A midweek pause for books, vibes, real life chaos & little comforts
This week feels like that strange in-between space where everything is loud, busy, festive… and somehow also quietly reflective. Work is winding down, the Christmas calendar is bursting at the seams, and I’m clinging to small pockets of calm wherever I can find them — usually involving a book, a hot drink, and five minutes of peace.
Enter: The Cloisters.
📚 Current Book:
The Cloisters by Katy Hays
Format: Audiobook & Physical
Progress: ▓▓░░░░░░░░ 20%
Genre & Vibe: Dark academia 🕯️ | Art history 🎨 | Slow-burn mystery | Moody, atmospheric, quietly unsettling
Thoughts So Far: I’m properly intrigued by this one. I don’t fully know where the story is heading yet, but the atmosphere has completely pulled me in. The setting feels rich and layered, and I’m enjoying being gently confused while still wanting to keep listening.
Very much a “just one more chapter… okay maybe two” kind of listen.
🌙 Midweek Mood
I’m living in that deliciously curious headspace where a book hasn’t revealed all its cards yet, but you trust it enough to keep going. I like not knowing exactly what’s happening — it makes the listening experience feel immersive rather than rushed.
This is very much a slow down, lean in, absorb the vibes kind of week.
✅ This Week’s Goals
Keeping expectations realistic because… December:
- Carry on listening to The Cloisters
- Get the last of youngest’s presents wrapped (if it turns up on Friday 🤞)
- Remember to get Christmas baking out of the freezer ready for decorating
- Let myself slow down once work finishes
- Keep the festive momentum going 🎄
🎄 What’s Happening in Real Life
Keeping up with the boys’ school Christmas activities has been next-level chaos.
Carols around the Christmas tree, Christmas jumper days, Christmas dinners, random festive events popping up left and right… I’m honestly surprised I’ve remembered it all.
And somehow — somehow — I’ve also managed to move the elf every single day.
No “sorry kids, the elf is sick today” excuses have been used, which honestly feels like a personal win.
📺 What’s Stuck In My Head
I’ve been rewatching Gilmore Girls, so naturally my brain is now living permanently in Stars Hollow.
Comfort show soundtrack energy on repeat ☕🍂
It’s wild how rewatching something years later (especially since being a teen) totally changes your perspective on certain characters… and honestly? Give me Luke any day now.
🍫 This Week’s Snack & Sip
Costa hot chocolate & tiffin
One afternoon after work I had to wait around town for a while, so I treated myself. Hot chocolate, a slab of tiffin, my book, and nowhere else to be.
Absolute December bliss.
✨ Wrap It Up
This week has been loud, festive, busy… but threaded through it all are these little moments of calm that make everything feel manageable. A good book, a warm drink, a comfort show — sometimes that’s all you need to stay grounded in the chaos.
💬 Join Me
What are you reading this week? Are you leaning into festive chaos or carving out quiet pockets like me? Let’s check in together 🤍
The Reading Nook 