Mid-year Update: Books

Hello friends, Happy Friday! What are you doing this weekend?

I'm definitely shopping during Clear the Rack (50% off clearance dresses and 25% all other clearance, shop online here), although I got a few more things from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (Read what I got so far here). Also, Anthropologie is now doing additional 40% off sale!

But I promise shopping is not my only hobby :P. Today, I'm bringing you another mid-year update: books I've read so far, what I'm currently reading and my to-read list. I still read hard copies, because the smell of the new printing, the weight of holding it in your hand and the satisfaction of turning a page just don't transfer electronically for me. A lot of my reading was done on the plane, since I've been traveling more this year. If you haven't read my mid-year update on my 2017 goals last week, you can read it here. It might make more sense why I'm reading/want to read some of these books.

1. Goop Clean Beauty: If you are new to natural/clean beauty, this book is a great introduction! Even if you already know quite a bit like myself, there's still so much information here I'll constantly refer back to.
2. Forest Feast Gatherings: Simple Vegetarian Menus for Hosting Friends & Family: Although I'm not vegetarian, I could always eat more veggies. These recipes look gorgeous in pictures in addition to being delicious, whether you'll be hosting a gathering or not. You can easily add meat proteins depending on your diet. 
3. The Pearl Book: The Definitive Buying Guide: Pearl is my birthstone and a staple in one's jewelry collection. I wanted to learn more about them and buy smarter. This book was very informative and I've highlighted a ton. Highly recommend it, if you want to learn more about pearls. The only downside is that it only has a few pages of colored photos. So I have another pearl book on my to-read list below (#4), which has more colored photos. 
4. Capture Your Style: Transform Your Instagram Photos, Showcase Your Life, and Build the Ultimate Platform: There's no doubt that Amiee Song is a great story-teller through her Instagram. One can certainly learn a thing or two from her to up their Instagame. 

It sure feels like I've read more than 4 books this year, but I guess I've started so many and have trouble finishing them... Anyone else having the same issue? Anyways, these are the ones I'm still reading:

1. Dream Decor: Styling a Cool, Creative and Comfortable Home, Wherever You Live: Gorgeous photos!
2. How Food Works: The Facts Visually Explained: Love the charts and illustrations, easy to understand.
3. The Curated Closet: A Simple System for Discovering Your Personal Style and Building Your Dream Wardrobe: I completely agree with the book that my closet is not working for my current lifestyle. In other words, I have too many clothes for weekend/causal wear, but always struggle to get dressed for work in the morning. Yet, I can't stop buying flowy dresses or off-the-shoulder tops (Anthropologie especially...) that I obviously can't wear to work. But they are just so darn pretty!
4. The Way She Wears It: The Ultimate Insider's Guide to Revealing Your Personal Style: I've read the Spring and Summer section and will revisit this for Fall/Winter inspirations.
5. Some Assembly Required: The author was the opening speaker at the ASQ (American Society for Quality) Lean and Six Sigma Conference, which I attended in February. He was a great speaker! This is a networking book, which I bought and was signed by him during an after session. I should really do more networking!

Now here's a glance at my never-ending to-read list. I'll do an end-of-year update and hopefully finish more books than just starting this time! :P

1. The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich
2. The Law of Attraction: The Basics of the Teachings of Abraham
3. Money, and the Law of Attraction: Learning to Attract Wealth, Health, and Happiness
4. Pearl Buying Guide: How to Identify and Evaluate Pearls
5. Gemstone Buying Guide (Newman Gem & Jewelry)
6. Jewelry & Gems―The Buying Guide, 8th Edition: How to Buy Diamonds, Pearls, Colored Gemstones, Gold & Jewelry with Confidence and Knowledge (Jewelry and Gems the Buying Guide)
7. Domino: The Book of Decorating: A Room-by-Room Guide to Creating a Home That Makes You Happy
8. The Coveteur: Private Spaces, Personal Style
9. Face Paint: The Story of Makeup
10. The Age Fix: A Leading Plastic Surgeon Reveals How to Really Look 10 Years Younger

Do you have any book recommendations?

Thank you for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend! :)