A midweek pause for books, vibes, real life chaos & little comforts
This week’s check-in is coming to you from the land of tissues, hot drinks, and low-energy vibes. It’s been one of thoseweeks where the body says “absolutely not” but life keeps gently (and sometimes not so gently) nudging forward. So I’m leaning into comfort reads, slow days, and small wins — and calling that enough.
📚 Current Book:
Twisted Love by Ana Huang
Format: Audiobook
Genre & Vibe: Contemporary Romance | Dark, messy, protective MMC with just enough angst to keep me hooked
Thoughts So Far: I actually read this one a couple of years ago — pre-Goodreads, pre-tracking-everything era — so I thought it would be fun to revisit the series in audiobook form. And honestly? It’s hitting differently this time. There’s something really comforting about knowing the story but still getting swept up in it again. Nostalgic and refreshing — a surprisingly good combo.
🤧 Midweek Mood
Ugh. A nasty cold knocked me flat over the weekend. It honestly feels like I just can’t catch a break with health this month. I’ve been living in layers, surrounded by tissues, sipping tea like it’s my full-time job, and pretending cough drops are a fashion accessory.
✅ This Week’s Goals
- Get better (please and thank you, universe)
- Finish Twisted Love 🎧 before heading back to work on Monday
- Rest without guilt (still working on this one…)
Fingers crossed 🤞
🏡 What’s Happening in Real Life
Even though I felt like death warmed up over the weekend, I did manage to get outside for a lovely walk down the canal with the kids. Mum and my stepdad came along too, which made it feel extra special.
It hit me that I hadn’t been down there since my eldest was a young toddler — back when my grandad was still alive. He used to take all us grandkids down the canal growing up, so it was bittersweet… but also really comforting. One of those quiet, reflective moments that sneaks up on you and stays with you.
🎄 What’s Stuck In My Head
Christmas. Yes, I said it — the C word already 🎅
I’m determined to make this year better than last year, and my brain is full of plans and ideas. Pinterest (my holy bible) has been doing a lot of heavy lifting lately.
🍫 This Week’s Snack & Sip
Snack:
I made my mum’s recipe for a fudgy chocolate pudding with ice cream for the kids and oh. my. gosh. I’d completely forgotten how good it is. Proper comfort dessert perfection.
Sip:
Since Friday it’s been a solid rotation of water, Lemsip, and tea — all in the hope of feeling human again soon.
✨ Wrap It Up
This week wasn’t loud or productive or particularly exciting — but it was real. Books, memories, slow walks, comfort food, and letting myself rest when I needed to. If nothing else, this chapter reminded me that sometimes just getting through is enough.
💬 Join Me
What are you reading right now? Are you also secretly thinking about Christmas already… or is that just me? Tell me what’s been filling your week — the good, the messy, or the quietly meaningful bits. 💛
The Reading Nook 