N・o・t・e・s

 Hello, Lovely

Welcome back to N・O・T・E・S, the part of the week where I ramble about books, ideas, and everything in between — So grab your drink of choice (mine is usually a glass of the old vino if it’s after 5), fluff your throw blanket, and let’s get into the nonsense. Let’s breakdown the myth of multi-tasking

The random corner of my brain where ideas and grocery lists mingle

Tried multitasking, ended up boiling the kettle three times before pouring my cup of tea!

Tried multitasking recently and somehow boiled the kettle three times before actually pouring my coffee. Yep, three. I think we’ve all been there—distracted, distracted again, and then distracted some more. My excuse? I got a parcel. The excitement of unboxing completely wiped my memory of the first kettle boil. That was round one.

If you’re curious, inside was A Little History of the World by E.H. Gombrich—secondhand but in pristine condition, which made my book-loving heart very happy. Round two happened when I got sidetracked reading the contents, and round three? Well, I started the preface and forgot all about coffee entirely.

Here’s a humble proposal to save us all from kettle déjà vu:

Be patient. My Gemini brain loves to leap from one task to the next, but sometimes it needs a gentle reminder to slow down.

Don’t open that parcel (or email, or letter) first. Make your coffee, then dive into the new book. Trust me.

One thing at a time. Sure, women are supposed to multitask like superheroes, but sometimes it’s better to do one thing well—like making that perfect cup of coffee —before plunging into the next page turner (or distraction).

So, make your coffee, settle into your favourite chair, and then savour that shiny new read. Kettle repeats optional.

Non fiction reviews & real talk

Book: A gorgeous Excitement

This is the first Cynthia Weiner novel I have read and I can say that I’ve become a fan. I listened to it as an Audiobook and let me say, Rebecca Lowman who narrated it, did such a great job bringing the characters to life.

The book is set in New York City 1980’s when New York had more than a few shady areas, drugs were easy to obtain and so were diseases!

The book follows a young Jewish girl who is going to college at the end of summer. She makes a deal with herself that she needs to loose her virginity before heading off to college. Over that memorable summer, her relationship with friends, the boy she hopes to give her V card to and a mother that is off her meds makes for an enthralling read of youth innocence, loss and admiration. Oh, and did I mention there is a murder of someone close to her? Gripping til the end.

I haven’t read many books set in the 80’s but I think I’m hooked. Loved the dynamics of the characters and their relationship with her.

Where my brain wanders without asking permission

Stationery setup that actually helps you focus

Look, I fully believe books and stationery are soulmates. Like, Mr Darcy and Elizabeth level soulmates. But instead of sultry looks across the ballroom, they team up to help you underline quotes, tag ideas, and feel wildly productive while surrounded by pastel highlighters. If you're trying to actually focus while reading (and not just get lost in the urge to colour-code your feelings), here's the setup that works:

Later, you can journal about it—or just feel smug flipping back through your brilliantly tagged pages. Either way, this setup keeps your brain from wandering too far… unless, of course, it sees a new notebook. Then all bets are off. (I’m a sucker for another notebook that I don’t need but absolutely have to have cause it’s pretty)

Those little lightbulb moments, sparked by a good sentence

Focus is a skill, not a personality trait.

Whether you're halfway through a novel or halfway to remembering where you left it, don’t stress about the finish line. As Jack Canfield wisely said, “Joy is found not in finishing an activity but by doing it.” So take your time, savour the plot twists, and ignore the laundry—it's not going anywhere.

Because honesty with a side of humour is the best kind

The myth that women should naturally ‘juggle it all’

Let’s bust a myth, shall we? Despite what 90’s sitcoms and Pinterest quotes suggest, women weren’t born with magical juggling skills. We don’t pop out of the womb balancing a career, a clean house and a sourdough starter (that we may or may not have killed). The idea that we should be able to “do it all” without breaking a sweat is outdated, unrealistic, and frankly, exhausting.

So here’s your reminder: dropping a few balls doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re human. And possibly tired. Now go put one of those balls down and take a damn nap.

Socials

So I’ve finished a book and onto the next. Here’s how I chose what I’m reading. I chose mine with slide #3. How did you choose yours?

Here are my social links. Lets connect

I’m only about 50 pages in, and Joan Didion already feels like that mysterious aunt who shows up late to family dinner in oversized sunglasses, drops a cryptic truth bomb, and vanishes before dessert. It’s not exactly linear (or comforting), but there’s something oddly spellbinding about it. I keep re-reading lines because I’m not sure if she’s being deeply profound or just incredibly tired. Either way, I’m into it. It’s not a book you rush—more like one you wander through, slightly dazed, occasionally muttering “wow.”

So here’s your gentle reminder: you don’t have to do it all, finish it all, or highlight it all—just enjoy the chapter you’re in (with a good pen and zero guilt).

Until next time