Elizabeth Norman

Top 10 Books of 2021

I originally wanted this post to be the top five books of the year, but when you’ve read 58 books, it’s hard to narrow it down to just five. So, ten it is. When I finish reading a book, I imidiately log it into a Note on my phone with:

the title
the author
the date I finished the book
how I read it (audio, physical book, e-book)
if it was for book club
a few of my thoughts having just finished it
a 1-5 Star rating

I’ll start with my 5 star books in the order I read them and work my way down letting you know for each book what the rating is, a brief idea of what each book is about, and why I liked it. I won’t give spoilers, and I’ll link each one. Again, everything is linked through bookshop.org where you can select your local bookstore of choice so that they get your support when you purchase a book. Here’s to all the good ones we read this past year.

5 Minute On-the-Go Makeup Routine

Hello! As we enter another work week, my first full work week of 2022, I thought I’d share a quick makeup routine with you to help get us back in the swing of things. Most of the products I use come from Beautycounter. I love knowing that I’m making a better choice by choosing clean beauty. Making small changes, like adding one of these items to your routine, will significantly impact your health in the long run. Here’s what I do.

Insanely Affordable (And Good) Workout Wear

Let’s go ahead and get this out of the way- I hate to work out. Loathe it, actually. But I feel better when I do it, it keeps my mitral valve prolapse under control, it helps with my scoliosis, and guys, it’s just good for us. Today I want to share with you the types of workout clothes I wear. Don’t worry, I’m a basic kind of gal. Since I don’t like working out, I don’t like to spend a lot of money on workout gear. That’s why I’m steering you in the direction of Walmart. Some you can get in store and some online. Scroll on down to see my go-tos.

What I Read in 2021

59 books! I read 59 books in 2021. As always, I count audiobooks and e-books as reading. The way I see it, any way you consume a book is reading to me, okay? Here’s how this post will go. I’ll do a little collage of the book covers and link them down below. I’m going to link everything through bookshop.org. This site allows you to choose an independent book store to support. Yes, we own kindles and subscribe to audible, but let’s support these hard working people who have made it their life’s work to provide us with good reads.
Also, I won’t go into great detail about each book, but I’ll let you know my real thoughts if you have questions. Just comment on the post and I’ll tell you everything! Let’s get to it, shall we?

I Don’t Know About You, But I’m Feeling ’22

I just had to with the title. Thanks to Taylor Swift for that. Well, hello, old friends. I think it’s safe to say I have neglected this blog yet again. Haven’t posted since September…wow, that’s shameful. When y’all ask me why I don’t get paid to do it, this is why. My full time job, my Beautycounter job, and now my weekend job keep me from putting as much time and energy into this “job” as I’d like. But upon reflecting on 2021 and what my goals might be for 2022, I was hit with a wave of creativity for this space, and I hope to carry it out to fruition this year.

Daily Beautycounter Skincare

Since making the switch to safer skincare, I can really tell a difference in my skin. I went all in with the Countercontrol Collection, and it changed my skin completely when it comes to acne. Then I started using the Countertime Collection, which is the anti-aging line, and I am completely shocked at how great my skin feels and seems to be improving. While I’m still working my way through some of my Countercontrol and Countertime products, there are three hero products that won’t ever be leaving my bathroom counter. That’s what we’re here to talk about today.

Daily Beautycounter Makeup

While I like to mix things up a bit with my makeup look, I’m usually reaching for the same tried and true clean beauty products by way of none other than Beautycounter. As most of you know, I’m a consultant with the leading brand of clean beauty, and I couldn’t be more proud to be. The products are not only safe to use, but they are actually great, high-performing products. Today I’m sharing all the things I reach for day after day.

July 2021 Reads

Hello to you from the hottest month of the year. I loath August. I am a lover of cold weather and hate to sweat, so I’m generally a less pleasant person during this time of year. Factor in getting back to school, which means less sleep and more stress, and you may as well assume I’m not always in the greatest of moods.

Unless we’re talking about books, which is precisely what we’re doing today. I got through five books last month, and I liked them all! Read on to hear my thoughts about each one.

So Long, Summer

Hello! I have one more week of summer left. But since I started the last blog post with laments about school starting, I’ll leave that topic alone. I did just get back from a quick lake trip with some of my work friends, and we could not have ended the summer in a better way. We know the looming school year is coming with change and challenge, but I am so grateful to have such good friends that I can see on a daily basis.

I have a few more things to share with you before we wrap up summer break. Today I’ll share some things I’m using, reading, watching, eating, drinking, etc. Read on for the rest of my summer favorites.

Life Lately | July 2021

Hello, friends. I haven’t shown up around these parts since April! I’ve been in full on summer mode since I knew it was going to be an extra short one. We were in school through the first week of June and we return August 2nd. I personally think going back after Labor Day is the way we should be doing things, but they don’t really ask teachers what they want. Needless to say, I’ll be reporting for duty in about two weeks. Womp womp.

But let’s not think about that! So let’s see, what has happened with the Normans? I became a semi-successful plant lady, I got my bangs back, I discovered the most incredible face sunscreen, Paul and I went on our first vacation in forever, I read a lot of books, I got a new side gig, and I’ve cooked some seriously great recipes. I’ll share some of that and more here today and follow up with even more later on.