Last night before bed, I started reading the December Book Club selection, The Violets of March.
I could not put it down!
I’m about a third of the way through and it has me completely captivated. It’s also quite short (around 300 pages), so if you’re looking for a quick read (or a stocking stuffer for a reader in your life), I highly recommend it based on what I’ve read so far.
We’ll be discussing The Violets of March on the blog on January 4, so you have plenty of time to get reading if you want to participate in this month’s book club. I have a feeling that I will wrap up this book in the next day or two. Can’t wait to read more tonight!
Workout
Even though curling up in bed and reading a few chapters of The Violets of March sounded like an ideal morning, I knew I’d feel better if I got my workout in first thing.
I began my time at the gym with 20 minutes on the elliptical before completing the following leg workout:
Done!
Breakfast
Breakfast this morning was the old standby.
Two fried eggs + Muenster cheese + Raspberry jelly
Great combination of protein, healthy carbs, savory and sweet!
Of Possible Interest
- Healthy Holiday Cookies (Featuring a recipe from yours truly, TimesUnion.com)
- 50 Best Healthy Dessert Recipes (FitSugar.com)
- Hanukkah Recipe: Kimchi Latkes (FritosandFoieGras.com)
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Oo I’ve been looking for a good book to read during all the holiday downtime- thanks for the suggestion!
I’ve been looking at getting back to reading and a good, quick read is just what I need! Thanks 🙂
Curling up and reading a book this morning sounds like the PERFECT start to my day though I have to head in to work! I’m in the middle of Harry Potter 6! (Shhh don’t tell me what happened, somehow, I thankfully haven’t heard how the series ends!) 😉
Glad to hear that it’s a good book! I’ve been looking for something to read. I haven’t read a good book in a while. Thanks for the suggestion 🙂
I am over halfway done with the book and I love it too! It usually takes me a while to finish a book and I should be done this week. Great choice this month.
One of my new years resolution is to read more- will check this book out!
Wow..Congrats kid on getting into that recipe book and recipe collection!
Wow!! 100 squats with 50lbs!! Not to sound corny or anything, but YOU GO GIRL!
I just started reading that too, it is good!
I might have to read this one! I have a ton of books I want to read, but if it’s that short, I should throw it into the pile!
Do you prefer regular bagels over bagel thins? Your bagels look so doughy and delicious, but I’m scared that they have so many more calories than the bagel thins, which is kind of ridiculous because I eat ice cream like it’s water!
I’m going to try 100 squats one day! You’re so squat awesome!
Heather – just my two cents, the real bagels are worth it 😀 Bagel thins taste just like bread with holes in the middle to me. If you’re going to go with a bagel, splurge and enjoy the real thing. SO much more doughy and satisfying!
@Heather, you might want to check to see if your local grocery store for Western Bagel Alternative Bagels (http://www.westernbagel.com/buy_online_the_alternative_bagel.php). And if I’m not mistaken, I believe Julie eats them too. They look and taste like real bagels – just smaller – and are only 110 calories. In my opinion, they taste waaay better than bagel thins. I like to use them for my egg sandwhiches, but if I’m looking for a bagel with cream cheese, I agree with Faith that nothing beats the real deal.
Thanks! I’ll look for them!
I second this! I love western bagels products 🙂 Their pita bread is great as well
it is SO good. Glad you’ve started it and like it 🙂
I LOVE a good leg workout—off to get my sweat on! woot.
I don’t remember the last time I was THAT into a book. I haven’t been reading much lately (totally unusual for me!) but I need to get a few good novels for the Christmas weekend!
I am heading to the gym but want to say I enjoy looking at your workouts each day. My new trainer has me doing things I haven’t done before and I am quite bad at some of them. Embarrassing to do the exercises in front of others, but I won’t get any better (or stronger) unless I keep trying!
The Kidless Kronicles
I’ve been looking for a new book (not thrilled with what my book club chose and would like to get something better going as well), so thanks for this recommendation, Julie!
Also, your egg sandwiches always look SO good.
