Stranded on a Deserted Island- Book Edition!

Today, we're talking books! Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE to read. It's seriously one of the most relaxing things I do each day.

A lot of people say that they'd love to read more, but they don't have time. Listen, I hear you! I have a husband, two small children, one full time and one part time job. If anyone understands a lack of "me time", it's me. However, I really feel like reading is just good for the soul. Here's how I make time to read:

1. Carve out time each day. Whether you can get up 15 minutes before your family (which I would NEVER do because I'm not a morning person) or whether each night before you turn out the light you read a chapter (this is what I do as I'm a night owl), it's easy to read everyday if you take this time. Heck, even a 15 minutes break over lunch at work will help you get back into the habit of reading.

2. Have a "Wireless Wednesday". Mick and I try to have what we call Wireless Wednesday. This basically means that instead of watching TV or Netflix after the kids go to bed, we have to do something offline. This means no phones, iPads, TVs, etc. (the one exception is reading a book on the iPad). It's really nice as it forces us to disconnect from social media and the outside world and find something to do together.

Which leads me to what books I'd bring to a deserted island.

Side note: I'm going to try to keep a running log here as sometimes, I forget what I've read, and then when people ask for book recommendations, I can't come up with anything. #goldfishmemory #exceptforphonenumbers #meredithfunfact

The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon

Best. Series. Ever! Seriously, I've probably read these books at least 5 times each (there are currently seven in the series and she's working on the next book right now.) They are funny, romantic, historically based, and just a fun read. The best part is that I get something new out of them every time I re-read them. These are deserted island MUST HAVES!

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

I got this one based on a recommendation from another blogger, and this book did not disappoint. I like to tell people that in my adult life, I've cried seriously three times- that's it. I'm just not a crier. I don't cry at weddings or when babies are born (even my own!). But this book brought me to tears. It's so sweet and thoughtful and really makes you appreciate life. Read this book!

An iPad with an unlimited lifetime data plan

Okay, so I'm cheating here...but hear me out! In a perfect world, my deserted island would have a cell tower, not to call out, but so I could log in to my local online library and check out books. People- if you haven't downloaded your local library's online checkout software, you are missing out! You can check out books, free of charge, and the best part- when your checkout time is up, it returns them for you. NO. LATE. FEES. I know- earth shattering.

Now, there are limited copies of items, and sometimes you'll have to wait longer to get the digital copy than you would a paper copy, but it makes requesting books super easy. When they become available, they are automatically checked out to you and you receive an e-mail that you have a new book. It's genius!

That's all for today- Happy Wednesday!