It’s a fact: We’re bookworms at heart here at Brit HQ. Let’s be honest, there’s nothing like curling up with a brand new (or classic) tome on a Sunday afternoon. But since we’re all geared up with iPads, Kindles, and Nooks, we tend to take in most of our reading electronically. We also happen to love beautiful digital things. Hence our love of Oyster, the most beautiful way to read e-books we’ve seen so far.
First, the nuts and bolts about Oyster: It’s a service that lets you read as many books as you’d like on your iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch for just $9.95 per month. Don’t worry Android users, an app is headed your way this year! Their online library contains over 100,000 titles, and they’re constantly adding new ones to the collection. The ability to read anywhere, anytime ACROSS our mobile devices? Modern bookworms, rejoice!
Next up, the design element. Hi-res covers and photography help bring genres and editorial collections to life. You can browse covers, just as you would in a book store. And, because not everyone loves the same standard font, Oyster offers five unique typographic themes to appeal to any aesthetic personality.
Now that your eyes are happy, let’s talk about the customization part. Your library is personalized just for you — Oyster will give you recommendations based on the books in your library. You can also highlight passages and make notes in your e-books.
And, there’s social integration to boot. You can connect with your friends to see what books they’re reading, what books they’ve read, and what they thought about each one. They call it “people-powered discovery.” We’re on board.
Back in January, we introduced you to a feel-good cause to inspire your New Year's resolution: a walking challenge to help raise funds for the amazing cancer fighters at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I took part in the challenge with the Brit + Co team and ended up walking 105+ miles in January — it was awesome.
This spring, there's a new challenge on the horizon, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Big Climb. The ask: On May 15, 2021, you can step up to take cancer down by committing to climb 1,311 steps, walking 3.2 miles, or doing 440 chair step-ups at home as part of the Big Climb. If you need some motivation to bring movement back into your daily routine — look no further!
As always, it's free to sign up, but climbers are encouraged to set a fundraising goal to help beat cancer. We'll be organizing another Brit + Co team to step up, and I hope you'll join us too! Keep scrolling for a peek at where I'll be completing the challenge in my Los Angeles neighborhood around the hidden Silver Lake Stairs. Happy climbing!
Never underestimate the power of an accountability buddy! I asked my in-laws, my partner, and a few friends to join me so we can keep each other motivated and accountable in completing the challenge — virtual high-fives all around! Also, my dog Fox is a great climber, too.
An aesthetically pleasing backdrop is a huge motivator for me! I'm fortunate to have all sorts of painted steps around my neighborhood to keep the challenge interesting, but you can also keep cool inside with at-home chair step-ups.
Don't forget to share your progress on social — #BigClimb!
Feel free to break the challenge up if you need to by tackling half the distance in the AM and half at sunset. Here's me 1,311 steps later and ready for a break — but, think I earned this one!
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