How to Complete your TBR Without Breaking the Bank.

How to Complete your TBR Without Breaking the Bank.

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Books and Sweets

Books are a fantastic investment, but costs can add up quickly. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to buy books at a great price, whether you’re looking for new releases, rare finds, or classics. Here’s a guide to scoring great deals on books:

1. Browse Used Bookstores and Charity Shops

  • Secondhand Bookstores: These hidden treasures are often stocked with a diverse range of titles at significantly lower prices than retail. You’ll find everything from current hits to beloved classics.
  • Charity Shops: Places like Oxfam and other charities frequently have books in excellent condition for just a few pounds.

Pro Tip: Make regular visits to these shops to uncover new arrivals, as inventory can change quickly!

2. Utilise Online Marketplaces

  • AbeBooks: AbeBooks is a platform that specialises in used books, offering significant discounts. 

3. Take Advantage of Discount Retailers

  • Better World Books:  Better World Books offers used and surplus books, often with proceeds benefiting literacy programs.
  • Clearance Sections: Don’t forget to check the clearance sections of major bookstores like Waterstones for seasonal sales.

4. Attend Library Book Sales

  • Library Sales: Many libraries host regular sales where they sell surplus books at incredibly low prices, often by the bag or box.
  • Community Events: Look for local book fairs organised by schools or nonprofits; these often feature both new and used books at great prices.

5. Swap Books with Friends

  • Book Swapping Platforms: Websites like PaperbackSwap allow you to trade books with other readers. This is a budget-friendly way to refresh your library without spending any money.
  • Little Free Libraries: These charming community exchanges encourage you to take a book and leave one in return, promoting a sense of sharing among readers.

6. Explore Digital Books and Free Resources

  • E-Book Discounts: Keep an eye on daily deals for e-books on platforms like Kindle, where you can often find popular titles for less than a pound.
  • Public Domain Titles: Sites like Project Gutenberg offer thousands of free e-books, allowing you to explore classic literature without cost.

7. Discover Our Happy Boxes – A Complete Experience

  • If you’re looking for a unique and affordable way to enjoy your reading time, check out our Happy Boxes. They are thoughtfully curated boxes includes a novel selected by our team, along with an assortment of delightful surprises. Not only are our Happy Boxes affordable but they are more than just a book; they are a complete experience in a box that makes for a perfect gift or a special treat for yourself. Enjoy the thrill of reading combined with the excitement of unboxing something wonderful!

So there you have it—a treasure trove of tips to fill your bookshelves without emptying your wallet! And while you’re on your quest for literary gems, don’t forget to treat yourself to our Happy Boxes. It’s like a party in a box, packed with a brilliant read, sweets and surprises that will make your reading time feel like a special occasion. Dive into your next adventure today, and who knows? You might just discover a new favourite book—and a new favourite way to indulge while you read!

Happy hunting, happy reading, and happy snacking! 📚🎉

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If he had been with me

If he had been with me

If He Had Been With Me by Laura Nowlin is a tender, heartrending young adult novel that explores the delicate boundary between friendship and love. The story centers on Autumn and Finny, childhood best friends who have drifted apart by the time they reach high school but remain linked by shared history and unspoken feelings. Through Autumn’s introspective narrative, Nowlin creates an intimate portrayal of the complexities of adolescent relationships and unrequited love.

The novel’s strength lies in its raw, poignant storytelling. Autumn is introspective and at times painfully aware of her feelings for Finny, who is charismatic yet complicated in ways that are slowly revealed. The way Nowlin develops their dynamic—touching, awkward, and laced with nostalgia—creates a narrative that resonates with the universality of “what-if” scenarios that many readers experience. Nowlin’s writing style is poetic and reflective, using small moments and gestures to emphasize the intensity of Autumn’s emotions, which makes the story all the more immersive.

As the story progresses, the tension builds, weaving a narrative that is both beautiful and bittersweet. Nowlin includes powerful themes of first love, self-discovery, and loss. Without spoiling the ending, it’s a conclusion that leaves a lasting impact, driving home the novel’s exploration of fate and missed chances. Many readers are drawn to If He Had Been With Me not only for its emotional depth but also for the way it examines the quiet moments of teenage life that often go unrecognized.

If He Had Been With Me is a book for anyone who has ever pondered the possibilities of a different outcome, who has experienced heartbreak, or who simply appreciates a story that feels real and raw. It’s a coming-of-age story that will likely resonate with young adult readers and adults alike who remember the intensity of first love and the pain of loss.

