The Surrogate by Freida McFadden

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Abby wants a baby. Her own baby. But when years of trying AND infertility treatments fails, she finally agrees to adopt.
But then that doesn’t work out either. Abby gives up but she is heartbroken.
And then her assistant offers to be her surrogate. Monica is intelligent, detail-orientated and a great help to Abby on the daily. Abby agrees. Who better to carry her child than someone who knows her in and out?
But as time goes on, Monica’s behaviour starts to change. She starts to develop a friendship with Abby’s husband and they start to have lunch together. Abby misses meetings and deadlines for important projects.
Does Abby really know Monica? Is Monica sabotaging Abby? Read this book to find out.
This was a really gripping read. I had no idea what was going on but I knew I did NOT trust Monica.



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The Tenant by Freida McFadden

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Blake is living the perfect life. He is VP of Marketing at a fancy company, has a beautiful home and a fiancee he is madly in love with.

All of that changes when his boss confronts him about selling company secrets to their rival. Blake insists he is innocent but his boss refuses to hear it. Blake is fired and after this no one wants to hire him.

Desperate to keep his home, Blake agrees to his fiancee’s suggestion of renting out a room. The only “normal” person who applies for the room is beautiful Whitney.

Blake and Whitney get along fine…at first. But when a strange smell starts to appear in the house and unusual noises in the middle of the night, it isn’t long before Blake insists that Whitney is out to get him. It sounds crazy to everyone else except him. Blake knows Whitney is a problem and he will prove it. Or will Whitney get to him first?

This book was such a surprise that I couldn’t help but giggle by the end. This was a great read that I finished in one go. Blake was an ass but I couldn’t help but feel sorry for him as his entire life fell apart.



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Do Not Disturb by Freida McFadden

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Quinn runs away from home after committing a crime. Forced to take shelter in a creepy motel, Quinn is on edge that the police are going to find her.
But there are other things that Quinn needs to worry about. The other resident in the motel is a psychic who seems to know more than she lets on. There is an odd dripping in the motel lobby and a woman sits watching at her window across the motel. She doesn’t move.

I had a very clear vision for where this book was going and so I did not see any of the plot twists coming. I was invested in Quinn’s story and couldn’t read fast enough. This is definitely one of my favourite Freida McFadden books.



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The Perfect Son by Freida McFadden

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Erika’s son Liam is…different.

He is handsome, polite and charming. But Erika doesn’t trust him. Sure she loves him. He is her son after all. But after a troubling childhood, Erika knows that something is wrong with her son.

So when two detectives show up and start questioning Liam about the disappearance of a girl he was seeing, Erika’s mind instantly jumps to the worst case scenario. After all, she knows her son.

Liam insists that he is innocent but with evidence quickly mounting against him, it’s a race to find a kickass lawyer…or the real kidnapper?

This book did an excellent job of stringing me along because I didn’t trust anyone…except the one person I really should NOT have trusted. A million stars because this was just amazing!



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One by One by Freida McFadden

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A group of six friends plan a getaway but this book makes it clear from the beginning that one of them has very sinister intentions.

Immediately it makes no sense. Sure Claire and her husband don’t get along but everyone else in the group is mostly on good terms. Who could possibly want ALL of them dead?

This book had me really spooked and as each person was ticked off my list I had no idea who the villian was (like every good Freida McFadden book).

The ending messed with my mind in the best way possible and of course after this I had to pick up another Freida McFadden book.



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So I haven’t been updating this blog for a while but you cannot blame me. I got sucked into a Nancy Drew rabbit hole and I’m not gonna lie, those original books have me in a chokehold. IDK what it is about them but I am OBSESSED!!!!

Besides working my way through those yellow classic novels, I also took on a new professional challenge…I returned to an office. But while the team and company seem great, returning to an office for the first time in 3 years has been rough on my energy levels.

Between that and making time for cozy hobbies like reading and gaming, there hasn’t really been much time for gaming but I hope that changes soon.

