Let’s talk about something we all do: doomscrolling.

Ever since smartphones became part of our everyday lives, so much has changed. On the one hand, smartphones are incredible tools. You can start a business, connect with people from all over the world, learn new things, and find endless inspiration. There are so many opportunities right at your fingertips.

But there’s also a downside. Our phones have become incredibly addictive, and somewhere along the way, we started spending hours and hours mindlessly scrolling through social media. Think about how often you pick up your phone without even thinking about it.

You have to wait for something? You open TikTok. You’re bored? You open Instagram. You’re watching a movie? Suddenly, you’re scrolling again. You’re lying in bed before going to sleep? Of course, you need to check your phone one more time. And before you even realize it, an hour has passed.

Now, let’s talk about time for a moment. Let’s say you spend an average of four hours a day on your phone. That might not sound like an awful lot when you look at it on a daily basis. But when you add it all up, it becomes a completely different story. Four hours a day equals 28 hours a week. That’s 112 hours a month, or approximately 61 days a year. That’s two whole months spent looking at a screen!

Imagine what you could do with those 61 days instead. You could read dozens of books, learn a new skill, work on your dream career, travel, develop new hobbies, or simply spend more time enjoying your life.

And it’s not just about the time you’re losing. There are several other reasons why reducing your screen time and stopping doomscrolling can make such a difference.

3 Reasons Why You Should Stop Doomscrolling

1. It’s Affecting Your Mental Health

Let’s be honest: spending hours on social media isn’t always great for our mental health.

Think about all the information you’re consuming every single day. You’re constantly seeing other people’s lives, comparing yourself to them, and being exposed to an endless stream of news, opinions, and negativity.

First, there’s the comparison trap. You scroll through Instagram or TikTok and see people with beautiful homes, amazing careers, perfect relationships, expensive holidays, and seemingly perfect lives. And suddenly, you start questioning your own life. Why don’t I have that? Why am I not there yet?  Why does everyone else seem to be doing so much better?Before you know it, you’re comparing your everyday reality to carefully selected highlights of someone else’s life. And that’s not exactly great for your confidence or self-image.

Then there’s the constant flow of information. We’re consuming so much content that our brains barely get a moment to process anything. There’s always another video, another opinion, another story, and another thing we supposedly need to know about. It can become overwhelming.

And let’s not forget the negativity. Social media can expose you to upsetting news, arguments, alarming stories, and negative opinions all day long. Even when you’re not actively looking for it, it can find its way onto your screen. No wonder you sometimes feel anxious, overwhelmed, or mentally exhausted after spending hours scrolling.

2. It’s Making It Harder to Focus

Have you ever tried sitting down to read a book for an hour without checking your phone? Or watching an entire movie without opening TikTok halfway through? What about working on one single task without feeling the urge to check something else? It’s surprisingly difficult, isn’t it?

One reason is that we’re constantly training ourselves to switch between different pieces of content. Short-form videos, in particular, give us a constant stream of new information and entertainment. There’s always something new to watch, and if a video doesn’t interest us within a few seconds, we simply scroll to the next one. Over time, this habit can make slower activities feel less stimulating.

Reading a book, watching a movie, studying, or working on something that requires concentration can suddenly feel like a lot of effort. You’re used to getting instant entertainment, so anything that requires a little more patience might feel boring.

Because not everything in life needs to be fast, entertaining, or stimulating every single second.

3. You’re Consuming Content, But You’re Not Living Your Life

And this is probably the biggest reason why I think we should all reconsider how much time we spend scrolling. Think about it. You’re spending hours watching other people live their lives. You’re watching their daily vlogs, their holidays, their shopping trips, their relationships, their hobbies, and all the fun things they’re doing.

You see people going to concerts, discovering new places, building businesses, decorating their homes, and enjoying their weekends. And what are you doing?  You’re sitting on your couch, watching it all happen through your phone.You’re consuming content about people reading books instead of reading one yourself. You’re watching fitness videos instead of moving your own body. You’re watching travel vlogs instead of planning your next little adventure. You’re constantly looking at other people’s lives while forgetting that you have a life of your own.

And honestly, I think that’s a little sad. Because your life is happening right now. You could be making memories, discovering new hobbies, working towards your dreams, and doing all those things you’ve been saving on TikTok for later. But instead, you’re watching someone else do them.

At some point, you have to put your phone down and start participating in your own life.

Stop Scrolling and Start Living

So, here’s my little challenge for you: start reducing your screen time.

I’m not telling you to delete every social media app, throw your smartphone away, or disappear from the internet. I love social media, and I actually enjoy creating content myself. There are so many positive things about these platforms. But I do think we need to become more intentional about how we use them.

