A midweek pause for books, vibes, real life chaos & little comforts
Hello October — you beautiful, cozy little month 🍁
This week feels like a gentle shift into slower evenings, warmer drinks, and that familiar urge to light every candle I own. Between work, mum-life, and endless lists, I’ve been bouncing between audiobooks and music… and honestly? I’m not mad about it.
Let’s check in 💛
📚 Current Book:
Lights Out by Navessa Allen
Format: Audiobook
Genre & Vibe: Dark romance | Spicy · Immersive · Audio-enhanced goodness
Thoughts So Far: I read the ebook a while ago and loved it, but I kept hearing people rave about the audiobook version — so I finally gave it a go. Happy me… it absolutely lives up to the hype.
The FMC narrates her chapters and the MMC does his, which instantly makes the story more engaging and emotional. Dual narration always hits harder, and this one just works.
That said… between all the list-making this week, I’ve mostly been listening to my own music playlist instead. Still loving the book, still planning to get properly stuck back in — but my headphones have been busy for other reasons 👀
Keep reading to see what’s been living rent-free in my head!
🍂 Midweek Mood
Hi October! Cozy season is officially here and it’s my absolute favourite 🍂
Give me all the candles, blankets, and warm drinks — please and thank you.
I’m very much in my soft evenings, comfort everything era right now.
✅ This Week’s Goals
- Finish those never-ending country lists for work
- Carve out more time to keep listening to Lights Out
Small goals, but realistic ones — we love achievable vibes around here ✔️
🎄 What’s Happening in Real Life
Honestly? Absolutely nothing other than the usual merry-go-round of being mum, work, and more work at home 😂
I am hoping that planning for this month’s theme dinner will happen next week though — because I need something fun on the horizon to look forward to.
🎶 What’s Stuck In My Head
Since I’ve been leaning on my playlist more than audiobooks, I’ve rediscovered just how good some of the classics are:
🎵 Teenage Dirtbag
🎵 It’s Raining Men
🎵 Sandstorm
🎵 A little Dolly Parton
🎵 Plus plenty more late 90s / early 00s gems
It’s been proper rock, a splash of metal, and of course… a healthy dose of Eurovision campness. I’m forever adding new finds too (hello K-Pop Demon Hunters soundtrack 👀), but revisiting old favourites has been so fun.
👉 Want to have a listen?
Click here for my Spotify playlist.
🥣 This Week’s Snack & Sip
Snack:
On Monday, there was loads of semolina pudding leftover at work, and I got to bring it home for me and the kids. Nothing beats the warm comfort of a hot pudding after dinner — elite cozy food 🥣
Drink:
Tea. Tea. Tea.
Always tea ☕
✨ Wrap It Up
This week wasn’t big or dramatic — just steady, cozy, and very October-coded. A bit of reading, a lot of music, and leaning into comfort wherever I can find it.
Sometimes that’s exactly what’s needed.
💬 Join Me
What’s your current read right now?
Are you audiobooking, playlist-obsessing, or fully in cozy silence mode?
Come chat with me in the comments — I love seeing what everyone else is reading and listening to 💬💛
The Reading Nook 