A midweek pause for books, vibes, real life chaos & little comforts
This week’s check-in is a softer one. The kind where reading slows, feelings sit heavier, and you give yourself permission to breathe instead of push. Not every week is about momentum — some are about remembrance, comfort, and showing up anyway.
📚 Current Book:
The Wolf King by Lauren Palphreyman
Format: Physical & Audiobook
Progress: ░░░░░░░░░░ 0%
Genre & Vibe: Fantasy romance • dark undertones • slow-burn energy • big, immersive world
Thoughts So Far: I only started this on Monday, so I’m very much in the getting settled phase. It’s a chunky book — the kind you know will take time — so I’m not rushing it. I’m letting the story unfold at its own pace, one chapter at a time.
💔 Midweek Mood
Sad. Reflective. Heavy-hearted.
Monday marked the 14th anniversary of my dad’s death, and grief has a way of resurfacing when you least expect it. I held it together at work for most of the day… until the radio in the kitchen started playing my mum and dad’s wedding song from 1988. That was it. My mum burst into tears, and I followed.
Then my grandma sent photos of my dad — and once again, I lost it.
Grief doesn’t disappear with time. It changes shape, but it always walks alongside you. Some days you carry it quietly. Other days it stops you in your tracks.
✅ This Week’s Goals
- 💘 Start planning February blog posts — the month of romance is calling, and I have so many ideas
- ✂️ Collect the Cricut machine from my sister and get it prepped for my annual work project
- 📖 Make space to read… and just breathe
🏡 What’s Happening in Real Life
On Sunday (11th), we visited my nan and took her some flowers. As my dad’s mum, this time of year hits her especially hard.
We ended up watching old home videos — which absolutely blew the boys’ minds. Early-to-mid ’90s fashion, hair, and technology? Apparently shocking 😂
The real reason for the visit, though, was something very special. My uncle gave my eldest one of my dad’s cameras, hoping that maybe the first grandchild might enjoy taking up his grandad’s hobby. He’s so excited to try it — and honestly, my heart nearly burst.
I also finally received this year’s scrapbook for work’s Country of the Month, ready to be made pretty.
📺 What’s Stuck In My Head
2 Broke Girls — because Netflix has finally added it and I lost my mind.
Max is everything I love: sarcastic, witty, unapologetic, zero-bothered energy… plus a love of baking. Honestly? I see myself.
🥜 This Week’s Snack & Sip
Snack: Hot Nuts
If you’re a Brit, you know. Those warm, crunchy, spicy peanuts from pubs and caravan park bars — pure nostalgia.
If you’re not: hot nuts are a popular bar snack made from peanuts (or other nuts) coated in a crunchy, seasoned shell with chilli, lime, and sometimes sweet or smoky flavours, served warm from dispensers.
I’m obviously not hitting the bars — but I’ve found a cheat:
👉 Sensations Thai Sweet Chilli Coated Peanuts
Pop them in a microwave-safe bowl, give them a quick ping until warm… and suddenly I’m back in a caravan club on holiday.
Drink: Tea.
Comforting. Reliable. Doing a lot of emotional heavy lifting this week.
💬 Final Thoughts
This week wasn’t loud or productive — it was quiet, emotional, and human. And that’s okay.
If you’ve ever had a day where grief sneaks up on you out of nowhere, I see you. If you’ve found comfort in the smallest rituals — a book, a snack, a cup of tea — you’re not alone.
💛 Come Chat
Come chat with me in the comments.
What’s your comfort snack this week? Or what show are you rewatching for pure vibes?
The Reading Nook 