Style, Decor & More: Are You Really Relaxing During Your Downtime?

Are You Really Relaxing During Your Downtime?


"I have sought peace everywhere, and found it only with a book, in a nook."
 -- Thomas à Kempis

There is something to be said for relaxing and reading a good book. The joy of reading after a long, stressful day brings a sense of peace and tranquility to our otherwise busy lives. It allows us to step into another world melting stress away and calming the mind. In fact, studies have shown that reading even six minutes can reduce stress levels by more than two-thirds!   

I've recently been rediscovering the joy and relaxation of reading after I received Barnes & Noble's NOOK GlowLight Plus! I had truly forgotten how relaxing reading can be, and now unwinding in the evenings with a good book has become an evening ritual. My evening routine used to consist of preparing dinner, cleaning-up, doing laundry, and running errands, if necessary. Then I would surf the web until I couldn't keep my eyes open any more and head off to bed. Sure, surfing the web may sound somewhat relaxing, but I always end up checking my work email. See, I said "work." The sad thing is, it wasn't until I  received my NOOK GlowLight Plus, that I realized my downtime wasn't very relaxing!  

The e-ink display is better for your eyes and easier to read in the sun!


After doing some research online, I discovered that feeling more relaxed wasn't just my imagination. Research has shown that reading works better and faster to relieve stress, even more than going for a walk, listening to music or sipping a cup of tea. And, when you are reading a book your heartrate drops and tense muscles relax as well. I never would have guessed it, but it sure explains why I've become obsessed with finding time to spend on my NOOK. It's good for both your mind and body!


There are so many wonderful reasons why I love my NOOK eReader, so I decided to make a list of my favorite features:

1. Lightweight. The NOOK is incredibly lightweight and thin, making it easy to cradle it in the palm of your hand. 

2. Flexible Lighting/Crisp Text. The soft ambient glow of my NOOK makes it easy to read anywhere and at anytime! Words appear to jump off the screen with its high resolution. But that's not all. It's designed so you can read in the dark, dim light AND outside in bright sunlight! Yup, you can read by the pool while on vacation with its no-glare screen.

3. Waterproof & Dustproof. Not only can you read your NOOK while lounging by the pool, you don't have to worry about it getting wet. The NOOK GlowLight Plus is waterproof! Of course, you don't want to throw it in the ocean as salt water would damage it, but it's nice to know that if my water bottle spills over or my son decides to do a canon-ball into the pool, my NOOK can get wet and still be alright. I think being dustproof speaks for itself. Love it!

4. Portable. At just 6.9 oz, the NOOK fits right into your handbag or jacket pocket to make on-the-go reading a breeze!

5. Long Battery Life. This is awesome! You can read up to 8 weeks on a single charge. That means you can leave the charger at home when you take it with you on vacation - no worries!  

6. No Advertisements. Pet peeve-free! I get annoyed when I visit sites with pop-up ads. You won't find them on the NOOK GlowLight Plus. Thank goodness! 

7. Expansive Book Store. - I'll never get bored with Barnes & Noble's vast content catalog with over 4 million books and a wide selection of magazines and newspapers!

 
The sleek and chic aluminum body is not only beautiful, but durable.

The list goes on and on.... There are also several fonts to choose from should you prefer a smaller or larger font.

"I'm sorry. I'd love to go out this evening, but I have plans."

Yes, you may find yourself turning down social engagements in order to spend the evening with your NOOK. Alright, I'm being silly, but it sure is tempting. If you get a NOOK GlowLight Plus, you'll see what I mean!

A chilly night calls for reading by the fire! Sweet!

The lasagna is in the oven, the kitchen is cleaned up and I have about 20 minutes to indulge in reading my NOOK before dinner. Hubby was nice enough to start a fire. 

Relax. Unwind. Sweet dreams!

Ahhhh....My favorite part of the evening. I make myself a hot cup of tea and cozy up with NOOKie! Hubby is usually working late in the office or watching football, so it's a good time for us to relax together.  NOOKie's my endearing nickname for my NOOK. {winky face} 


Now those of you who know me and follow my blog, know that I'm not a fan of cooking or baking. However, we had an abundance of apples from our orchard this year, and I couldn't let them go to waste. So, I've been busy canning over the last few weeks and wondering what am I going to do with 20+ jars of apples!? You can only eat so many apples pies. 

Well, today I used my NOOK to search for cookbooks with apple recipes and look what I found! "The Totally Apples Cookbook!" (See the book above.) I'm confident I'll find good apple recipes there. The NOOK provided sample pages so that I could get a feel for the content of the recipe book before deciding to purchase it. All book purchases can be made directly from my NOOK and I'll always have my books (recipes and others) right at my fingertips! I'm really obsessed with my NOOK. Can you tell? 


I am soooo in LOVE with my NOOK that it will be featured in our Holiday Gift Guide 2015! It couldn't be more PERFECT! We all have that one friend or family member who is impossible to find a gift for, right? Well, giving the gift of relaxation for the mind, body and soul all rolled into a Barnes & Noble NOOK, is the best gift EVER! Don't you think? Even a family member who is not computer savvy will find the NOOK easy to navigate! Simply click "Library" and your favorite books are one touch away!

Well, I hope I've given you a glimpse into the world of owning a NOOK GlowLight Plus. If you would like more information, please visit NOOK's site HERE. You will DEFINITELY want to CHECK OUT THE SPECIAL OFFERS TAB for discounts! 