SO excited! Just received my amazon confirmation email that my copy of The Violets of March has been shipped! This has made my day : )
Congrats on the Times Union feature Julie!! Sounds like your day is off to a great start with that workout. Have a good one! 🙂
How did you connect with the Times Union all the way from Florida? That’s my hometown newspaper! Very cool – congrats on the published recipe 🙂
they actually emailed me after seeing me on shape magazine’s website. i was really excited!
I could not put Violets of March down either! I finished it in 3 days! It’s so good, I can’t wait to hear what you have to say about it. 🙂
Oh my gosh, I loooooooooooved this book! I read it so fast.. you’ll be done faster than you think! Love the ending too. 🙂
sooo glad you like it!! I loved this book and also could not put it down.
I’m still reading the hunger games trilogy (I’m on the third book) but am always looking for a new read to add to my kindle. This looks awesome!
I just finished up the Hunger Games trilogy (love) and was looking for a new download for my nook – thanks for the tip!
I love your exercise recaps– I have to work on my legs today, and I think I might copy some of your work out! 🙂 Thanks!
LOVE the new format of the Workouts page! I always come to your blog for upper and lower body workout routines, so thanks for making new workouts easy to find!! 🙂
look at that leg workout! amazing. i would be feeling that for days…
I read The Violets of March in less than 3 days! I just reviewed the book on my blog yesterday. And Sarah Jio replied to the post! She’s so nice! Can’t wait to read The Bungalow now!
You just reminded me I need to add that to my library holds list.
I love that you linked to fritos and foie, they’re a local blog here and I love them, they’re also hilars. Have you ever read feisty foodie or blondie and brownie?
no! i’ll check them out!
Hi! Love your website! Stupid question. When you say you are using 50lbs for squats or 40lbs for lunges, what exactly does that mean? Are you using dumbells while you are working out?
I just switched gyms but I don’t have access to my new gym until Dec 27th. So I figured this week will be good to start setting up some new workout routines. Thank you for your daily posts! Love reading them. Happy Holidays to you and your family!! 🙂
my gym actually has bars that weight both 50 lbs. and 40 lbs., so i use those! for the step ups, i hold two 15-lb. dumbbells!
Ok, I’ve GOT to try the Muenster cheese + jelly combo! It always looks so good.
i read violets of march in one sitting a couple weeks ago! i curled up on our couch with some tea on saturday morning and didn’t look up until i was finished. so good!
I am inspired by you and had an egg sandwich for breakfast too!
Gina
I absolutely loved The Violets of March. I read it in 3 days. I couldn’t put it down!
I am seriously going to try this muenster cheese + jelly + egg SOON!
I really want to read that book, but there is a line for it at the library!!!!!! I hate buying books because I’d read that in afternoon!! 🙂
Today was a leg day for me in the gym too 🙂 Leg day has to be my favorite!!
That’s TOO funny! The Times Union is MY local newspaper! As soon as I saw that, I was like waaaaaiiit a minute! 😉
Loved that book! Yum breakie as usual 🙂
Ohh I’m about 50% through my current book but up next will definitely be The Violets of March! I love a book that you just can’t seem to put down!! And curling up in the winter in bed with a good book and a cup of hot cocoa sounds fabulous right now!
I love getting completely enthralled in a book. I like nonfiction best, but when I find one that really grips me I’m in love.
Loveee that combo too- I’ve been making similar sandwiches a lot recently…
BTW: What’s your fave bagel brand?! I just bought a pack of high-fiber ones from TJ’s that I’m lovinggg- not necessarily the “high-fiber” component, but for the grainy texture 🙂
I read that a few months ago. I really did get wrapped up in it as well. My mom finished it first and kept taunting with me about how good the ending would be.
I did one of your leg workouts at the gym yesterday… and let’s just say I am VERY AWARE of my legs today… haha
Looks like I’m really going to be the Debbie Downer here—I started Violets of March and stopped reading it about 50 pgs in (which I NEVER do). I don’t know what it was—I was moving along quickly enough, but I just felt like the plot and dialogue were, I don’t know, contrived? Predictable? Glad you’re liking it though! Sorry I won’t be participating in the discussion.
Wow I haven’t had kimchi since I was in Hawaii! Such a neat idea to put it in a latke! So glad you’re enjoying the book!
I really need to buy some new books. I end up reading the same books I have over and over again!