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Five-Star Stranger

Five-Star Stranger

Kat Tang’s Five-Star Stranger is a clever, introspective dive into the contradictions of our tech-driven world. Mia, the novel’s protagonist, is like so many of us: caught in the whirlwind of digital connections that often feel more alienating than comforting. What starts as an ordinary ride-share encounter soon morphs into a journey of self-discovery, with plenty of sharp twists along the way.

Tang’s writing shines with wit and insight, capturing the nuances of living in a world where our interactions are increasingly mediated by screens. Mia’s life is an all-too-relatable mix of social media facades, gig economy grind, and the nagging sense that something essential is missing. When she picks up a mysterious stranger in her car, the novel kicks into high gear, blending psychological tension with thoughtful commentary on how we connect—or fail to connect—in the digital age.

What makes Five-Star Stranger stand out is its ability to balance suspense with genuine emotional depth. Tang weaves in humor and sharp observations about modern life, making Mia’s journey both engaging and thought-provoking. The novel is as much about the mystery at its core as it is about the larger question of what it means to be truly seen in a world of constant digital noise.

If you’re looking for a book that offers both an intriguing plot and a deep dive into the complexities of modern relationships, Five-Star Stranger is well worth the read. Tang has crafted a story that resonates on multiple levels, making it a standout novel in 2024’s literary landscape.

In short, Five-Star Stranger is the perfect read for anyone who’s ever felt like they’re just a swipe away from losing themselves. It’s a smart, funny, and surprisingly deep ride through the messiness of being human in a world that’s increasingly digital. Buckle up—it’s a trip worth taking.

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New Look, Same Spirit: The Tale of Our New Logo

New Look, Same Spirit: The Tale of Our New Logo

Hello beautiful people,

At Books and Sweets, our mission has always been to foster a love for reading while promoting positivity and mental well-being. As we turn a new page in our journey, we are thrilled to introduce our new logo and refreshed look, which perfectly encapsulate the essence of our brand and the values we hold dear.

A New Symbol of Inspiration

Our new logo features the outline of a woman engrossed in a book, symbolising the power of reading to transport us to new worlds and broaden our horizons. But there’s more to this image than meets the eye.

At the heart of the book, you’ll find the portrait of a rabbit, inspired by the iconic “We Can Do It” woman. This rabbit is based on my very own, very real rabbit, Charlie, who was also the inspiration behind our very first logo. Charlie, with her sassy and spirited personality, provided companionship and joy during the lockdowns, often bringing a smile with her playful antics and fearless attitude. She helped me navigate that challenging period, and it was important for me to keep her in our new logo as a symbol of resilience and determination as, to me, she epitomised the thrive amid adversity and the courage to face each day with hope and positivity.

Positive Affirmations: Your Daily Dose of Encouragement

Surrounding the rabbit, you’ll notice an array of uplifting stickers with messages like “Dream Big,” “You Can Do It,” and “Small Step Every Day.” These affirmations are not just decorative elements; they represent our commitment to encouraging our readers to pursue their dreams, believe in their abilities, and make consistent, positive steps toward their goals.

The Concept Behind Blind Date with a Book

One of the most exciting offerings at our bookstore is the “Surprise Book” or “Blind Date with a Book.” This unique concept involves purchasing a book based solely on four intriguing clues. It’s a delightful way to discover new authors and genres, and it aligns perfectly with our mission of fostering curiosity and adventure in reading. With our new logo, we hope to convey the same sense of surprise and delight that our blind date books offer.

Why the New Look?

Our updated logo and visual identity are more than just a change in appearance; they represent a renewed commitment to our community of readers. We want our bookstore to be a sanctuary where you can find not only great books but also a source of positivity and support for your mental health journey. The woman in our logo symbolises every reader who finds solace and strength in books, while the encouraging messages remind you that every step you take, no matter how small, is a step toward your dreams.

Join Us on This Journey

As we embrace this new chapter, we invite you to join us. Explore our collection, take a chance on a “Blind Date with a Book,” and let our positive affirmations inspire you in your daily life. We are excited to continue supporting you on your reading and mental health journey, one book at a time.

Thank you for being a part of our community. We look forward to sharing many more stories, adventures, and positive moments with you.

Happy reading!

xoxo,

Nel

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Nelisa is the founder of Books and Sweets. She has always been passionate about spreading kindness and positivity into her community and this column is her own personal look at the world and how to make it a kinder place.

