Life Update

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.

Fiction Friday: Book Review- WorkParty: How to Create and Cultivate the Career of Your Dreams by Jaclyn Johnson

WorkParty: How to Create & Cultivate the Career of Your Dreams by Jaclyn Johnson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I don’t know how I found this book but from the first second I started reading, I was HOOKED!

WorkParty tells the story of how Jaclyn was climbing the corporate ladder and then she wasn’t. Boom, layoff (don’t we all know it? I feel like that particular plot point was so relevant for today’s world). She was sad for a bit (so valid) and then she decided to start a business.

While this book focuses on her experience of running a business, I found it so relatable as a freelancer. It felt like talking to a friend who had been through what I had been through but she was there to tell me that it would be okay. And she knew that because she had come out the other side.

WorkParty is hilarious, entertaining and full of little nuggets of wisdom that I believed every female who is freelancing or running a business should read.



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Fiction Friday: Book Review- The Bodyguard by Katherine Center

The Bodyguard by Katherine Center

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I received a copy of this ebook on SALE and it brought me so much of joy!

After hearing nothing but praise for Katherine Center’s books, I was excited to finally see what the hype was about- and The Bodyguard did not disappoint.

The story follows Hannah Brooks, a recently dumped bodyguard who’s assigned to protect Jack, a charming actor with a stalker problem. What unfolds is a delightful mix of family, funny moments and even some romance.

I loved how perfect Hannah and Jack were together and I especially enjoyed how funny Hannah’s colleagues were.

Highly recommend if you love smart rom-coms with strong female leads and just the right amount of swoon!



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The Guy Who Chose Family Breakfast Over an International Career

Peter was one of my favorite colleagues- quiet, brilliant and never one for office drama. We didn’t talk much (fellow introverts, you get it), but one moment with me shifted my entire perspective on work and life.



In a team meeting, Peter casually mentioned he’d be unavailable the next day- his kid had a school concert.

At the time, this was shocking to me. In my previous role, you weren’t allowed to be there for your kid. It wasn’t something explicitly stated but showing up for your child was something that was reserved for emergencies only.

When Peter returned to work, he lit up talking about the concert and the breakfast he did with his kids that morning.

Eventually I found out Peter had once had a thriving international career. He gave it up to stay close to home and be present with his family. And he didn’t just seem okay with that choice- he seemed at peace. Peter was always so chill no matter what office fire we had that day.

Peter’s story has stuck with me for years. It was the first time that I realised that success doesn’t look the same to everyone. And maybe…just maybe the ultimate flex isn’t travel or the corner office. Maybe it’s just being there for your family?

Fiction Friday: Book Review- Reckless by Lauren Roberts

Reckless by Lauren Roberts

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Paedyn’s on the run. Kai’s ordered to bring her back alive. Sounds simple, right? (Spoiler: it’s not.)
With nowhere else to go, Paedyn ends up in the Scorches—a place we’ve definitely been warned about since book one. Cue: danger, tension, and enough heat to toast your TBR pile.

Here’s the thing—I have conflicted emotions.
I didn’t hate it.
I didn’t love it.
But I did love seeing how well Paedyn and Kai worked together. Their dynamic? Chef’s kiss.

And that ending?
That ending!!!

All I’m saying is read this series the way I did- binge it! There is no other way.



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Fiction Friday: Powerful by Lauren Roberts

Powerful by Lauren Roberts

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This book had no business hurting me the way it did especially after Powerless.

Powerful tells the story of Adena as she is left alone in Loot and how she manages without Paedyn.
Adena meets mysterious Mak who needs her help with an outfit. As she spends time with him the two of them start to fall in love.
I actually think I might like Adena and Mak more than Paedyn and anyone else. Which is what makes this book so heartbreaking.
This could be read as a standalone but of course that means some spoilers for Powerless.
If you’ve read Powerless and sobbed the way I do, I actually suggest you DON’T read this book. It’s a cute fun read that will eventually tear your heart out.



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How to Write an About Me Page for Your Blog

Don’t ever ask me about myself. Ever. That is the one thing I cannot talk about. Which is kinda crazy. I spend the most time with myself. I know me quite well. But writing or talking about myself? An absolute nightmare.

If you’re running a blog, you’re going to come across the task of writing your “About Me” page and let me tell you simply- it sucks. But with a few tips (and some practice), you’ll get better at it. Here are a few tips on writing your “About Me” page.