Instead of automatically opening TikTok whenever you have a spare moment, try doing something else. Read a book. Go for a walk. Start exercising. Learn a new language. Work on your goals. Call a friend. Pick up a new hobby. Watch a movie without checking your phone every five minutes. And sometimes, just let yourself be bored. You don’t have to fill every single spare moment with entertainment. You don’t need to consume something every time you have nothing to do. Give yourself some time to think, daydream, and enjoy the little moments.

I also want you to think about those 61 days. Imagine getting some of that time back and using it for things that genuinely make you happy. Imagine how much progress you could make if you spent even one extra hour a day working on something important to you. You don’t have to change everything overnight. Start with putting your phone away for an hour, reducing your daily screen time, or having a few phone-free moments throughout the day. Small changes can make a big difference.

Because your life is happening right here, right now. It’s happening in the real world, not on your screen.

Stop watching other people live their lives. Put your phone down and start living yours.

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Today is November 11th, which means it’s Singles’ Day!

While it’s become a pretty big shopping event, I think it’s also a nice opportunity to celebrate something else: being single and enjoying your own company. Let’s be honest, sometimes we make things more complicated than they need to be. We want to go somewhere, try something new, visit a restaurant, or see a movie, but then we realize we don’t have anyone to go with. So we postpone it or simply don’t do it.

But why? You don’t always need someone else to make plans with. You can go on little adventures by yourself, discover new places, try new hobbies, and have a lovely time without anyone else.

In fact, learning to enjoy your own company is one of the nicest things you can do for yourself. You get to decide what you want to do, when you want to do it, and how you want to spend your time.

So, whether you’re single or simply looking for some activities to enjoy on your own, I’ve put together a list of 30  things to do by yourself and actually enjoy it.

30 Things to Do by Yourself

1. Go on a solo coffee or tea date: Find a cute café, order your favorite drink, bring a book, and enjoy a little time to yourself.
2. Go to the cinema: Why wait for someone else to watch that new movie? Buy yourself a ticket, get some popcorn, and enjoy the movie.
3. Visit a bookstore: Spend an afternoon browsing the shelves, discovering new books, and maybe treating yourself to something you’ve wanted to read.
4. Take yourself out for dinner: Find a restaurant you’ve always wanted to try and enjoy a lovely dinner. No need to wait for someone to join you.
5. Go shopping: Spend an afternoon browsing your favorite shops, looking for new clothes, home decor, or little things that make you happy. And you can make all of the decisions like which stores you want to visit and when you want to go home. You don’t have to think about someone else.
6.Visit a museum or art gallery: Explore something new, admire the artwork, and take as much time as you want.
7. Have a cozy movie night at home: Pick your favorite movie, make some snacks, get comfortable in your pajamas, and enjoy a relaxing evening.
8. Go on a little day trip: Visit a nearby city or explore somewhere you’ve never been before. You might discover a new favorite place.
9. Have a solo picnic: Pack your favorite snacks, bring a blanket, and find a beautiful spot outside. And if it is too cold, just plant yourself on the couch with your favorite snacks and read a book at home.
10. Try a new restaurant: Instead of always going to the same places, find somewhere new and treat yourself to a nice lunch.
11. Go for a long walk: Put on your favorite playlist or podcast and explore your surroundings. Sometimes a little fresh air is all you need.
12. Visit a local market: Browse the stalls, discover unique items, buy some flowers, or treat yourself to something delicious.
13. Take yourself on a shopping date at a thrift store: You never know what treasures you’ll find. Make an afternoon out of it and see what you can discover. And you don’t have to wait for someone else, or hurry if the other people wants to leave.
14. Book a spa treatment: Treat yourself to a massage, facial, or another relaxing treatment. You deserve a little pampering, too.
15. Take a cooking or baking afternoon: Find a new recipe, put on some music, and make something delicious. Maybe you’ll discover a new favorite.
16. Go to a concert: Have an artist you’ve always wanted to see live? Buy that ticket! You don’t have to share the same music taste with someone else to enjoy a concert. You can also meet people at the concert.
17. Start a new hobby: Try painting, crocheting, coloring, photography, or anything else you’ve always wanted to learn.
18. Go for a bike ride: Explore a new route, visit a nearby village, or simply enjoy being outside.
19. Have a little self-care day: Take a long shower, do your skincare, put on a face mask, and spend some time taking care of yourself.
20. Visit a library: Spend some time browsing books, find a cozy reading spot, and enjoy a little quiet time.
21. Go to a flea market: Spend your morning looking for vintage treasures, old books, CDs, and other interesting finds.
22. Take yourself out for breakfast or brunch: Start your day with a delicious breakfast somewhere nice. Bring a book or simply enjoy watching the world go by.
23. Have a solo adventure in nature: Visit a forest, beach, park, or nature reserve. Take some photos and enjoy being surrounded by nature.
24. Go bowling: You can absolutely enjoy bowling by yourself! Challenge yourself to beat your previous score.
25.Have a creative afternoon: Make a scrapbook, create a vision board, write in your journal, or work on a personal project.
26. Book a hotel for a little getaway: Sometimes a change of scenery is exactly what you need. Book a night somewhere nice, order room service, and enjoy a little getaway.
27. Visit a botanical garden. Take your time exploring the beautiful plants and flowers. It’s a lovely way to spend a peaceful afternoon.
28.Go to a Christmas market or seasonal event: Enjoy the decorations, browse the stalls, get something warm to drink, and soak up the atmosphere.
29. Take yourself on a little shopping-free adventure: Explore a new neighborhood, visit interesting streets, take photos, and see where the day takes you. You don’t even have to spend any money.
30. Have a date with yourself at home: Order your favorite food, light some candles, put on a cozy outfit, and spend the evening doing exactly what you want.