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10 Daily Habits to Cultivate Joy and Positivity

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10 Daily Habits to Cultivate Joy and Positivity

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Books and Sweets

Life can sometimes feel like a bit of a slog, can’t it? Between the morning rush, endless to-do lists, and the general hustle and bustle, finding time for joy and positivity can seem like a luxury. But fear not! Incorporating a few simple habits into your daily routine can sprinkle a bit of sunshine into your life and help you navigate the day with a smile. Here are ten delightful habits to cultivate joy and positivity, guaranteed to brighten up even the dullest Monday.

1. Wake Up With Gratitude

Start your day on the right foot by acknowledging the good things in your life. Before you even roll out of bed, take a moment to think about three things you’re grateful for. It could be anything from your cosy duvet to the delicious breakfast you’ve planned or even the sunshine streaming through your window. Gratitude sets a positive tone for the day and helps you focus on the good stuff.

Tip: Keep a gratitude journal by your bedside. Jot down a few things each morning to remind yourself of the positive aspects of your life.

2. Move Your Body

You don’t need to run a marathon to feel the benefits of exercise. A quick morning stretch, a brisk walk, or a bit of dancing around the kitchen while you make your coffee can do wonders for your mood. Exercise releases endorphins, those fabulous feel-good chemicals that boost your mood and set you up for a joyful day.

Tip: Find an activity you love. Whether it’s yoga, cycling, or a cheeky Zumba class, moving your body should be fun, not a chore.

3. Savour a Delicious Breakfast

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why not make it the most enjoyable too? Take time to prepare something you love, whether it’s a hearty bowl of porridge, a stack of pancakes, or just a perfect piece of toast with marmalade. Savour each bite and let yourself enjoy the moment.

Tip: Try prepping a tasty breakfast the night before if mornings are usually a rush. Overnight oats or a smoothie are quick and easy options.

4. Connect With Someone You Love

A quick chat with a friend or a loved one can boost your spirits and make you feel more connected. Whether it’s a call, a text, or a face-to-face chat over a cuppa, connecting with others is a great way to inject some positivity into your day.

Tip: Make it a habit to check in with at least one person you care about each day. It’ll brighten both your days.

5. Enjoy a Midday Mindfulness Break

Amidst the hustle and bustle, take a few minutes to pause and be present. Find a quiet spot, take some deep breaths, and focus on the here and now. Mindfulness helps reduce stress and allows you to appreciate the small joys in life that you might otherwise overlook.

Tip: Use an app or set a timer to remind you to take your mindfulness break. Even five minutes can make a difference.

6. Do Something Kind for Someone Else

Nothing boosts your mood quite like an act of kindness. Whether it’s holding the door open for someone, buying a colleague a coffee, or simply offering a smile to a stranger, small acts of kindness create a ripple effect of positivity.

Tip: Make a habit of doing at least one kind act each day. You’ll soon find that it becomes second nature, and the world will be a brighter place for it.

7. Indulge in a Creative Hobby

Creativity is a fantastic outlet for stress and a wonderful way to inject some joy into your life. Whether it’s painting, knitting, baking, or even just doodling, engaging in a creative activity can help you relax and bring a sense of accomplishment.

Tip: Set aside a little time each day for your creative pursuits. Even ten minutes of creative time can be incredibly rewarding.

8. Spend Time in Nature

There’s something magical about the great outdoors that can instantly lift your spirits. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a stroll by the seaside, or just spending some time in your garden, nature has a way of calming the mind and boosting your mood.

Tip: Make it a point to get outside at least once a day. Even if it’s just for a quick breath of fresh air, it can make a big difference.

9. Practice Self-Compassion

We’re often our own worst critics, which can really dampen our spirits. Practice being kind to yourself. If you make a mistake or things don’t go as planned, give yourself the same grace you would offer a friend. Self-compassion helps you stay positive and resilient.

Tip: When you catch yourself being self-critical, pause and reframe your thoughts in a more compassionate way. It takes practice, but it’s worth it.

10. End the Day With a Positive Reflection

Before you drift off to sleep, take a moment to reflect on the positives of the day. Think about the things that went well, the moments that made you smile, and the small victories you achieved. Positive reflection helps you end the day on a high note and sets you up for a good night’s sleep.

Tip: Try writing down your positive reflections in a journal. It’s a great way to track your progress and keep a record of the joyful moments in your life.

Incorporating these habits into your daily routine doesn’t require a complete life overhaul. Start with a few that resonate with you and build from there. Remember, joy and positivity are like muscles – the more you exercise them, the stronger they become. So, sprinkle a bit of sunshine into your days, and watch your life become a little brighter and a lot more joyful.

Cheers to a happier, more positive you!

