Lifestyle

Discover lifestyle posts with a romance twist. From self-care tips to recommendations for romance lovers, this category covers it all!

Diving Back into Romance | Back from Reality

When Life Throws a Curveball Sometimes you don’t knock it out of the park. Sometimes you strike out, sit on the bench, or step away from the game entirely. Earlier this year, life hit me hard. Not long after the new year, I lost someone incredibly dear to me—someone who was always in my corner, cheering me on through every win, big or small. Their absence has left a hole that I’m still learning how to carry. I thought I could keep going as usual, but grief has a way of halting even the best intentions. Most days, just showing up for my day job felt like a victory. But slowly, I’ve started to feel ready to return to the blog—and to the books we both loved so much. Diving Back into Romance It hasn’t been a dive, really. More like a gentle wade in from the shallow end. I’ve been revisiting some of the first books that sparked my love for reading—stories we shared, books that feel like home. Many of them are older, quieter romances, focused more on the journey than the heat. And that’s exactly what I’ve needed. There’s something healing about reconnecting with the books that shaped me as a reader. It’s like catching up with old friends. So if you see some serious throwbacks popping up on the blog, now you know why. I’ve found so much comfort in these stories, and I’ve got a lot to say about them—plus a few other ideas I’m slowly bringing to life again. Grief still comes in waves, but I’m here. I’m creating again. And I’m so thankful for every person who has stuck around, even during my silence. For those just finding me, welcome! I’m glad you’re here. I’m excited to share new reviews, old favorites, and some exciting ARCs in the months ahead. Leslie

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Finding Time for Stories: How to Read while Multitasking.

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See my policies for further details. Life gets busy, but for book lovers, finding time to dive into a good story is essential. Luckily, multitasking allows us to enjoy our favorite reads even during life’s most hectic moments. Whether you’re soaring through the clouds on a plane, tackling the dreaded treadmill at the gym, or sneaking in a few chapters during your lunch break, there are plenty of ways to fit reading into your daily routine. In this post, I’ll explore some of my favorite ways to combine everyday tasks with my love for books, without skipping a beat! As an avid reader, there’s barely a day that goes by when I don’t read. How do I fit this into my already crammed schedule in a world that’s all about the hustle? Multitasking! I know some people use audiobooks to make it easier to get in a few chapters while cooking, cleaning, or working out. However, as someone who’s never really gotten into audiobooks (I know, shocking!), I’ve found a few different ways to get in some quality reading time while mindlessly doing something else. First and foremost, my Kindle is my most prized possession, and that’s where I do at least 90% of my reading. Luckily, there are a ton of gadgets to help me keep reading while doing something else. Reading While Exercising: I typically start my day by working on my step count. I’m not a fan of the dreaded treadmill, so I always need a distraction to help pass the time. A Kindle Page Turner is a lifesaver! Not only does it allow me to set down or prop up my Kindle on the treadmill tray, but I don’t have to constantly reach to turn the page. While I love my treadmill, I tend to switch things up, especially when traveling. One thing I’ve noticed is that no two machines are the same, meaning it’s not always convenient to prop up my Kindle. In my search for ways to stay distracted while doing cardio, I found an exercise pocket! It fits most machines, is lightweight and portable, making it perfect for trips. The best part? It creates a ledge for your device! Reading While Cleaning: Let’s face it—no one really likes cleaning. But as a semi-responsible adult, I spend a lot of time doing it! And yes, I read while doing chores. Think of one chore we all probably hate and procrastinate on—yup, laundry! Folding clothes seems to take forever, but I’ve found a solution: a nifty Kindle stand (less than $10) that I use to perch my Kindle while folding. It’s super handy, and I can get through a few chapters while tackling the never-ending piles of laundry. The same stand also comes in handy while doing dishes. I just set it on the bar in front of the sink and before I know it, the dishes are done! It’s also great for meal prep, like chopping veggies or stirring a simmering pot—although I don’t recommend reading while cooking if you’re accident-prone or preparing something complicated. Reading While Traveling: Now, this is where I can really go through the books! If you’re lucky enough not to get motion sickness on car trips, pick up a book from your TBR pile and dive in. I’m usually the driver on road trips, so I rarely get to read, but when flying, it’s a different story. I travel frequently for work and can get through a lot of reading on flights. Earbuds in, Kindle open, and I’m set. On a recent trip, I managed to finish two books just from flight time alone. I even sneak in some reading while waiting for my suitcase at baggage claim or for a hotel shuttle. Travel time is prime reading time for me—don’t forget to pack your Kindle for your next trip! In conclusion, finding time to read in a busy world doesn’t have to be a challenge if you get creative with multitasking. Whether it’s squeezing in a chapter while exercising, tackling household chores, or making the most of travel downtime, there are plenty of ways to keep up with your reading goals. With the right tools and a bit of strategy, you can turn even the most mundane tasks into opportunities to get lost in a good book. So grab your Kindle, find what works for you, and happy reading!

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