Serial & Milk

06/13/2025

I’ve made it a New Year’s resolution to visit at least one bookstore in every place we travel — and it’s been such a joy. I’ve been saving up stories to tell from some of the incredible bookstores we’ve discovered, but I’ve realized I don’t have the time right now to write the longform versions I was hoping to. So, I’m going to start sharing quick highlights from our visits instead. Keep an eye out — and let me know your favorite bookstores, too! I’m always looking for new ones to explore. 📚✨

When I first started dreaming about opening a bookstore, I picked up The Bookshop: A History of the American Bookstore — and it’s made me so much more observant and analytical about what I love in these spaces. From layout and lighting to seating and staff picks, I’m finding joy in paying attention to the details and asking why certain shops feel so special.

I also want to start sharing more about my reading life. I read an average of two books a week and am currently part of two wonderful book clubs. I'll be posting some of my thoughts on the books I’m reading — the ones I love, the ones I don’t, and the ones that spark great conversation.

Our next trip is a road trip through the Northeast, and I’m especially excited about the bookstore stops we’ll make along the way. We’ll be passing through upstate New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, parts of Maine, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania. If you have any must-visit bookstores (or cozy coffee shops and puzzle spots!) along that route, please send them my way!

06/13/2025

It’s been a historic NBA playoffs season — and with the Pacers possibly on their way to their first-ever championship, I had the chance to tag along with my very passionate Pacers fan husband on a trip to Oklahoma City. And while he was all about the game, I was all about the bookstores. 😄

Before I highlight the first of the four amazing bookstores I visited, can I just say — OKC surprised me in the best way. Great food, fascinating museums, and really fun outdoor spaces.

One of my favorite stops was Second Story Books and Cafe. This charming, cozy bookstore has everything I’d want for a productive afternoon: a small cafe, comfy couches, tables with outlets, and the absolute best decor — indoor greenery, forest-inspired touches, and an inviting vibe that made me want to stay for hours.

The staff was lovely, and they seem to host some great events too. Definitely worth a visit if you’re ever in the area!

03/26/2025

Piece by Piece, our first puzzle event, was so much fun! See you next time!

03/24/2025

What a fantastic day at our Piece by Piece Puzzle Event! 🧩✨

We had a great time connecting with fellow puzzle lovers, swapping puzzles, and racing to finish those bright and colorful Galison puzzles (my favorite kind!). Plus, those Little Bird Cookies were the perfect sweet treat to keep us going.

Thanks to everyone who joined in—I’m already looking forward to the next one! ❤️

https://fb.me/e/26YsTUbFbg

03/22/2025

Today's the day! We are in the barn. Look for the 5C's sign. Park along the left side of the driveway as you come in. Can't wait to see you!

03/20/2025

Only 2 days until our Piece by Piece Puzzle Event, and I couldn’t be more excited!

I just picked up some special order cookies from my favorite cookie maker, Little Bird Cookies, and let me tell you—they look amazing. Trust me, you’re going to want to grab one (or two!) while you puzzle.

We’ll be working on bright and colorful Galison 500-piece collage puzzles, my favorite kind! Plus, don’t forget about the Puzzle Swap—bring a puzzle (or a few) to trade with others and take home something new to solve.

It’s going to be such a fun afternoon of puzzles, snacks, and good company. I can’t wait to see you there!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1282759882784548

03/16/2025

I’m so excited—our Piece by Piece Puzzle Event is happening in just 6 days!

Not only will we be puzzling together, but I’ve also added a Puzzle Swap! Bring a puzzle (or a few!) to trade with others and take home something new to solve.

I’ve also handpicked the puzzles we’ll be working on—Galison 500-piece, collage-style puzzles that are bright, colorful, and my absolute favorite kind. They’re fun, vibrant, and perfect for a casual puzzling afternoon.

Whether you're a speed puzzler or just want to relax and connect with fellow puzzle fans, this is going to be a great time. Snacks, good company, and plenty of puzzles—what more could you want?

https://www.facebook.com/events/1282759882784548

03/16/2025

🧩 "A hobby a day keeps the doldrums away." - Phyllis McGinley

In preparation for our upcoming event, Piece by Piece: Let’s Build Our Jigsaw Puzzle Community, my latest blog post, I share how puzzling became more than just a hobby — it's a way to relax, connect with others, and even sparked some unexpected friendships. After all, used puzzles are a bit like used books — a little worn, often with a history of their own, and sometimes filled with delightful surprises. One of those surprises led me to discover just how incredible the puzzle community can be — full of kindness, creativity, and connection.

🖥️ Read the full post here: https://serialmilkbooks.com/more-than-just-a-hobby/

03/04/2025

🌟 Exciting Update: Our Website is Live! 🌟

Our Serial & Milk website is officially up and running! 🎉 While we’re still developing it, you can now check out our latest blog post, where I share my love for book clubs, how they’ve shaped my reading journey, and why they’ll be a big part of our bookstore. 📚✨

We also want your input as we build our Serial & Milk Book Clubs! Whether you love genre-specific clubs, book & film pairings, themed discussions, or learning-based meetups, your feedback will help us create something truly special.

💡 Read the blog & take the book club survey here: https://serialmilkbooks.com/why-i-love-book-clubs-and-you-should-too/
📢 https://forms.gle/5w2E6jT9W3Jcj66M8

Thank you for following along on this journey—your support means the world! Keep an eye out for more updates, behind-the-scenes content, and exciting announcements. 📖💛

Why I Love Book Clubs (And You Should Too!)By [email protected] / March 4, 2025 A big part of Serial & Milk will be the events—especially book clubs. Book clubs are fantastic for so many reasons. I am obsessed with lists, and have thus created a list of some of them for your enjoyment:A...