reading – The Athleisure Teacher

Come for the Fashion and Food, Stay for the Book Reviews

Published on July 27, 2022 by The Athleisure TeacherLeave a comment

Over the last couple of years, I re-discovered my passion for reading. As an English teacher, I’ve always loved literature, but caring for two young children and teaching full time never left me much time for it. The pandemic, as well as having a medical emergency last year that forced me to slow down and rest, really helped me fall back in love with reading, and here we are – Self-Care Summer, aka the summer where I work out every morning, and binge read on my deck all afternoon.

I’ve been doing book reviews on my Instagram for a while now, but I really wanted to share more about my favourite genres and highlight some recommendations more in-depth here. It’s really funny how your hobbies and passions evolve over time. Back in 2018 and 2019, I used to love going out, spending my summers at events, restaurants, partying, etc. I considered Instagram my hobby. Fast forward years later, and very little of that is on my radar. I’m so content to stay home and just immerse myself in an amazing read. So without further ado, here are some of my top picks.

Historical Fiction:

Let’s talk Kristin Hannah. She is certifiably the most talented historical fiction writer out there. Her books are full of relevant information about a place and time that I personally don’t know much about (for example, the Great Depression in the above mentioned The Four Winds), and she gives her characters so much depth and realness that you can’t help but become insanely invested in their story. Another great book by her is The Great Alone, which I highly recommend. I also loved The Stationary Shop, by Marjan Kamali, because it was a love story, but set in a time of political turmoil in Iran, which I knew nothing about and found riveting as a sub-plot.

Contemporary Romance:

When and how I became a fan of romance novels is a mystery to me. Honestly, I just love how much of a brainless escape they provide, and I typically finish them in a day or two. These are some of my recent faves. Every Summer After was amazing because it was set in Ontario, The Love Hypothesis was the perfect balance of smut and comedic nerdiness, and Ties that Tether was beautiful, because it offered insight into cross-cultural romances.

Memoirs:

I just love memoirs because I find other people’s lives fascinating. One day I want to write one. Here are two of my favourites. Between Two Kingdoms is Suleika Jaouad’s story of her battle with leukemia and being on the brink of death. It was a jarring read, and made me very aware of my own mortality. Surviving the White Gaze is another riveting one. Rebecca Carroll does an amazing job of painting a vivid picture of the hardship in her life being a black woman adopted by a white family.

Thrillers:

I saved the best for last. There’s nothing quite like a good thriller for me. I live for being on the edge of my seat, and the more messed up, the better. I won’t go through these selections individually, but No Exit by Taylor Adams is my top pick (just don’t watch the sub-par made for TV movie version of it that recently came out). If anyone has thriller recommendations for me, I’d love to hear them. I’m currently reading The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides, and it’s roped me in quite fast, so I’m looking forward to reading more.

And, a bit of shameless self promo; feel free to follow me on Instagram if you’re looking for more recommendations: @theathleisureteacher

Recent Tings

Published on January 3, 2020 by The Athleisure TeacherLeave a comment

Happy 2020 my babes! Everyone I know has been all over their social media screaming from the rooftops, “NEW DECADE, NEW ME,” but I’ve just been over here doing the same ish, different year. I’m not sure I grasp this “new decade” mania. Like I get it’s the Roaring 20s, or something like that, and we’re supposed to have evolved into genetically modified superhuman zombies, but I don’t feel any different. Do you?

Anyway, this Christmas break was actually the bomb.com for me. We usually go to Mexico during this time, but I was so tired of going when 1. It had barely snowed yet and we didn’t “earn” the tropical weather, and 2. My kids were perpetually fevered up with some virus or infection. So we decided to go over March break this year, and by then, I can assure you that we will have earned it weather-wise. This Christmas break was unseasonably warm, thankyouglobalwarming, and the kids were perfectly healthy for all two weeks. Hallefreakinglujah!

We went to Niagara Falls for two nights with some friends, and hit up a local waterpark for one of those two days. The chlorine and offensive bathing attire stung my eyes, and we couldn’t get outta there fast enough. But we had a great time regardless, because tbh, it was just nice to get away as a family. The kids also went to a sports camp for 3 days, which was perfect for me to have some quiet downtime to myself. Normally I’d be running around town trying to shoot content and “influence,” but my word for 2020 is “tranquility” (of body *and* mind), and I’m making peace with saying no to things and not overextending myself to the point of exhaustion. I actually rested so much over these two weeks and feel mentally and physically rejuvenated af. I also was able to read an entire novel in 24 hours, which is unheard of for me, and hit the gym 3-4 mornings a week for each week. I’m going to miss my AM exercise like crazy when I go back to work next week. Le sigh.

Other than that, here are a few photos of restaurant and hotel collabs I’ve done over the last month. I’ve definitely still been eating good, despite not attending many group media tastings anymore (if I go, I go solo), and I’m very fortunate for the opportunities that have presented themselves. I think 2020 will still be a great year of growth for me and this little blog, and I’m excited to see what awaits!

