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Book Review: Secret Sky: The Young Universe by T. Alan Horne

September 6, 2024 by Claire Leave a Comment

I was gifted a copy of Secret Sky: The Young Universe to read and review on Just to Claireify. All opinions expressed are my own.

Billions of years ago on another planet, Skylar is your average 10-year-old living in a medieval village. His family are farmers, far from the opulence and politics of their kingdom’s city. When he comes of age, however, Skylar discovers that his people have a secret, sacred connection to the stars and universe–and loses everyone and everything he cares about that same fateful night.… Read More »

Filed Under: Books Tagged With: book review, books, reading list

12 Spring Books to Read with Toddlers

April 23, 2024 by Claire Leave a Comment

It’s finally spring and we are SO ready for all the gardening, warm weather sports, playdates, cookouts and more! I love that I can now open the window to air out the house every afternoon. And this weekend we’re headed to the farmer’s market for the first time since August!

When the seasons change, I love to change out the books in the kids’ shelves for seasonally-matched reads. We always have our favorites around–Richard Scarry books and Daniel Tiger among others–and I also like preparing the kids for upcoming activities by reading, too.

Here are a dozen of our favorite spring books for toddlers, including classics and some modern favorites. If you’re headed into fall/winter in your neck of the woods, check out my 12 wintry books to read with little kids post for some inspo :)… Read More »

Filed Under: Books, Parenting, Toddler Tagged With: books, reading, reading list

25 French Chic Lifestyle Books for Your Inner Parisian Girl

April 4, 2024 by Claire Leave a Comment

french-chic-lifestyle-books-titleIt’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of the French chic genre. As a suburban Midwestern stay-at-home mom, I suppose there’s just something about the idea of working on (just) myself and upleveling my life in a feminine way that feels lusciously indulgent.

I might not have the time or money for spa days (or even workdays at home alone), pilates classes, or jetting off to the tropics for a week–but I can find pleasure in the little moments and respect myself in ways that aren’t pricey or time-consuming.… Read More »

Filed Under: Femininity, Lifestyle Tagged With: books, french chic, lifestyle, reading list

12 Winter Books to Read with Little Kids

November 13, 2023 by Claire Leave a Comment

winter-books-little-kids-titleWe had our first snow a couple of weeks ago in Minnesota, so it’s safe to say that winter is on the way. How better to celebrate than by reading all the little kids winter books? (Non-lyrical Christmas music is allowed in our household, but nothing truly holly jolly until after Thanksgiving… idk why, it’s just the rule!)

I think we’ve read every book about the seasons and different holidays at our library. We are huge fans of Jan Brett (not so much Beatrix Potter–some of those are a little creepy). My olders also love books about the natural changes that take place as the seasons change, especially when we can get outside and see it in action later!… Read More »

Filed Under: Books, Christmas Tagged With: books, Christmas, holidays, picture books, reading list, toddlers

My Favorite Reads of 2022 (Part 2)

December 7, 2022 by Claire Leave a Comment

Earlier this year I shared my favorite books from the first half of the year. Amazingly, I’m nearly finished with book #34 of 2022… so now that 2022 is nearly over, there’s definitely more to share from my reading list favorites.

My library card and old kindle (given to me in 2015, how much longer do you think it will last? :P) have both gotten quite the workout this year! Reading is a main form of self-care and an escape for me. I generally don’t watch TV as I’m a very sensitive person and most shows leave me feeling “off” emotionally, so if I’m going to escape it’s going to be into a book or the archives of a favorite blog.

(Tell me I’m not the only one who’s weird about TV, haha? I genuinely don’t enjoy most shows or movies, and it has nothing to do with limiting screen time.)… Read More »

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: books, lifestyle, reading list

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Hi, I’m Claire!

I'm 31, writer, wife, and mom of 4. Just to Claireify is a lifestyle blog for women who aspire to live healthy, balanced lives. (And, okay, it's a throwback to that girly 2010s blogger vibe sometimes too!) If that sounds like you, grab a cup of coffee and make yourself at home. (Learn more about me here.)

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