A Little Reminder: You Don’t Have to Wait for Anyone

I think one of the nicest things you can learn is how to enjoy your own company.

You don’t have to wait until you have a partner, a group of friends available, or someone who shares all your interests to start enjoying life. There are so many things you can experience on your own. And who knows? You might discover that you actually love going to the cinema alone, taking yourself out for lunch, or spending an entire Saturday exploring a new city.

Being single doesn’t mean you have to put your life on hold. You can have fun, make memories, try new things, and create a life you genuinely love. So, this Singles’ Day, why not take yourself on a little date?

Buy yourself some flowers, visit that café you’ve been wanting to try, or finally do something you’ve been postponing because you didn’t have anyone to go with. You are allowed to enjoy your life right now. Not someday, not when you meet someone, but today.

Happy Singles’ Day! ♡

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I’m done waiting for the perfect moment. It’s time to start creating a life I actually love.

It’s almost the end of the year, and lately, I’ve found myself reflecting on the past ten/eleven months. What have I actually done this year? Where am I in life right now? And, perhaps more importantly, am I happy with the life I’m living?

Well, the answer is not entirely.

There are definitely aspects of my life that I enjoy, but when I look at the bigger picture, I realise that I’m not where I want to be. And I don’t mean that in a dramatic way. It’s just that I know there’s so much more I want out of life, and I’m not doing enough to make that happen.

I could keep going down the same path. I could stay in a job I don’t particularly enjoy, keep doing the same things every day, and just see where life takes me. Maybe things will eventually change. Maybe something will happen.

But what if it doesn’t?

At some point, you have to stop waiting for your circumstances to change and start making different decisions yourself.

And that’s exactly what I’m doing.

I’m changing my life. Not next year, not next month, and definitely not when the timing is perfect. I’m starting right now.

Realising I Want More Out of Life

One thing I’ve been thinking about a lot is how much our surroundings influence the way we live.

For a long time, I think I just followed a certain path because that’s what the people around me were doing. You see people living a particular kind of life, and without really questioning it, you start doing similar things. You get into routines, accept certain circumstances, and eventually, it all becomes your normal.

But recently, I’ve started questioning whether that’s actually what I want.

And the truth is, I want more.

I want to build a career doing something I genuinely love. I want financial freedom, my own home, a healthy lifestyle, great relationships, and the freedom to spend my time doing things that make me happy. I want to create a life that feels exciting, not one where I’m just going through the motions.

And I don’t think there’s anything wrong with wanting more. You don’t have to settle for a life that doesn’t make you happy just because it’s familiar or because everyone around you is doing the same thing.

I think I’ve reached a point where I want to start making decisions based on what I actually want, rather than what I’ve become accustomed to.

Starting Small: Three Habits I’m Changing First

Of course, deciding to change your entire life sounds great, but trying to improve every single area at once can quickly become overwhelming.

I know myself. If I make a huge list of things I want to change, I’ll probably get excited for a few days and then struggle to keep up with everything.

So instead, I’ve decided to start with three simple habits.

1. No more doom scrolling.

I spend way too much time on my phone. There are weekends when I can spend hours scrolling through TikTok and other social media platforms without even realising how much time has passed.

And for what?

I want to spend that time creating things, reading books, working on my goals, discovering new hobbies, or simply enjoying my life. I don’t want to spend all my free time watching other people live theirs.

I’m not giving up social media because I actually enjoy creating content. But I want to be more intentional about how I use it. Less consuming, more creating.

