Tag: Infographic

7 Workouts for Book Lovers to Try

On May 19, 2022

The friendly and talented people over at Siege Media dropped by the other day with another great infographic. Check out the nice intro they provided and then the infographicgraphic. I’m going to be trying these myself.

Workouts for Book Lovers

It can be easy to get lost in a good read—laying on your couch, bed, or in your reading nook for hours at a time because the book is just too good to put down. Then, you get up and wonder where the time went. Instead of lounging while you read, why not exercise, too? Reading is the perfect activity to engage your mind while also engaging those muscles!

Here are a few workouts you can try while reading a book that supports your mental and physical fitness.

1. Literature Leg Raises

You can still relax from your couch or bed while feeling the burn of these literature leg raises. Get comfy in your favorite pair of yoga leggings, grab your favorite book and lay back for a workout that targets your abs and core.

To start, lie down on your back while holding your book with both hands in front of you. Keep your legs straight and lift them toward the ceiling. Then, slowly bring them back down while keeping your core engaged. Repeat this for four sets of 10 to 12 reps or until you feel a good burn.

2. Trilogy Treadmill Walk

One of the easiest ways to work out while reading is to prop your book right up on the treadmill while you walk. Whether you’ve got your treadmill in your home library or you’re heading to the gym, walking on the treadmill helps target your quads, hamstrings, glutes and calves and can be a great way to relieve the stress of the day.

Begin by placing your book on the treadmill so it’s directly in front of you. Then, start walking at a speed that’s manageable for you. Once you’re warmed up, increase the incline level for an added burn. Walk for about 30 minutes or make a goal to walk until you’ve read a certain amount of pages or chapters. For example, walk until you’ve read 5 chapters or 100 pages.

3. Page Turner Planks

Planks are great for targeting your core and lower back and the burn won’t feel so bad if you’ve got a good book to keep you occupied. Begin in a push-up position with your book on the floor. Then, lower yourself onto your forearms. Tighten and engage your abs and core and hold for 30 to 60 seconds, or until you’ve made your page or chapter goal.

To find out the rest of the seven exercises you can do while reading a book, check out the infographic below.

GUEST POST: 7 Tips for Creating a Home Library

By HCNewton

On March 8, 2022

In Books, News/Misc.

Every so often, the good people at Siege Media send me a nice infographic to share. It’s legitimately one of my favorite things to find in my Inbox. I think you’ll enjoy this one, and the nice introduction that they sent to go with it.

7 Tips for Creating a Home Library by Jennifer Anderson

Ever seen those picture-perfect home libraries and wish you had your own?

Adding a home library, or the specific place in the home for storing all of one’s favorite reads, is a bookworm’s dream for a reason. The beautifully organized shelving offers both a decorative touch to any space and a peaceful respite for the avid reader. You may have your favorite digital or audiobooks, but nothing beats an extensive library of physical books.

In this guide, we explain how to make a home library by starting with seven simple tips. Keep reading to learn everything you need to begin creating your own personal collection.

1. Analyze Your Collection
The first step to creating a home library is to gather all the books you currently own and sort them by category. You might find that you already have enough books to fill up your personal collection. If not, you’ll want to determine which kinds of books you want to add to your library.

Taking note of how many books you have will help you determine how much space you need for your home library.

2. Find the Space
Once you’ve determined how many books you have, you’ll need to find a space in your home that can accommodate your collection. It’s best to avoid spaces on outside walls, since their temperature can change frequently.

In addition, steer clear of areas where you eat and drink to avoid pests. Instead, opt for spaces you don’t use as much, like under beds or in corner nooks.

3. Determine Your Budget
Next, you’ll need to figure out a budget for your home library renovation. Take note of any costs that come with the storage and accessories you want, such as shelving, seating, and cushions.

If you don’t have enough books to fill your space, factor in any additional costs for book purchases. Check out compilations in your desired genre, like some of the best nonfiction books, and determine the price of those additions.

4. Choose Your Shelving
There are two main types of shelving used in home libraries: built-in and freestanding. Built-in shelving refers to permanent fixtures built into the walls of the home. Alternatively, freestanding shelving is a movable fixture, such as a bookcase.

The type you choose will depend on the kind of look you want, as well as whether you want your library to be temporary or permanent.

5. Think About Lighting
Since your home library is where you’ll do the most reading, it’s critical to have ideal lighting. To do so, you’ll want to make sure the natural and artificial light in the room meet your needs.

Try to choose a room with a window that lets in a lot of natural light during the day. From there, add lamps for accent lighting that highlights your home library and makes it easier to read at night.

6. Add Lots of Color
Many home libraries make great use of color, in the form of both books and extra elements. To give your space your desired color palette, consider painting your shelving, putting on wallpaper, or adding colorful trinkets on your shelves.

Whichever colors you choose, just make sure to match your home library’s color scheme with the rest of the room.

