Look, sometimes being an adult is hard and all you want is to disappear for a couple hours (or a couple days) into a whole new world. Luckily I have a selection of video games that is EXCELLENT if you’re looking for a distraction from the horrors of real-life.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

There’s a reason everyone was obsessed with this game during lockdown. Animal Crossing: New Horizons has you move to an island that has absolutely nothing. But don’t worry, you’ll help develop it. The characters are friendly…most of them anyway (I have an annoying gym bro that I want to kick off the island but atp I feel like we’ve trauma bonded so I feel bad to get rid of him) and there’s lots of do from decorating to collecting resources and building homes and bridges.

Disney Dreamlight Valley

The first game to get me to fall down the gaming rabbit hole, this video game has you magically transported into a land full of Disney characters. However something called The Forgetting has swept across the land and the characters don’t remember who they are. This was a really healing game for me when I was going through burnout at a toxic job and it still soothes me whenever I play it. If you’re a Disney fan, this is the game for you.

FaeFarm

FaeFarm has you wash upon the shores of a magical land where you help the town with lots of different things. I loved this game because of the magical elements and the cute colours. It also has a really interesting storyline. And I loved being a fairy.

Stardew Valley

You get retrenched and move to Stardew Valley to run your late grandfather’s farm. Be warned, this is a very grindy game so if you’re trying to escape reality because of work issues- this is NOT the game for you. It can actually be kinda stressful in the beginning but once you get the hang of it, you will be obsessed!

Have you tried any of these games? What are your favourite video games to use as an escape? Let me know below!

The Stranger on the Stairs: The gripping new thriller from the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Woman on the Ledge by Ruth Mancini

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I loved The Woman on the Ledge and since I hadn’t read anything from Ruth Mancini after that, I thought “Let me just read the first few pages…”

I. WAS. HOOKED!

The Stranger on the Stairs opens with a compelling albeit unclear interaction between a man and a woman.
But as I read more, the mystery got more and more thrilling.
Bella was a kid when her mother was brutally murdered. She saw the murderer and it was her testimony that put him away. But now he is out and Bella is not so sure he actually WAS the murderer. Did she put an innocent man behind bars? Who is the real killer? Is he after her? Is she just paranoid from all the trauma?
I could not read fast enough. I finished this book in one sitting and it was an incredible journey.



View all my reviews

I am doing a rebrand for the new year. Yes it is March but I like to start my new year once the actual new year has already started (you can never tell what a new year is going to bring…a pandemic…a war…we have been THROUGH it guys).

I still have posts on Career, Blogging and Mental Health (mainly because I cannot bring myself to delete them) but this blog is going to be more focused on cozy hobbies and slow living. I’ve been using this blog as a little mental outlet for the past few months and it’s made me really happy so I’m going to keep at this journey.

The resource library WILL remain unchanged and I will still be updating it with free stuff but if this new content isn’t for you, I totally understand.

Thank you for going on this journey with me.

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!



View all my reviews

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.



View all my reviews

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.

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.

Many of us have been conditioned to equate productivity with worth, and that can make it hard to say “no” or protect our personal time. But here’s the truth: boundaries aren’t just important—they’re essential for your well-being, success, and longevity in your career. And, they don’t make you a bad employee; they make you a sustainable one.

If you’re struggling to set boundaries without feeling like you’re letting people down, you’re not alone. Let’s look at why boundaries matter and how you can set them guilt-free.

Why Boundaries Are Crucial

Boundaries are safeguards that protect your time, energy, and mental health. When you set clear boundaries, you:

1. Prevent Burnout: Constantly overextending yourself will lead to exhaustion, and eventually, burnout. Boundaries allow you to rest and recharge so you can show up at your best.
2. Enhance Productivity: Ironically, setting limits on your time can make you more productive. By avoiding constant interruptions and unnecessary tasks, you can focus on what really matters.
3. Create Work-Life Balance: Healthy boundaries allow you to leave work at work, freeing up time for personal activities, relationships, and self-care.

How to Set Boundaries Without Feeling Guilty

1. Redefine Your Idea of Success

The first step is realising that setting boundaries doesn’t mean you’re slacking off. In fact, boundaries make you more effective and help you sustain long-term success. You’re not just working hard- you’re working smart. Redefining success to include well-being alongside productivity can help alleviate the guilt. You owe it to yourself to show up as your best self, and boundaries are a major part of that.

2. Start Small and Be Consistent

You don’t have to overhaul your entire work routine overnight. Start with small, manageable boundaries like not checking emails after a certain time or taking a lunch break away from your desk. Once you’re consistent with these smaller boundaries, they’ll become easier to maintain, and you can gradually set more.

3. Communicate Your Boundaries Clearly

Clear communication is key when setting boundaries. Let your manager and team know what your working hours are, when you’ll be available, and how you prefer to handle after-hours communication. When everyone’s on the same page, it reduces misunderstandings and pushback. For example, you could say, “I’m happy to assist with any urgent requests, but I’ll be offline after 6 p.m. and will get back to you first thing in the morning.” If you haven’t done this before, it might feel a little strange to you but with time and practice, it’ll start to feel more natural.

4. Detach from Guilt by Focusing on Your Well-Being

Remind yourself that setting boundaries is an act of self-care. It’s not selfish or lazy—it’s necessary to maintain your health and quality of work. Ask yourself: Would I want a friend or colleague to sacrifice their well-being for work? Likely, your answer is no. Extend that same grace to yourself.

5. Practice Saying ‘No’ Respectfully

Saying “no” doesn’t have to be a big deal. You can frame it in a way that shows you respect the other person’s request but need to prioritise your existing commitments. For example, “I’d love to help, but I’m at capacity with my current workload. Can we revisit this next week?”

6. Focus on the Bigger Picture

When guilt strikes, think about the long-term impact of not having boundaries. Are you really doing your best work if you’re constantly overworked, tired, and resentful? Protecting your time allows you to contribute meaningfully in the long run. A well-rested, focused version of you is far more valuable than a constantly overwhelmed one.

7. Embrace the Power of Delegation

If your workload is overwhelming, consider what tasks can be delegated or shared. Letting go of the belief that you need to do everything yourself can ease some of the guilt that comes with setting boundaries. You’re not abandoning responsibility; you’re being strategic about how to manage it and that’s perfectly okay.

Remember: Boundaries Are a Strength, Not a Weakness

Boundaries aren’t about pushing work away- they’re about managing your time and energy so you can be more present in both your personal life and your career. When you set clear limits, you’re setting yourself up for sustainable success. The guilt may never fully disappear, but with time, you’ll begin to see boundaries as the key to thriving at work- not just surviving.