2. Eating healthier.

My eating habits haven’t been the best lately. I’ve been eating too much junk food and reaching for candy and snacks more often than I’d like.

I want to change that by incorporating more fruit, vegetables, and nutritious meals into my daily routine. I’m not interested in following a strict diet or giving up all my favourite treats. I just want to find a healthier balance and give my body what it needs.

3. Moving my body more.

Another thing I want to change is how little I move during the day. Sometimes I spend far too much time sitting on the couch or lying in bed.

I want to start walking more, exercising regularly, and building a stronger, healthier body. I also want to become more flexible.

Nothing extreme. Just making movement a normal part of my everyday life instead of something I keep postponing.

These three habits might sound simple, but I think they will make a huge difference in how I feel, both physically and mentally.

Taking the First Steps Towards My Dream Career

There’s another big thing I want to work on, and that’s my career.

I’ve always loved creating content. I’ve been doing it since the days when blogging was popular, and over the years, I’ve explored different platforms and ways of creating.

Right now, I’m active on several social media platforms, but YouTube and TikTok are where I spend most of my creative energy.

And honestly, I love it.

I love sharing my thoughts, giving advice, talking about things I’m passionate about, and hopefully inspiring other people along the way. I want to use my platforms to spread positive energy and create content that people actually enjoy watching or reading.

So why not turn something I genuinely love doing into my dream career?

That’s the goal.

But I also realise that it’s not going to happen just because I keep thinking about it or watching other content creators. I actually have to do the work.

I can’t spend hours doom scrolling, watching other people’s content, and then wonder why I’m not making progress with my own.

So, from now on, I’m making content creation part of my everyday routine. I want to show up for myself, create consistently, experiment with different ideas, and take my platforms seriously.

I don’t know exactly where this journey will take me, but I do know that nothing is going to change if I don’t start taking action.

And I’d rather try and see where it takes me than look back in a few years and wonder what could have happened.

I’m Not Waiting for January 1st

I think one of the biggest mistakes we make is waiting for a new year, a new month, or even a Monday to start changing things.

We tell ourselves that we’ll start eating healthier in January, finally work on that project next month, or develop better habits when life gets a little less busy.

But why wait?

There’s no magical difference between December 31st and January 1st. You can decide to change something about your life on a random Tuesday afternoon if you want to.

And that’s the mindset I’m taking with me.

I’m not expecting everything to change overnight. I know there will be days when I don’t feel motivated, when I fall back into old habits, or when things don’t go according to plan. That’s part of the process.

But I want to keep showing up for myself. I want to become someone who actually follows through on the things she says she wants.

I’m also going to document this journey here. Not because I have everything figured out, but because I don’t. I’m starting from where I am right now, making changes, figuring things out, and hopefully inspiring one or two people along the way.

Because here’s something I’ve realised:

If you want your life to change, you have to start making different choices.

Think about the life you actually want. What does your everyday life look like? What kind of work do you do? How do you spend your free time? What habits do you have? What makes you happy?

Write it down. Make a plan. And then start taking action.

You don’t need to have everything figured out. You don’t need the perfect circumstances. You just need to take the first step.

I’m taking mine now.

Welcome to the first chapter of building my dream life.

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Title: The Witch
Author: Freida McFadden
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Genre: Thriller, mystery
Pages: 352
My Rating:

Buy this book on Amazon

The Witch

Julia Barlow has just lost her job and has nowhere to go, except for Pemberton, her family’s estate in Massachusetts, which belongs to her grandmother. She’s never been particulary fond of the place because she believes it might be haunted. When she was a child, she often heard strange noises throughout the house, leaving her convinced that something wasn’t quite right.

However, her grandmother isn’t doing well, so Julia decides to move in for a while. As she settles into life at Pemberton, she begins to uncovering more and more secrets about the estate, her family, and Caroline, the woman who once lived there. Three hundred years ago, Caroline was executed for witchcraft, and the more Julia learns about her story, the more questions she has.

But the mysteries surrounding Pemberton don’t end there. Julia soon discovers that not everyone is telling the truth, and there’s much more to her family’s history than she ever imagined.

Review

It is almost Halloween, and the days are getting colder and darker, which means it is the perfect time to pick up some spooky books and thrillers. And this was definitely one of them.

I love Freida McFadden’s books. They are so easy to read, the chapters are nice and short, and once you start reading it is very hard to put the book down. I discovered Freida about a year or two ago when I read her popular The Housemaid series, and I absolutely loved those books. I’ve also read another one of her novels, although that one wasn’t my favorite. But I think I liked the Witch.

