10 Ways to Spend a Bookishly-Inspired Weekend

Winter can be such a dull, dreary time.  The weather has been so cold that it makes it a chore to leave the house.  And while I love the extra time to curl up with a good book, I also can develop a little bit of cabin fever.  

That’s when I know that my brain needs something new to keep it occupied.   I am a big to-do list kind of girl and if I make a to-do list of things to accomplish during a weekend, cold or not I will make sure that it gets done!  

You can add things like clean or pay the bills to your to-do list.  Those things, of course, are important. But this weekend, why not consider adding some bookish things to that list to spark it up a bit?  

Here are some bookish things you can do to brighten up your winter weekends.  Stay warm and enjoy!

#1 – Watch a movie based on a book.   (but of course you must read the book first:)   This activity took up almost my whole January! Click here to read about my January Reading Challenge and all the bookish fun I had with Murder on the Orient Express.  

#2 – Try a recipe from the book you have read.  I am reading One Day in December as I am writing this and in the back of the book, the author added in some recipes that were mentioned throughout the story.  Lucky for me most of those recipes are cocktails! Fun! If you are looking for recipes that go well with books, you have to visit awellreadtart.com .  Her blog is dedicated to great recipes surrounding books. And I can attest – the recipes turn out delicious!

#3 – Visit a local bookstore that you haven’t been to before.  I spent some time the other day googling independent bookstores in my area.  I now have a nice list of 5 book stores I want to get to before spring. Nothing makes me happier than browsing books! (Except buying them, of course:)

#4 – Looking for some new reading material?  Book blogs are a great way to hear about the best new books that are out.  If you haven’t already, make sure to try out pingelsisters.com; crimebythebook.com; and sarahsbookshelves.com  They are my go-to blogs for the best of the best in books! If you are more of a podcast person, click here to read about my 5 favorite bookish podcasts.

#5 – Feeling a little crafty?  Get ready for spring by painting your favorite literary quote on a flower pot.  Then, when things warm up, you can put a beautiful plant in it and display it outside for all to see.  You can bring your love of reading outdoors!

#6 – Organize and do some good, all at the same time.  Winter is a great time to clean out and organize your bookshelves.  Do you have doubles? Books you can no longer use? Books you have no room for?  Pack those into a box and deliver them to a local GoodWill or Salvation Army. It’s a win-win for everyone!

#7 – Spruce up your favorite reading nook.  And you don’t have to spend a lot of money.  A new throw, candle or lamp can make your reading nook feel like a brand new space.  

#8 – Buy a literary journal and fun markers.  I love to buy school supplies, and it’s always fun to start a new journal.  Your journal can include lists of books you have read, lists of books you want to read, notes on books, favorite quotes – anything you want!  Be creative!

#9 – Start a #bookstagram account and connect with other readers.  This, along with my blog, was probably the most fun thing I did in the bookish community last year.  You get to nurture your creative side by taking photos and you get to meet people who love to read, just like you!  Instagram is probably my favorite social media.

#10 – “Book” a getaway.  Okay, not really bookish, but who couldn’t use a weekend away from the snow and ice?  And, don’t forget, you can always pack your current reads!

Those are some bookishly inspired weekend ideas.  Let me know if you have other suggestions in the comments below!  I am always looking for bookish distractions from cleaning:)

Thanks for visiting the blog today.  Until next time, happy reading!

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