another favorite is the hyped Southern noir Good Behavior, starring Downton Abbey‘s Michelle Dockery. It’s based on a book series and is set around the South. In the first few episodes alone, they mention the Smokies, Charleston, Asheville, and Myrtle Beach, but it’s filmed around Wilmington, North Carolina.
Loving
I love all of the wonderful things I got for Christmas, including earrings from Guatemala and a vintage typewriter. But I also love my new Monster Clarity HD Bluetooth headphones, which I received from a conference I attended. They allow me to listen to music while walking around the house, cooking lunch and grabbing items from upstairs without getting tangled in the cord.
Another is Hogwarts Tattoo, an Instagram account that makes me want to cover myself in ink. Ravenclaws represent! And as someone who has gotten very into essential oils and non-Western medicine to deal with eczema, I was glad to receive Actually Organic Argan oil in the mail. I rub the Moroccan oil on my face and hair for relief of dry skin.
Traveling
In my last trips for the month, I went to Columbia, South Carolina and surrounds as well as Savannah and Little St. Simon’s Island. It was fun to catch up on all the cool places opening around Savannah before disconnecting on the private island resort. I went for nature walks and hikes and may have come back with ticks, but it was all fun otherwise. I can’t complain about the food, either. For 2017, I’m planning a trip to Guatemala, which you’ll hear more about soon.
Working
I am so thankful for the work I’ve received in the last month. This is usually when it dries up and I’m forced to accept backup jobs. But thanks to my friendship with my local tourism department, I worked on content for their website (check it out this month!) as well as blog posts.
I also worked on my first stories for Thrillist and Owners.com. My work for The Knot, US Auto Sales, and Her Packing List continue into the new year and I’m also working on another locally-focused article. See what else I’m working on via my Contently profile.
I was also featured as the member of the month on Travel Blog Success, of which I am a member, about how my blogging career led to lucrative projects with my local tourism department. You can read it here!
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