This book definitely has a different vibe from The Housemaid. I would say it is much creepier, with haunted houses and hints of paranormal activity. But don’t worry if you are not a big horror fan. I wouldn’t say it gets particularly scary, and some things might not be quite what they seem. I am not the biggest fan of horror myself, and this book didn’t really scare me. Still, it had just enough spooky elements to make it perfect for the Halloween season, and I couldn’t stop reading it.

One thing I really loved was how the story follows both Julia in the present day and Caroline in the 17th century. While Julia uncovers more secrets about her family and Pemberton, we also get to follow Caroline’s story and discover what reeally happened to her. Why was she sentenced to death? Was she actually a witch? I have to admit that Caroline’s storyline was definitely the most interesting part of the book for me. I loved learning more about her past and seeing how her story connected to the mysteries Julia was uncovering.

As for the plot twists, I think I saw most of them coming. However, that didn’t really bother me, and I still enjoyed the reveals. Maybe I am a witch myself, or maybe the twists were simply a little predictable. Either way, I wasn’t as shocked by them as I was by the twists in The Housemaid. Those definitely caught me off guard more.

Overall, I thought this was a good book and a great choice for the spooky season. It has a different vibe from Freida McFadden’s other books, with a creepy atmosphere, family secrets, and a touch of the paranormal. Even though, I guess some of the twists, it was still an entertaining, and very bingeable read. If you are looking for a spooky thriller to curl up with this Halloween, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a try.

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Ever since I got my first smartphone, I’ve spend a lot of time scrolling on my phone. Lately, though, I’ve been trying to break that habit and drastically reduce my screen time. Why? Because I want to spend my time in a better way. I want to focus on the things that genuinely matter to me and work towards the goals I want to achieve.

But when you start cutting back on doomscrolling, you quickly realize just how much time you’ve actually been spending on your phone. Suddenly, you have all this extra free time, and you might find yourself wondering what to do with it. After all, you don’t want to replace doomscrolling with boredome.

Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. I’ve put together a list of 50 things you can do instead of doomscrolling to help you spend your free time doing things you enjoy, discover new hobbies, and maybe even work towards some of your personal goals. Who knows? You might even find a new favorite activity.

50 Things You Can Do Instead Of Doomscrolling

1. Start learning a new language. Maybe try Spanish, Italian, or Korean.
2. Learn basic sign language. It is a useful skill to have.
3. Watch a documentary. Choose a true crime documentary, or explore something completely different.
4. Write a poem. It doesn’t matter what it’s about. Just let your creativity flow.
5. Write a story. Have you always wanted to write a book or a short story. This is the perfect time to start.
6. Play a board game. Get out Monopoly or another favorite board game and have some fun.
7. Read a book. Find something you enjoy and get lost in a good story for a few hours.
8. Learn a new recipe. You might discover a new favorite dish.
9. Make a scrapbook. Collect your favorite memories in one place. Add photos, concert tickets, and other little keepsakes.
10. Start journaling. Write down your thoughts and feelings. It can be especially helpful when you are going through a difficult time.
11. Paint something. No pressure, and no need to be perfect. Just enjoy the process.
12. Make a vision board. Put your dreams and goals on a board where you can see them every day.
13. Make friendship bracelets. Create a few bracelets and give them to your best friends.
14. Rearrange your bedroom. Sometimes, changing your surroundings is all you need to give your space a fresh vibe.
15. Write a letter to your future self. Reflect on your life right now and see how much you’ve grown when you read it in the future.
16. Solve a murder mystery. There are so many great murder mystery and puzzle books to choose from these days.
17. Make a new playlist. Create playlists for every mood, season, or situation.
18. Decorate for the season. Add a few seasonal decorations to give your home a different vibe.
19. Start a gratitude journal. Write down a few things you are grateful for each day. Practicing gratitude can help you appreciate the little things in life.
20. Create a bucket list. Write down all the things you want to experience, try, or achieve in your life.
21. Do something from your bucket list. Pick one thing you’ve always wanted to do and make it happen.
22. Make a wishlist. Add all the things you’d love to have, from books to cozy home decor.
23. Start a blog. Create your own little corner on the internet and write about the things you are passionate about.
24. Start a YouTube channel. Film your everyday life, share advice, or create videos about something you love.
25. Start a TikTok or Instagram account. Make short-form content just for fun and see where your creativity takes you.
26.  Go book shopping. Browse a bookstore or secondhand bookshop and look for your next great read.
27.  Go thrift shopping. You never know what treasures you will find, and that’s part of the fun.
28. Plan your next trip. Explore a new city or even a different country. You don’t have to book anything yet; just enjoy planning.
29. Color something. There are so many cute coloring books these days. Find one you love and spend some time coloring.
30. Make a cozy drink. Prepare some hot chocolate, tea, or your favorite drink and enjoy it without distractions.
31.  Go for a slow walk. Get some fresh air, enjoy your surroundings, and maybe even say hello to the neighborhood cats.
32.  Do a workout. Get moving, break a sweat, and work on building your strenght.
33.  Stretch for a few minutes. Especially if you’ve been sitting for a long time, your body will thank you.
34.  Water your plants. Your little green friends need some attention too.
35.  Clean your house or bedroom. Give your space a deep clean. There is something so satisfying about relaxing in a clean room.
36.  Sit down and daydream. Let your mind wander and imagine the life you want to create.
37.  Play a video game. Play with friends or enjoy some solo gaming time.
38.  Watch a movie. Pick something new or rewatch an old favorite and enjoy the experience.
39. Start watching a new TV show. Find a series that sounds interesting and watch the first episode.
40. Talk to a friend. Call your best friend, catch up, or make plans to meet in person.
41. Organize your bookshelf. Arrange your books by color, alphabetically, or by genre.
42. Listen to an entire album without doing anything else. Put on your favorite album, put your phone away, and enjoy the music.
43. Do a jigsaw puzzle. Challenge yourself to compete a 1000-piece puzzle. How quickly can you finish it?
44.  Play chess. Challenge a friend to a game or learn how to play if you are a beginner.
45.  Solve a crossword or Sudoku puzzle. Give your brain a little workout while taking a break from screens.
46.  Play cards with someone. Add some snacks and drinks, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a fun afternoon.
47.  Learn a dance just for fun. Find a TikTok dance or a dance tutorial on YouTube and enjoy yourself. No need to get every move right.
48.  Bake something delicious. Try a new cookie recipe, make a cake, or bake your favorite comfort food.
49. Visit your local library. Browse the shelves, discover new books, and enjoy some quiet time.
50. Do absolutely nothing. Lie on the couch, look out the window, or simply enjoy a moment of peace without feeling the need to be productive.