Whether you’re brand new to gaming or just looking for something low-key to unwind with, cozy games are the perfect way to ease in. They’re like warm cups of tea for your brain- no timers, no pressure, just good vibes and wholesome fun. If you’re not sure where to start, I’ve got you. Here are five cozy games that are super beginner-friendly and guaranteed to melt your stress away.

1. Unpacking

Platform: PC, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox
Genre: Puzzle, Zen, Narrative

It’s literally a game about unpacking moving boxes. Sounds mundane? It’s actually surprisingly emotional and peaceful. You go through a person’s life by unpacking their belongings from one home to the next, learning their story through the items they keep. This was my first game and I loved it so much. It can be finished in a single setting but it’s so fun with such a beautiful storyline.

Why it’s great for beginners:

• No fail state
• Intuitive drag-and-drop mechanics
• Short play sessions (great for winding down before bed)

Bonus: It’s got that “organize your closet and feel powerful” energy.

2. Stardew Valley

Platform: PC, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, Mobile
Genre: Farming Sim, Life Sim

Imagine quitting your job and moving to the countryside to fix up your grandfather’s farm. That’s Stardew Valley in a nutshell. You can plant crops, raise animals, mine, fish, chat with cute townsfolk- and maybe even find love. No two days are the same and you set the pace. This does require a bit of a grind and maybe some Google for some quests but it’s oddly addictive.

Why it’s great for beginners:

• Clear goals but zero pressure
• Simple mechanics that grow with you
• Encourages exploration without overwhelming you

Tip: Don’t worry if your farm looks chaotic at first- we’ve all been there.

3. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Platform: Nintendo Switch
Genre: Life Sim, Social Sim

You move to a deserted island with a bunch of cute animal neighbors and build your dream life. Catch bugs, decorate your home, plant flowers- it’s basically an adult coloring book, but interactive and adorable. It’s also incredibly soothing after a long day of work.

Why it’s great for beginners:

• Friendly characters that make the world feel safe and sweet
• No time limits or rules
• Encourages creativity and routine

4. Cozy Grove

Platform: PC, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, Mobile
Genre: Life Sim, Story-Rich

You’re a Spirit Scout helping ghostly bears find peace on a haunted-but-friendly island. It’s like Animal Crossing meets a ghost story

Why it’s great for beginners:

• Daily tasks are gentle and manageable
• Gorgeous, hand-drawn art style
• Encourages a little play every day (no risk of burnout or getting overwhelmed with tasks)

5. Disney Dreamlight Valley

Platform: PC, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox
Genre: Life Sim, Adventure

You move into a magical village where Disney and Pixar characters live, and help restore the town to its former glory. Expect gardening, cooking, and lots of quality time with Mickey.

Why it’s great for beginners:

• Combines quests with customisation and story
• Kid-friendly, but surprisingly deep (I credit this game with fixing my 2023 burnout)
• Familiar characters = instant comfort

Gaming doesn’t have to mean loud explosions or lightning-fast reflexes. Cozy games are about slowing down, savoring the moment, and doing things just for the joy of it. They’re perfect for beginners, and honestly? With everything going on in the world right now, we should all escape to a cozy little virtual world. Are you a cozy gamer? Drop your recs below (please and thank you!)

As I draw closer to 30, I’ve been reflecting on the relationships in my life- the ones that have lasted, the ones that have faded, and the ones that, if I’m being honest, I held onto for far too long. And one thing has become clear: you cannot build healthy friendships with people who refuse to heal.  

We all go through difficult seasons. We all have struggles. But there’s a difference between working through them and making them everyone else’s problem. Some people expect friendships to carry them through life without ever showing up for others in return. They crave community but don’t want to be part of one. They want support, but when it’s time to give it, they disappear- or worse, they project their pain onto the very people trying to stand by them.  

I’ve seen how exhausting these friendships can be. The constant defensiveness, the inability to take accountability, the emotional weight of managing someone else’s unresolved issues. And the saddest part? Many of these people don’t even realise they’re pushing others away.  

