A midweek pause for books, vibes, real life chaos & little comforts
Welcome back to another Chapter Check-In — the little pause in the week where I check in with my book, my brain, and whatever flavour of chaos December is currently serving.
Spoiler: I’m tired. But I’m reading. So we’re winning… kind of.
📚 Current Book:
Rough (Wolf Ranch #1) by Renee Rose & Vanessa Vale
Format: Audiobook & eBook
Genre & Vibe: 🤠 Cowboy romance | 🐺 wolf shifters | 🔥 possessive energy | 🛏️ easy-listen comfort read
Thoughts So Far: Honestly? It’s good!
Not break-my-soul-in-half amazing, but definitely enjoyable.
It’s giving:
- rugged cowboy
- growly, possessive energy
- simple, easy-to-sink-into storytelling
Exactly the kind of audiobook my brain needs right now.
😴 Midweek Mood
I am. So. Tired.
Like “could nap on a trolley in Lidl” tired.
The next two weeks are going to be wild — work chaos, home chaos, plus a couple of overtime shifts just for ✨spice✨.
But the 19th?
The promised land.
Last day before a two-week break.
Christmas chaos incoming, yes…
but at least I can survive it in my PJs at home.
✅ This Week’s Goals
🎧 Keep going with Rough
🎁 Wrap ALL of eldest’s presents
🍪 Start Christmas baking (gingerbread girl winter armour: engaged)
🛍️ What’s Happening in Real Life
On Sunday, we headed to Royal Leamington Spa (O.H’s hometown!) for a wander around the Christmas market.
It was… fine.
You know the drill — the usual stalls.
BUT THEN…
I found a little stall selling Stanley-type cups, bottles, and stickers, and immediately spotted a Gilmore Girls cup.
Reader, I did not hesitate.
Naturally, I also grabbed a handful of stickers for my MacBook.
✨ Happy Kim unlocked ✨
Find the seller:
- Instagram: @carmelcottageuk
- eBay: Carmel Cottage UK
Then we wandered into a shop I cannot name — imagine Ikea, but only the fun aisles: toys, stationery, sweets, random life treasures.
They had £4 surprise bags and my self-control left the building.
Inside mine:
- a cute notebook
- planner stickers
- washi tape
- a tote bag
- a reusable bag-in-a-pouch
Honestly? A solid win.
More browsing = more treasures:
- a K-Pop Demon Hunters 2026 calendar (youngest influenced this purchase)
- Italian hazelnut crème from M&S (basically Kinder Bueno in a jar — send help)
- a mini Versace fragrance set because Bright Crystal is my fave but I refuse to spend £60 on the full size
Mini bottle supremacy 👑
📺 What’s Stuck In My Head
A few more episodes of Miraculous – Season 6 dropped on Disney+…
So obviously me and O.H binged.
And now?
More. Questions.
This show really said: plot twist?
Let’s twist everything.
🍪 This Week’s Snack & Sip
Snack:
Not technically a snack but…
I made a picky bits tea at the weekend.
British beige tapas.
I was tired. It was easy. The kids LOVED it.
10/10 would beige again.
Drink:
Switching between endless tea and Pepsi Max because…
🎄 DECEMBER 🎄
✨ Wrap It Up
This week is all about survival mode, small joys, and letting audiobooks do the heavy lifting while December runs wild.
If you’re also tired, festive, and running on caffeine and vibes — you’re in good company 🤍
💬 Join Me
How’s your week going?
Let me know in the comments, drop me a message via About & Contact, or even add me on Socials so we can chat ✨
I’d love to know what you’re currently reading or listening to.
See you next Wednesday 📖✨
Crazy to think next Wednesday is Christmas Eve!!! 🎄😱✨
The Reading Nook 