Photo by Vlada Karpovich

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Title: Love of Your Life
Actors: Margaret Qually, Gabriel Basso
Director: Rachel Morrison
Writer: Julia Cox
Genre: Drama
Length: 1 hour and 49 minutes
My Rating:

Watch this movie on Prime Video

Love of Your Life

Maya is a nurse and one day she meets Charlie. Slowly they fall in love, move in together and get married. Charlie is the love of Maya’s life. Then suddenly everything changes because COVID-19 pandemic is happening. Maya is a nurse so she is working long days, and they also have to be careful because Charlie has asthma. But unfortunately Charlie passes away. And even before the funeral, Maya runs away from her life and goes to Portugal. And now she is figuring out how to deal with the grief and how to move forward.

Review

I think I came across the trailler or a snippet of this movie somewhere on social media, and it looked pretty cute, beautiful, and heartbreaking all at once. Naturally, I had high expectations going into it.

Let’s start with the beginning. The first half hour is all about Maya and Charlie meeting, falling in love, getting married, and building a life together. I loved this part! Their relationship wasn’t perfect, but it was clear that they genuinely loved each other. It was sweet to watch their love story unfold, and I found myself getting invested in their relationship.

Then Charlie gets COVID, and everything changes. Because he has asthma, the situation is especially worrying, and unfortunately, he doesn’t survive. The next thing we see is Maya in Portugal. At first, I thought she was simply taking a break from life and going on the trip she and Charlie had planned together. However, it quickly becomes clear that she has moved there and is trying to start over.

You can immediately tell that Maya is struggling. The happy, carefree woman we saw at the beginning is gone, and it’s heartbreaking to see how much she has changed after losing the love of her life.

As I mentioned, I really enjoyed the first part of the movie. It was cute, and engaging. The pacing was also quite fast, as we got to see their entire love story unfold in roughtly 30 minutes. However, once Maya arrives in Portugal, the pace changes completely. Everything becomes much slower, and honestly, it was too slow for my liking. I generally prefer movies with a faster pace, so this was where I started losing interest.

Honestly, I don’t think there was anything inherently wrong with the movie. The characters were great, the acting was good, and the story was genuinely sad. However, the slow pacing made it difficult for me to stay engaged. I lost that connection and found myself wanting to scroll on my phone instead. It felt like not much was happening, even though the cinematography and scenery were beautiful.

Unfortunately, the slow pacing ended up ruining the movie for me. I wanted to love it, especially because the story had so much potential, but it just didn’t hold my attention.

Of course, this is entirely a personal preference. Some people absolutely love slow-paced movies, and after checking IMDb, I noticed that the opinions on this one seem to be quite mixed. Some viewers loved it, while others struggled with the pacing, just like me.