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10th Anniversary of the Weird But True! Series

Published on December 16, 2018 by The Athleisure TeacherLeave a comment

As an English teacher, I’ve always valued instilling a lifelong love of reading within my students. When I became a mom 6 years ago, I knew that it was so important to start reading with my daughter at a very young age, to ensure that she too fell in love with reading and books. Now, I read every evening with her and my 3 year old son, and it’s something we all look forward to after our busy days. Reading helps us decompress, allows us crucial bonding/quiet time, and just generally makes us all happy.

So when I was approached to review National Geographic’s Weird But True! series, I obviously felt it was a perfect partnership, as my values align nicely with theirs. This review is timely too, because it’s the 10th anniversary of the series, and 10 recently updated volumes have been released to celebrate! They’re available for purchase here.

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My children had such a blast reading all the fun facts from the four volumes we received! In particular, they both enjoyed ones related to animals, including facts like, “a gorilla at a zoo in Germany can walk on a tight-rope,” and “male pandas sometimes do handstands to mark trees.” Pandas are clearly adorable animals, but apparently they’re a little crazy too. Also, my son is dinosaur obsessed, so he really enjoyed facts such as, ” a t. rex could bite with 8,000 pounds of force – the equivalent of being crushed by three stacked cars,” and “the meteorite that most likely killed off the dinosaurs was the size of San Fransico, California, USA.”

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All the books in the series are so visually appealing and engaging. They’re vivid and uniquely laid out to keep the attention span of young children for quite a long time. Every night we read these, my children were able to stay focused and engaged for 10-15 minutes of reading, and they never got bored or lost interest. That’s a huge accomplishment for them, considering they’re relatively young.

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Personally, I was most interested in the food related facts, because obviously I’m a foodie, and that’s what captures my attention. After reading this page, all I can think about is someone needs to order me a bouquet of roses made from bacon ASAP. K, thanks.

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Overall, we really loved reading these books, and we think you will too! Generally I think they’re geared for children 8-12 years old, but we got a lot out of them as well! Oh also, National Geographic is currently running a contest for kids ages 6-14. Your son or daughter can submit their own accurate but weird facts about their hometown, province, or country here through January 31, 2019!

Summer Staples

Published on May 26, 2018 by The Athleisure Teacher4 Comments

While I’m definitely going to miss my students tremendously (especially my graduating grade 12s that I’ve had an amazing semester with), my mind is on the summer. With one month left of school, I constantly find my mind drifting to my upcoming girls’ trip to NYC, my daughter’s birthday visit to Great Wolf Lodge, and all the other amazing plans I’ve made for July and August. It’s been hard trudging through all the essay marking, but I find looking forward to everything has helped me stay focused to get through it all. I wanted to share some of my summer staples with you, because 1. they’re super helpful and/or cute, and also 2. capitalism.

Ace Hill Pineapple Vodka Soda ($3.15 per can)

Purchase here

Leave it to me to start with booze. I’m sorry…priorities. Anyway, this pineapple vodka soda is the most delicious canned beverage I’ve ever had. It’s made with real, organic pineapple juice, and it goes down real easily. A little too easy. It’s the perfect patio drink!

2. Adidas Adilette Slides ($45)

Purchase here

This is the perfect unisex slide. A word of caution: they might tear your feet up a bit while you’re working them in, but once they’ve stretched a bit, they’re super comfortable and versatile. I love being able to put them on with ease, which makes impromptu backyard play super fast. The students at my school are wearing these with socks. It’s not a good look. But if the teenagers are doing it, that must mean it’s socially acceptable. I’m not advocating for it though.

3. Season 2 of the Handmaid’s Tale

Okay, okay, so dystopian horror probably isn’t the best summer genre, but hear me out. This show is beyond binge-worthy. I mean, anything is better than season 2 of 13 Reasons Why, am I right? Somehow this show seems even more realistic, even though it’s set in a fictional time period and world. This season is definitely more gruesome and dark than the first, but I just can’t look away. Watch it. Thank me later.

4. OPI “Let’s Be Friends” shellac polish

I’m obsessed with this colour for the summer. It’s the perfect pale pink. That is all.

5. Dew and Poesy – Body Lotion in Nectarine Blossom and Mimosa ($18)

Purchase here

This is the most delicious summer scent ever. I also have it in a convenient, on-the-go roller ball perfume, and I bring it everywhere. A little mid-day spritz, and you’re instantly transported to somewhere tropical!

6. Emily Giffin – All We Ever Wanted (On sale for $19.20 if you pre-order online)

Purchase here

It’s not out for another month, but I can’t wait to read Emily Giffin’s new novel. Her books are summer reading at its finest. This one is about scandal, love and loyalty, and honestly, I’m here for it.

7. Halter neck jumpsuit ($74.95 but can usually be purchased on sale. I got it for 40% off.)

Purchase here

I got this jumpsuit in black, and it’s the most comfortable, flattering piece I’ve found for this summer. The whole having to pee thing is mildly irritating, but for all the compliments I’ve received on it? #worthit. I took a gamble on an XS, and it fit perfectly. I dress it up with wedges when I go out, and I pair it with flat sandals or Toms when I wear it to work.

8. Paul Mitchell Sculpting Foam ($17.97)

Purchase here

This is the perfect lightweight mousse for summer beachy waves. My hair is naturally quite curly and frizzy, but I gently scrunch this in after I wash my hair, and it gives my hair a subtle bounce and perfect shape. I’ve been using this forever, and I highly recommend it.