I read a lot in the summer because I can sit outside and enjoy the warmth at the same time. But I read in the winter because I love curling up with a blanket and a good book. While summer reading is all about the light chick flick-esque reads, winter reading is where I like to learn things and be inspired. I ordered a few books last weekend from Chapters and I’m excited to share them with you. If you follow me on Instagram you may have seen this photo already.

Blog Inc. by Joy Deangdeelert Cho: I’ve heard this book is great no matter what stage of blogging you are at. I’m still in the first half of the book, but it puts everything into perspective. Some things are a refresher, but there are so many tips to take your blog to another level. The other thing I love is that Joy has done interviews with so many great bloggers and I love hearing their stories and finding out what lessons they have learned. I’d recommend this book whether you’ve been blogging for a few years or just thinking of starting a blog. I wish I had come across it earlier!

CelebraTORI by Tori Spelling: I love Tori Spelling. She’s a modern day Martha Stewart. I also have this crazy dream of wanting to be an event planner. I do event coordinating as part of my day job, but not to the extent I want to. I’d love to plan parties! CelebraTORI is a guide to party planning. This book is so inspiring. It’s not a book full of lists, but Tori infuses stories of her life with parties she has thrown and has lots of helpful tidbits of info to make your parties successful. The pictures are just stunning, and after only reading a few pages I already want to plan something extravagant!

Also, if you are on GoodReads, I have an account and would love to connect with you! Don’t have GoodReads? It’s a great website and app that lets you track the books you’ve read and makes the perfect recommendations based on this information. You can also follow your friends to see what they’re reading. I’ve set a goal of reading 24 books in 2013. Follow me and see if I will meet this goal!

Have you read either of these books? Do you have recommendations for books that teach and inspire? Please share!