So, if you enjoy slower, more emotional movies that focuses on grief, healing, and finding yourself again, this might be worth watching. I could still appreciate the good aspects of the movie, even though this movie wasn’t it for me.

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Title: How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates
Author: Shailee Thompson
Publisher: Gallery Books
Genre: Slasher Rom-com
Pages: 368
My Rating:

Buy this book on Amazon

How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates

Review

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Title: Big Bad Wolf
Author: Laurie Gilmore
Publisher: HarperCollins
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 384
My Rating:

Buy this book on Amazon

Big Bad Wolf

Ruby lives with her sister, Lena, in Maple Hollow. One night, on her way home, she is almost attacked by a wolf. But another wolf saves her life and gets hurt in the fight. Ruby decides to help the injured wolf.

The next day, the wolf is gone, but suddenly, Rafe appears. That’s how Ruby finds out that Rafe is a werewolf. Rafe feels the need to protect Ruby because he believes this won’t be the last attack.

Other wolves are after Lena because she has visions. But Lena’s visions are getting worse, and they are starting to affect her entire life. They need to find help or at least some answers so Lena isn’t exhausted all the time.

Review

I was so excited to read this book. I’m a big fan of the whole Dream Harbor book series by Laurie Gilmore, so I thought this was a completely new book series. But that’s not the case. This book was actually published before under a different title and author name. Just a little warning in case you want to read this book too. Luckily for me, I had never read the original.

The story started off somewhat interesting. Ruby finds out that Rafe is a werewolf, but she’s still interested in him. They have a connection, and I was curious to see where their relationship would go. Lena also has visions, but they’re getting worse. They have to help her and somehow make it easier for Lena to control these visions.

The first half of the book was sort of promising. But then we never got any answers about Lena’s visions or how to fix them. Nope, because the book ended with a major cliffhanger.

At the same time, I really didn’t like Rafe because he was annoying. One moment he was kissing Ruby, and then the next moment, he had to stay away from her because he wasn’t good enough for her. He was too dangerous. I once met a guy who was exactly like this, and it was exhausting. So, every time this happens in books, I get annoyed. I honestly couldn’t care less about Rafe.

Ruby was okay. At first, I was waiting for the Little Red Riding Hood reference. The cover makes it pretty clear that the story is somehow based on the fairy tale. Eventually, she started wearing this red cloak, so there it was.

Lena was another character, and she’s an adult, but somehow she needed a babysitter. I found that a little strange. I understand that she needed someone to take care of her, but calling that person a babysitter felt a bit weird to me.

Overall, I was clearly disappointed. It felt like nothing actually happened in this book. We never got any answers about Lena, and instead, we got a cliffhanger. It feels like this book was just an introduction to the story, but in this case, it was a 400-page introduction, which is crazy.

I wasn’t a fan, and I’m not even sure if I want to read the next book.

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I’ve been trying to reduce my screen time, but it’s not always easy. Especially on the weekends, when I have a lot of free time, I’m always getting the urge to scroll on my phone for hours, and honestly, I often give in. Which is exactly what I don’t want.

So, I started thinking about how I actually want to spend my weekends instead, and I sort of came up with the perfect no-doomscroll weekend plan. And in case you’re also struggling with reducing your screen time, I decided to share my perfect no-doomscroll weekend with you.

The Ultimate No-doom scroll Weekend

Slow mornings

I love a good slow start to my weekend. On weekdays, we get up, follow our morning routine, and work through our to-do lists. But on the weekends, I prefer a completely different routine and pace. Imagine waking up slowly and spending a little extra time in bed. Then, getting up, making your favorite breakfast, and actually taking the time to enjoy it. Maybe you’ll read a few chapters of the book you’re currently reading. Just really enjoy the peaceful and quiet morning without feeling like you have to rush anywhere. Eventually, I’ll start getting ready for the day, but there’s no need to rush. I just want to enjoy those slow weekend mornings and give myself some time to relax before the day really begins.

Walk

Then, once I’m ready for the day and wearing my favorite comfortable outfit, I’d go out for a morning walk. Just getting some fresh air without rushing. I’d slowly walk through the neighborhood or nature and take my time. And, of course, I’d make some time to pet all the cats I see along the way. I prefer to walk in silence, but if listening to podcasts or music is your thing, then do that. I’d rather just look around me and observe what’s happening. I love people-watching and seeing what everyone else is doing with their weekends. I also prefer to leave my phone at home when I go for a walk. It makes it so much easier to be present and actually enjoy my surroundings without feeling the urge to check my phone every few minutes.

