On a Personal Note - The Return of Lifestyle Blogging
Hi.
Welcome! I document my adventures in reading, writing, and drinking (mostly coffee).
Welcome! I document my adventures in reading, writing, and drinking (mostly coffee).
It’s early 2026 and there is so much excellent TV out there! Here are three of my favorites to kick off the year. All my favorites are multi-season shows, and I would recommend binging any and all seasons of each respective show. Brief synopsis below and a few book recommendations to match.
The hype is real. Heated Rivalry was so great. The story centers on two elite professional ice hockey players, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, who play for rival teams in a fictional hockey league. Shane is Canadian, careful, and calm. Illya is Russian, reckless, and rough around the edges. The series spans and jumps around from 2008 to 2017, through the ups and downs of Shane and Ilya’s story.
Watch if you like these series: Monk, Fisk, or Dexter these movies: Game Night or The Heat
Book recs based on Good Cop Bad Cop: The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz or The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
This book is a bit absurd and ridiculous and won’t be for everyone but I enjoyed these unhinged teenage sisters - what teenager isn’t a bit unhinged? - and their wayward parents (mid divorce/complicated relationship). I adored the girls - all three of them and felt tender toward both Caterine and Bud as they approached the “what’s next-ness” of midlife. Throw in a bit of romance and an attempt to take down a truly odd billionaire and you have a delightful little read!
Sweet story told through letters, our main character Sybil is complicated and flawed, and we learn her whole story from birth to death, happy and sad, throughout the course of her life. 💕
The Buccaneers Season 2 is a must watch if you love: Bridgerton on Netflix, Sisi on PBS Masterpiece, Sanditon on PBS, or Dickinson on Apple TV - all shows that add a little modern flair and camp to historical period pieces.
Press play and spend twenty peaceful and quiet minutes at night resetting the holiday decorations. Straighten the garland, fix the lights, and fluff the tree branches just right for tomorrow. The house is calm, the world outside is dark, and the glow from the twinkle lights feels like Christmas magic!
My new cozy habit: puzzles, playlists, and peppermint cocoa! It’s my kind of holiday magic. 🎄☕🧩
Adding these mod looking Galison Christmas puzzles to my official “Holiday Cozy Puzzle List.” They come in 500 and 1000 pieces, and the designs are a little more modern than your tradition green and red holiday vibes.
Perfect for lazy snow days, gifting your puzzle friends, or just creating something beautiful while you sip your favorite drinks with cozied up with your loved ones this season!
ENJOY!
Draaaaama in the ice dancing arena!! I love a sports themed novel!⛸️
Every challenge faced by our main characters, Katarina and Heath, kept me guessing. Truly two wild cards.
Read if you like: Daisy Jones and the Six or Remember the Titans
If you’re craving the same gentle, heartfelt, and deeply human vibes in your reading life, I’ve put together a list of books that echo the spirit of Call the Midwife. They’re perfect companions for your next cozy night in.
If you’re looking for the perfect booooooooks to add to your witchy season reading list (or to gift to fellow Halloween lovers), we’ve brewed up a list of charmingly spooky books to add to your TBR!