7. Pick an Organization Style
Your home library is your own personal collection, so it’s important to decide on an organization style that makes the most sense for you. Popular styles include chronological, alphabetical, by color, or by genre.

For those who have kids, place their favorites like the Harry Potter series on lower shelves so they’re within reach.

Making a home library can seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually easier than you think. Simply by following these seven tips, you can start creating the home library of your dreams.

For even more information and tips about creating a home library, take a look at the infographic below.

GUEST POST: 12 Books Every Home Owning Bookworm Needs

By HCNewton

On February 18, 2021

In Non-Fiction

It’s been quite a while since I’ve had one of these to share, but long-time readers know that I love a good infographic. The friendly people over at Siege Media dropped by the other day with a post and an infographic for me to share with you that’s timely for me as Mrs. Reader and I are settling into our new digs and taking on a few home improvement/maintenance projects. Check out the nice intro they provided and then follow the links to their longer piece and the full infographic (I’ve provided a snippet of it below).

How many books can you say really changed your life? A handful, maybe? While mysteries and science fiction novels may be a great way to pass the time, they are likely only a few on your bookshelves you’ll return to time and time again.

One genre you can’t really say that about is non-fiction hobby books. Books that break down a complicated topic for you and help you master it, including categories like home improvement projects and organization hacks. And if you are a homeowner, or you’re a renter who doesn’t like your landlord, you may be looking to learn how to fix your home yourself.

The following books are catered to those looking to get into new hobbies at home, to pass the time, or improve their day-to-day lives. You can learn how to garden, become a plant parent, organize your stuffed pantry or decorate your messy bedroom all while getting to participate in your favorite hobby: reading. What can be better than that?

Check out the infographic on best books for the home from the team at Hippo below.

Once again, the link to the full graphic.

GUEST POST: 16 Bedtime Stories to Inspire Young Girls

By HCNewton

On May 14, 2019

In Books, Fiction

I’m very happy to have this guest post today — I don’t talk about kids’ books nearly as often as I could, but I do know some of these titles — most of them look pretty good. It’s good content and a spiffy looking picture, what more could you ask for?
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For parents who struggle to get their kids to sleep at night, there isn’t anything quite like a good bedtime story. That relaxing time together is a great way to transition into sleep, while instilling in your child a lifelong love of reading. Many bedtimes stories teach great lessons and values, as well. Kindness, bravery, and perseverance are all often on display in children’s books. However for many little girls, there are a few important lessons missing from the classics. While the modern woman knows that women don’t have to be princesses, and the damsel can save herself, the lessons in children’s literature are still catching up.

That’s why Sleep Advisor created this visual round-up of children’s books to inspire the young girl in your life. With lessons from real life female heroes, to fairytales with a modern kick, each one of their selections is designed to empower young girls.

For the princess-lover, there’s stories of princesses taking their own destiny in their hands. To instill positive self-esteem and acceptance for others, there are children’s tales that help them learn to love and appreciate their own and others’ differences.

Pick one up today, or check a few out from your local library to empower your daughter or niece to live up to her fullest potential!

GUEST POST – The Open Road Awaits: Your Guide to Literary Road Trips

By HCNewton

On December 18, 2018

In Books, News/Misc.

I’m very happy to have this guest post today — and not just because I need some time to finish a couple of things you won’t see for a few weeks. I love a nicely designed (and informative) infographic and this one hit the sweet spot for me. When I was asked if I’d be interested in posting this, I jumped on it. Give this a read and check this out. Then maybe plan a trip?
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Scott Fitzgerald, Jack Kerouac and Tom Wolfe…

These are a handful of renowned authors responsible for writing some of the most iconic books we know and love. The sources for their inspiration came from their life experiences, including some at the heart of American culture—road trips. From adventures lasting ten to over one hundred hours, these famous works of literature account for the national parks, cities and cultural events each author explored.

For example, On the Road, by Jack Kerouac, follows the story of Sal Paradise and his friends. The crew of young, broke hippies in love with life travel from New York to San Francisco. Through his young characters’ adventures, Kerouac’s work captures the spirit of freedom and the American dream. The narrative draws from Kerouac’s personal experiences traveling across the country.

The experiences of many authors are brought to life through the words crafted in their stories, making it incredibly difficult to put these books down. And each year, thousands of Americans, inspired by wanderlust and words, set out on their own adventures. The freedom of a cross-country road trip, whether on your own or with a group of close friends, never fails to enchant. There’s something intensely clarifying about hitting the open road. You’re suddenly able to disconnect from the routines of everyday life. You become what’s happening in that moment. You are living outside time.

Inspired by the need for adventure and the words of iconic authors, CarRentals created a guide to literary road trips across America. Instead of simply living them through the pages of your favorite novel, you can set off on routes that follow the narrative arc of six iconic books. Create new stories of your own by exploring the paths of these famous American authors. The road awaits!