True friendship isn’t about perfection-it’s about growth. The best friendships come from people who are self-aware enough to work on themselves, who take responsibility for their actions and who don’t expect others to fix what they refuse to address.  

At this stage in life, I want reciprocal, uplifting friendships built on mutual respect. I want people who show up- not just when they need something, but because they value the connection. You can have empathy for unhealed people but you don’t have to let them drain you. Some people need space to heal and sometimes, that means loving them from a distance.  

If a friendship is built on imbalance, resentment or constant emotional labor, it’s okay to walk away. Because at the end of the day, the healthiest relationships don’t just take-they give. And those are the ones worth holding onto.  

Building a daily routine that prioritises more than just work is essential for your overall well-being. It’s about making time for your personal growth, relationships, and relaxation- things that make life meaningful outside of your career.

So how do you create a balanced routine that leaves room for work and everything else? Here’s how to start:

1. Define Your Priorities

The first step is understanding what matters most to you beyond work. Is it your health, relationships, hobbies, or personal growth? Once you’ve identified these priorities, you can start making intentional choices about where your time and energy go each day.

For example, if spending time with family is a priority, you might set aside a specific time in your day to be fully present with them- no phones, no work talk. Or if health is high on your list, you can carve out time for exercise every morning.

2. Start with Small, Non-Negotiable Rituals

A balanced routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by introducing small, non-negotiable habits that support your priorities. These can be as simple as:

• Morning stretches or a 10-minute workout to prioritise physical health
• Journaling for your mental well-being
• Evening walks with a loved one to nurture your relationships
• Reading for 20 minutes to engage your mind beyond work tasks

By committing to even one small ritual that aligns with your priorities, you’ll begin to feel more balance in your day.

3. Block Time for Work, Rest, and Play

We tend to block off time for work but often neglect rest and play. A balanced routine ensures that you’re making time for all three. Here’s how:

• Work: Establish clear working hours that align with your energy peaks. If possible, schedule your most challenging tasks during your most productive hours.

• Rest: Make rest part of your routine. This could mean taking regular breaks throughout your workday, getting fresh air during lunch, or simply unplugging from technology for a while.

• Play: Yes, you need to schedule fun! Whether it’s watching your favorite show, working on a hobby, or spending time with friends, make room for activities that bring you joy.

4. Set Boundaries for a Healthier Work-Life Balance

To create a routine that’s truly balanced, you’ll need to set clear boundaries around your work time. This could mean:

• No work after a specific time (e.g., 6 p.m.) so you have space for personal time
• Blocking off weekends or evenings for rest and hobbies
• Turning off notifications during non-work hours to avoid distractions

The key is to protect your personal time as fiercely as you protect your work commitments. This allows you to recharge and show up fully for both work and life.

5. Prioritise Sleep and Self-Care

Sleep is often the first thing to go when we’re busy, but it’s crucial for maintaining balance. Make sure you’re getting enough rest each night by establishing a consistent bedtime routine. This could include winding down with a book, practising mindfulness, or dimming the lights to signal to your body that it’s time for rest.

In addition to sleep, self-care practices like eating nourishing meals, staying hydrated, and engaging in activities that relax you are essential for a well-rounded routine. Remember, self-care isn’t a luxury- it’s a necessity.

6. Be Flexible and Adjust as Needed

Life happens, and not every day will go according to plan. That’s okay. The beauty of a balanced routine is that it’s flexible. If you have a particularly busy day at work, don’t beat yourself up if you can’t fit in everything. Adjust and return to your routine the next day.

As long as you’re making an effort to prioritise more than just work most of the time, you’ll find that balance comes naturally.

7. Reflect and Refine Your Routine Regularly

Take time to reflect on your routine every few weeks. Ask yourself:

• Am I feeling balanced?
• What’s working well?
• Where do I need to make adjustments?

By regularly checking in with yourself, you can refine your routine to ensure it’s meeting your needs- not just for work, but for life outside of it too.