Category Hobbies

Another 12 months of my world

Blog header featuring paper doodles of a laptop and other memories

On 5 January 2013, I wrote the first post on my new blog. It was my second site, the first a small site piggybacking off my sister’s, while I figured out if I enjoyed writing. I did, and eventually, I pulled up my big girl pants and built my own site.

It was called “Kelly’s World”, and for a long time, that’s what it felt like.

It’s amusing to look back at that post and how proud I was. I boasted that I had even personalised the site, which these days, feels like the bare minimum.

Kelly’s World blog header from 2013
My blog header from 2013

It was a huge decision to start a new blog again and move to Kel me about it.

A large part of that was that mentally, I wasn’t in a good way.…

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August Reading Roundup: One book I wanted to throw across the room (and still gave 4 stars)

Illustrated reading roundup with the words “August Reading Roundup: One book I wanted to throw across the room (and still gave 4 stars)”

August reading started with the conclusion of one of the most infuriating books I’ve read in a long time. Thankfully the remaining books I chose for the month were all pretty enjoyable, even though I did miss a few nights of reading here and there.

Monthly summary stats

Storygraph August 2026 reading wrap-up summary statistics

Whoops, yet again it looks like I didn’t choose the correct format (and spoiler: I think I’ve done the same thing for the book I’m reading in September too, whoops). They were all Kindle books again.

Storygraph August 2026 reading calendar showing days read

Book Reviews

Yesteryear: Caro Claire Burke

Book cover of Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Link: amazon.com
Format: Kindle

It’s been a long, long time since I’ve been so angry at a book.

The main character, Natalie, is a social media influencer and trad-wife, i.e.…

Read MoreAugust Reading Roundup: One book I wanted to throw across the room (and still gave 4 stars)

July Reading Roundup: Six books and one I haven’t stopped recommending

Header reading “July Reading Roundup: Six books and one I haven’t stopped recommending”

Blimey – this was a big month! I didn’t actually realise that I have finished 6 books this month, 7 if you count the fact that I finished the last one on the 1st of August. But because this month is so long already, I’m not counting it, and I’ll get on my rant about that book next month. There’s also one in this month’s pile that I think might be my read of the year.

Let’s take a look at what did count this month. Followed by my daily August gratitude answer too.

Monthly Summary Stats

Guess who wasn’t paying attention when selecting books this month? This girl! I can confirm my books were 100% eBooks, all found on Kindle Unlimited.…

Read MoreJuly Reading Roundup: Six books and one I haven’t stopped recommending

June Reading Round-Up: Slow going but great books

This month felt like a slower month for reading, and spoiler alert, I only finished three books. But the ones that I read were great, so I don’t feel like it was wasted.

I think it was just that I was so tired every day this month that I barely got reading time in before my eyes were closing, or my Kindle was dropping on my face.

Here’s the summary for the month.

Books I read this month

Rewind It Back – Liz Tomforde

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (and a half)
Link: amazon.com
Format: Kindle

This is the final book in the “Windy Series”. It’s about two people who, after a messy breakup, meet back up in their adult lives. One is a successful sports star, and one is an aspiring interior designer working two jobs, trying to keep things together.…

Read MoreJune Reading Round-Up: Slow going but great books

Home Renovations Part 1: Bookshelves

Towards the end of last year, we went through some major renovations at home. The bathrooms and laundry wrapped up just after Christmas, but the bookshelf – the thing I was most excited about – only just recently finished.

This was something I’d always wanted – a bookshelf with a secret door.

Heads up, though: if you spot any dodgy ceiling bits in the photos, just ignore them. We’re still working on repainting some of the ceiling and the walls.

What we wanted

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve wanted a secret door. I put it down to reading books like The Secret Garden, and imagining myself solving mysteries like Trixie Belden or The Famous Five.

I’ve also always loved to read.…

Read MoreHome Renovations Part 1: Bookshelves

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