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How Being Kind to Yourself Can Transform Your Life

How Being Kind to Yourself Can Transform Your Life

Hello beautiful people,

In a world that champions the hustle and bustle of constant productivity and the pursuit of perfection, the idea of self-compassion might seem a bit, well, soft. Yet, it’s a game-changer for personal growth and happiness. Think of self-compassion as treating yourself like a dear friend who’s having a rough day. It’s about acknowledging that everyone messes up and that’s perfectly fine. By embracing a more compassionate attitude towards yourself, you can seriously turn your life around in delightful ways.

What Exactly is Self-Compassion?

Self-compassion isn’t just about being nice to yourself. It’s got three snazzy components:

  1. Self-Kindness: Giving yourself a warm hug (figuratively, of course) when you’re feeling down, rather than beating yourself up.

  2. Common Humanity: Realising that everyone has their ups and downs. You’re not the only one who faces challenges, so give yourself a break.

  3. Mindfulness: Keeping a balanced view of your emotions without getting swept away by them. It’s about noticing your thoughts and feelings without turning them into a melodrama.

The Sparkling Benefits of Self-Compassion

Practising self-compassion isn’t just about feeling warm and fuzzy inside; it’s got some fantastic benefits:

  • Less Stress and Anxiety: Self-compassion helps you chill out and adopt a more relaxed attitude towards life’s little hiccups.

  • Emotional Well-Being: By being your own cheerleader, you can boost your happiness levels and feel more content with life.

  • Bouncing Back Better: Self-compassion gives you the emotional support to handle life’s curveballs and come back stronger.

  • Better Relationships: When you’re kinder to yourself, it’s easier to extend that kindness to others, leading to healthier and more enjoyable relationships.

Fun Ways to Practise Self-Compassion

Getting into the groove of self-compassion takes a bit of practice, but it’s well worth the effort. Here are some fun and practical tips to get you started:

1. Be Your Own Best Mate

Start by treating yourself with the same kindness you’d show your best mate. Instead of being harsh or critical, give yourself a pep talk. Made a blunder at work? Instead of thinking, “I’m such a dunce,” say, “Everyone has off days. I’ll get it right next time.”

2. Indulge in Some ‘Me Time’

Taking time for yourself is crucial for self-compassion. Dive into activities you love and that help you unwind. Set aside time to read a good book, take a leisurely stroll in the park, or simply relax with a cuppa. These little moments of joy can recharge your batteries and remind you that you’re worth the effort.

3. Embrace Your Quirks and Flaws

Perfection is overrated and frankly, a bit boring. Embrace your quirks and accept that everyone has flaws. When you slip up, don’t dwell on it. Think about what you’ve learnt and how you can improve. Life’s too short to sweat the small stuff.

4. Get Mindful and Chill

Mindfulness is all about staying in the moment and appreciating the here and now. It helps you tune into your needs and respond to yourself with kindness. Try simple mindfulness practices like meditation, deep breathing, or even mindful eating. Enjoying a biscuit? Savour every crumb.

5. Talk to Yourself Like You’d Talk to a Friend

Keep an ear out for your inner dialogue. Swap out negative self-talk for words that lift you up. If you catch yourself thinking, “I’m useless,” challenge it with, “I’m doing my best, and that’s pretty awesome.”

6. Connect with Others

Building connections with others reminds you that you’re not alone in your struggles. Share your experiences with friends or join a group where you can swap stories and realise that everyone has their off days. You’re part of a big, messy, wonderful human family.

Transform Your Life with a Dash of Self-Compassion

The journey to self-compassion isn’t always a breeze, but it’s full of delightful surprises. By being kinder to yourself, you can transform your life in ways you never imagined. Self-compassion can help you handle life’s challenges with a bit more grace, strengthen your relationships, and lead to a happier, more fulfilling existence.

Remember, self-compassion isn’t about being selfish or wallowing in self-pity. It’s about recognising your worth and treating yourself with the kindness you deserve. So, take a deep breath, cut yourself some slack, and start sprinkling a little self-compassion into your life today. You might just find that it’s the secret ingredient to a happier, more balanced you. Cheers to that!

xoxo,

Nel

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Nelisa is the founder of Books and Sweets. She has always been passionate about spreading kindness and positivity into her community and this column is her own personal look at the world and how to make it a kinder place.

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Can Eating Chocolate Improve Your Mental Health?

Can Eating Chocolate Improve Your Mental Health?

Can Eating Chocolate Improve Your Mental Health?