Thrift store or Book Store

Then I would become a little bit more active, but still keep things very relaxing and chill. I love going to thrift stores and bookstores because I always feel at peace when I’m there. I can just browse around without feeling like I have to buy anything. At the bookstore, I would look at all the beautiful book covers and search for new books to add to my TBR. At the thrift store, I always check out the physical media section, which is also a great replacement for scrolling on your phone. Maybe I’ll find a fun movie on DVD or a good book that I can read someday. There’s something really nice about taking your time and browsing without having a specific goal in mind.

Movie Night

I love watching movies, so a movie night is a must. Maybe I’ll watch an older movie from my own DVD collection or a new one on a streaming service. First, I’ll make sure I have enough snacks and drinks so I don’t have to get up from the couch during the movie. My phone will be in a different room because I definitely don’t want to be scrolling on my phone while I’m trying to watch a movie. Without my phone next to me, I can truly focus on and enjoy the movie without any distractions.

Baking

What is better than buying cookies from the supermarket? Making them yourself and eating them while they’re still warm and gooey. It’s such a fun and enjoyable activity, and it will definitely distract you from reaching for your phone. So, basically, it’s a win-win situation because you’re not doomscrolling, and you also end up with delicious cookies or whatever else you’re baking. Plus, your whole house will smell amazing—unless you burn everything, of course.

Cozy activities

And there are so many things you can do during an offline weekend. There are so many cozy hobbies that don’t require your phone. Puzzle books like Murdoku are a big hit these days, and I really enjoy doing them. There are also cute coloring books, board games, and 1,000+ piece puzzles. Or maybe you could simply do some more reading. And you can definitely invite your friends over for a cozy afternoon without your phones. Play some board games, bake something together, or just sit around and talk. Honestly, that sounds like the perfect afternoon to me.

Self-care & Self Love

And, of course, when you’re not scrolling, you’re saving a lot of time. That means you finally have time to start journaling, get some extra sleep, or maybe take a nice hot bath. Put on a face mask, paint your nails, or make some fun plans for the upcoming week.

There are so many little things you can do with that extra time, and they can make your weekend feel so much more relaxing and enjoyable.

Photo:  Cup of Couple

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Watch The Love Hypothesis on Prime Video

The Love Hypothesis

Olive’s best friend, Anh, is refusing to go on a date with Jeremy because Olive has a crush on him. But Olive wants Anh to be happy, so she tells her that she is already dating someone else and is completely over Jeremy. Of course, that’s a lie.

One night, Olive is supposed to be on a date with her new boyfriend, but Anh happens to be in the same lab building that night. Olive panics and kisses the first guy she sees, who happens to be Adam Carlsen, also known as Dr. Evil.

Then Adam proposes a deal: he’ll pretend to be her boyfriend. This way, Olive can show Anh that she is over Jeremy, while Adam can show the faculty that he is in a relationship and hopefully get the grant for his project.

Review

I read the book years ago, when it first came out. So, I still remember most of the story, but not all the details. I do remember that I loved this book. I thought it was cute. So, when they announced the movie, I was so excited. And last weekend, it was finally time to watch it.

I was kind of scared, if I’m being honest. Usually, when I watch a show or movie based on a book, I end up disappointed. I always think the book is way better. And yes, in this case, I also think the book is still better, but I also loved the movie.

The characters are both great, but they’re complete opposites. Olive is pure sunshine, while Adam is definitely not sunshine. Everyone else calls him Dr. Evil, and all of the students are scared of him. But together, they are just perfect. You can definitely tell that they bring out the best in each other. Adam becomes nicer to his students, while Olive starts opening up to other people and putting herself out there.

The story is still fun and cute. I love how awkward their relationship was in the beginning. It was so awkward and cringey to watch, but in a good way. It actually made me laugh because of how awkward it was. I really enjoyed it, especially the sunscreen scene. It was so awkward, but it also made the whole fake-dating situation feel more realistic. I mean, obviously it’s going to be awkward when you’re pretending to be in a relationship!

Seriously, the two hours flew by like it was nothing. I absolutely enjoyed every single moment of this movie. Well, there was one certain guy who deserved a punch or two. That part made me so sad, but I’m happy Olive stood up for herself. Adam did too when he found out what happened. That made for a very satisfying ending to the movie.

Overall, I had high expectations because of the book, and I was kind of scared that the movie would disappoint me. But that was totally unnecessary because the movie was so enjoyable and fun. It’s another great rom-com that was released this year, alongside Voicemails to Isabelle and One Night Only.

I have a feeling that rom-coms are finally making a comeback after years of mediocre rom-com movies, and I am absolutely here for it.

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