Special thanks to Barnes & Noble for sponsoring today's post and inspiring me to try NOOK GLOWLIGHT PLUS. I couldn't be happier and am enjoying it tremendously! 
  xoxo,


  



58 comments :

  1. This is going on my wish list this Christmas. I can also think of a few people who would like a nook. Looks great.

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  2. Getting this for my husband this year as we have a trip to Tahiti planned and he will need this on the long plane ride with strict baggage weight limits!

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    1. A trip to Tahiti sounds so exciting! Have a wonderful time! Yes, the NOOK is perfect for your trip with it being lightweight and having a long battery life!
      Thanks for stopping by!
      nancy

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  3. Oh! I want one of these... I rarely check luggage anymore and hate lugging around books in my carry-on bag when traveling, so bulky & heavy! This would be perfect to carry in my purse.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Karen. Yes, the Nook slips easily into a purse or jacket pocket! The long-life battery ensures you won't need to charge it while you're away from home too. Another plus!
      Have a great week! :)

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  4. There is something very soothing about the color of this Nook. I love my iPad but know it wakes me up. Love the aspects to the Nook designed to actually relax readers.

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    1. Hi Boulder, My phone is bright like your iPad and wakes me up as well. Yes, the "glowlight" from the Nook, is very calming and relaxing, yet very easy to read. Great for the avid reader! I'm really enjoying it!

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  5. That's a nice looking Nook. I hardly have any time to read much of anything these days but that makes me want to find a cozy corner to read in!

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  6. That will be a great for a Christmas gift for a lot of people.

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    1. Hi Mya,
      Thanks for stopping by! Yes, I agree. The NOOK will be a great gift for the holidays. I've really been enjoying mine and want to share the joy with friends and family. I'll be picking up a few for the holidays myself!

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  7. I do love to read. I didn't think I'd like reading on a device in the beginning but have grown to prefer it.

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    1. I was the same. I think the difference is they have gotten lighter in weight and the new GlowLight on the Nook is so easy on the eyes. It's a very calming and relaxing light.

      Thanks for stopping by, Val! :)

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  8. I am not sure at this time as Nook is kind of new to me I have a old kindle touch that the battery will not keep a charge I really need the whole Nook. Thank you, Jerri

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  9. I have a ton of books on my to-read list. One new one that I want to read is the new memoir by Leah Remini called Troublemaker.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Kari. You've piqued my interest and I have to check out Troublemaker! :)

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  10. I have a long list of books to read so I'll use it towards that. I have the older version - the Nook simple touch with glow light and I take it everywhere. It is always in my purse. I hope to get the new one!

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    1. Hi Felicita, I love the glow light. It makes it a pleasure to read in the evenings. I'm not sure if the older version has anti-glare so you can read out in the sun, but even if it doesn't, I'm glad you are enjoying yours too! :)

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  11. I want to read Tina Fey's book. I heard it's so good!

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  12. I will definitely buy Stephen King's new book.

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  13. I would get the hunger games for my son. Thank you

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  14. I would buy a Fern Michaels book.

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  15. I would not use the gift card for myself. I would give the gift card to my mom so that she may select a book or two that she would love to read.

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  16. I would get the new Janet evanovich book

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  17. Wow awesome prize. Perfect for a Christmas gift. Thanks for the chance to win

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  18. If I won, I would buy my daughter Minecraft: The Complete Handbook Collection book

    abfantom at yahoo dot com

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  19. My daughter Savannah is a huge reader. She can finish a book in a couple of days. Would LUV to win this for her!

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  20. I would love to get some more House of Night books!

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  21. I am looking for a beach read for my upcoming vacation!!

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  22. Yes! I want the new Stephen King book!

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  23. I'd get The Guyver movie!
    mcfallsk8er[at]aim[dot]com

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  24. i really like this and would buy it http://www.barnesandnoble.com/b/scorch-trials-special-offer/_/N-2gft

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  25. I would use it to buy books are maybe some games.

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  26. I would buy a book called nineteen minutes. Brittney House

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  27. My husband has been wanting to read the entire Maze Runner Series. thank you

    candieluster(at)gmail(dot)com

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  28. I've been wanting a cookbook on recipes using an electric pressure cooker.

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  29. I would give it to one of my kids so they could pick out a book.

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  30. I would like the Pretty Little Liars books.

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  31. I would love to get Silver Linings by Debbie Macomber, who is one of my favorite authors! [email protected]

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  32. Kimberley Thomas
    I have always wanted a Nook and I would use the $20 for Once Upon A Time TV Show

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  33. Id love to get all the kathy reichs books! its been so long since ive read fiction!

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  34. There are a few apps my children would love for me to purchase for them.

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  35. I like to read and would purchase the Rogue Lawyer by John Grisham.

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  36. Thanks for the giveaway! I'd get the latest Michael Connelly book!

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  37. I would love to get jewelry metal stamping by Lisa Niven Kelly if I won thanks for the chance.

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  38. I would probably get one of the Harry potter books.

    [email protected]

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  39. I would get a nook for me! I love reading, but I either use my laptop or buy books.

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  40. My husband loves to read in bed so I would get him some of the latest thrillers to enjoy.

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  41. i want to get a book to read over the holidays.

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  42. That will be a great for a Christmas gift for a lot of people.

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  43. I would get the Hunger Games for my hubby and my sons.

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  44. I would get the Last Argument of Kings by Joe Abercrombie.
    RC- Tara Woods

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  45. I'm not sure yet. Would depend on what I've read and am reading at the time I win.

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  46. I would buy some books, not really any specific in mind, just books.

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  47. I want to get my son a Nook for Christmas.

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I LOVE hearing from you!! Please leave a comment below and share your thoughts! :)