Start with an Engaging Introduction:

Begin your About Page with a captivating introduction that hooks your readers from the start. Share a personal anecdote, a compelling question or a bold statement. Capture their attention and make them eager to learn more about you.

Tell Your Story:

    Share your personal journey and the reasons behind starting your blog. Highlight the experiences or challenges that shaped your passion and expertise. Be authentic and relatable so that your readers can connect with you and your story.

    Showcase Your Expertise:

    Demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in your blog’s niche. Discuss your qualifications, certifications or relevant achievements that establish your authority. Show readers that you are a trustworthy source of information and valuable insights. If you’re blogging for fun, share more about why you chose to blog and why you’re passionate about your niche.

    Communicate Your Blog’s Purpose:

    Explain how your blog addresses the needs and interests of your target audience. Share the value they can expect to gain from your content and how it will help them in their own lives. Your value can be as simple as building a community or as complex as selling a membership course.

    Let your personality show:

    People connect with people. So don’t be afraid to be a little quirky, casual, or vulnerable if that is the type of person you are. Share a fun fact or two or what you believe in.

    Include a Picture of Yourself

    Even if you’re camera-shy, a photo goes a long way in building trust. People like to see the face behind the words. It doesn’t have to be a professional headshot- just something clear, warm and YOU.

    It’s easy to get caught up in wanting everything to be perfect. Don’t. Your About Me page can grow and evolve with your blog. Just get something real and useful up there- and update it when you need to.

    Fiction Friday- Book Review: 101 Secrets for Your Twenties by Paul Angone

    101 Secrets for Your Twenties by Paul Angone

    My rating: 5 of 5 stars


    I’m not sure how I stumbled across this book on Everand but it really made me feel like someone understood me. My only regret is I wish I found this book sooner.

    This is a quick read with 101 secrets for your 20s. I feel like during this period there is little to no support and yet it’s almost like your second puberty. You’re developing into an adult with no guidance and it’s so important that you put in the effort early to ensure you work towards creating a life that you would enjoy.

    If you’re approaching your 20s or in your 20s I definitely recommend this book. I will be moving on to 101 Questions to Ask in Your Twenties next.




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    Fiction Friday- Book Review: Sandover Beach Memories by Emma St. Clair

    Sandover Beach Memories by Emma St. Clair

    My rating: 3 of 5 stars


    Jenna returns home to Sandover Beach to wrap up loose ends after her mother’s passing. Recovering from a divorce with a cheating husband and processing her grief about her mother, Jenna’s plate is already pretty full.
    But then there’s the fact that her mother’s neighbours are the parents of her high school sweetheart and her high school nemesis, Jackson runs the local store. Jenna hates Jackson due to a high school misunderstanding. (Personally I think her judgement is a little off but okay).
    This was a good book but I feel like the characters got feelings way too soon. Nonetheless I loved this little island so I will definitely be returning to see the other characters.
    I loved the depiction of faith here and it wasn’t something I’ve seen before. Some parts had me crying. I was here for the characters tbh and the romance, while cute, was only secondary to me.
    This book has an accurate portrayal of grief and loss which I really liked seeing.



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    Fiction Friday: Book Review- Powerless by Lauren Roberts

    Powerless by Lauren Roberts

    My rating: 4 of 5 stars


    I received a copy of this book from Jonathan Ball Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

    I love love LOVED the idea of this book. But when I learnt it was going to be part of a series, I held off on reading it until now. (I am getting old and can no longer remember books in a series so I thought I was doing a good thing).

    I devoured this book over the weekend, but while I loved it, this is the first book I’ve read after Sunrise on the Reaping… and let’s just say there’s a little book hangover happening right now.

    That said, I really enjoyed the beginning of the worldbuilding- it had me hooked! I did get a bit bored with the princes, though, but the ending? OMIGOSH!!!

    Powerless tells the story of a world where people are divided by the powers they do or don’t have. The Elites possess special powers, while the Ordinaries live in poverty, struggling to get by. Paedyn is an Ordinary, but her father has trained her as a Psychic so she can blend in and live safely. However, when Paedyn saves the prince of Ilya, she’s thrown into the Purging Trials- an event designed to showcase the Elites’ powers, which Paedyn doesn’t have. To top it off, there’s a hint of something brewing between her and the prince (or princes? I’m still unsure).

    I’ve got Reckless waiting for me, but my eyes are a little tired from reading, so I can’t wait to dive into that one soon!



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