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Books and Sweets

In the modern world, there is more and more of a focus on mental health and the ways in which you can improve it. What you put into your body has an enormous impact on your mood, energy levels, and general sense of wellbeing. When people think of mental health food, they often focus on fruit and vegetables, but can chocolate play a positive role in your life? In fact, studies have shown that dark chocolate can be beneficial – particularly if it has a cocoa concentration of 70% or higher. So, let’s look at a few of the positive qualities of chocolate.  

Chocolate Contains Flavonoids

Plant nutrients known as flavonoids have been identified in chocolate, as well as tea, red wine, and certain fruits and vegetables. These have been shown to offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral benefits, which can provide a boost to the immune system, as well as decreasing cholesterol and improving blood flow. A healthier body naturally leads to a healthier mind, as well as helping to enhance your mood.

Chocolate May Improve Your Mood

There is no doubt that many people feel calmer and more content after they have eaten some chocolate. In fact, this effect is scientifically supported. Dark chocolate can serve to stimulate chemicals that create a sense of pleasure in the brain known as endorphins. Not only this, but it also contains serotonin, which can act as a natural antidepressant. However, this doesn’t mean that you should become over reliant on chocolate as a mood booster when you are feeling low. There are plenty of effective alternatives out there including exercise, talking with people close to you, and, of course, reading a good book.

Chocolate May Boost Cognitive Function

We have already mentioned the flavonoids in chocolate, and some of their positive qualities. In fact, they are also linked to improved cognitive functioning – particularly in tasks related to learning and memory. If you feel more ‘switched on’ when you are at work and home, this can help to contribute to an overall improvement in your mood.

Chocolate Tastes Great

Finally, there is the simple fact that chocolate tastes great! A lot of people feel a sense of contentment when they sit down to enjoy a piece of chocolate, and the feelings of pleasure that you get from eating it can help to banish other negative emotions. While this isn’t a long-term fix, the short-term benefits can be enormously effective.

As you can see from this list of reasons above, there are plenty of different ways in which chocolate can have an overall positive impact on your mental health. Of course, like all things in life, it is all about a sense of balance, so chocolate should be part of a healthy diet. But there’s no doubt that it’s a bonus if your favourite sweet treat is also helping to boost your mental health! 

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The Thursday Murder Club

The Thursday Murder Club

Richard Osman started out his career as a TV producer before finding himself in front of the camera on Pointless. He was a natural. Apparently, even Her Majesty the Queen is a fan! In the past decade, he has rarely been off our screens since. Judging by the success of his debut novel The Thursday Murder Club, he won’t be disappearing from bookshelves any time soon either.

The countryside murder mystery has been a British institution for decades – from Agatha Christie to Midsummer Murders. However, Osman has managed to find a clever spin on the genre by giving centre stage to a plucky gang of Septuagenarians and Octogenarians living in a retirement community. The eponymous Thursday Murder Club – Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim – are called into action when the murders they love investigating start happening closer to home.

Along the way, they meet Detectives Donna and Chris, who begin working alongside the club – though often begrudgingly as the OAPs often take matters into their own hands.

Osman weaves in plenty of gentle humour and plot twists along the way, as well as a red herring or two. It turns out that Coopers Chase retirement village is hiding plenty of secrets behind its seemingly innocent exterior. 

Perhaps the greatest achievement of the novel is the fact that all of the elderly characters are shown to be clever, resourceful, and ultimately useful – something that is often sadly forgotten in our society.

While the book is highly enjoyable, it isn’t a perfect debut. The plot zips along at a nice pace, but it starts to become a little convoluted in the final pages as Osman tries to wrap up all his story lines at once. Despite this, if you are a murder mystery lover or even just a fan of Osman himself, there is plenty to love here.

With over a million copies already sold, the incredible popularity of The Thursday Murder Club means that this is likely to be a long-running series. We may even see the crime-fighting pensioners on the big screen as the film rights have been bought by none other than Steven Spielberg.

The paperback edition is due on May 13, but if you can’t wait until then, you can get the original hardback here.

If you have a special occasion coming up, why not give one of our surprise books

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What is happiness and where can you find it?

What is happiness and where can you find it?

Hello beautiful people,

Welcome to Nel’s column!

First of all, thank you for clicking on the first ever post of this new column  – a billion bonus points for you if you read it till the end!

I have been thinking about what would be the perfect topic for my first post and the answer came quite easily.

Nel’s column is part of this little corner on the internet that I created and called “Our Happy Corner” but what actually is happiness?

Well, like anyone who’s ever wanted to get the definition of a word, I looked it up in the dictionary and – I am not even joking – this is what the entry for happiness read: “The state of being happy.” No shit, Sherlock! Not very useful at all.

Now I could have gone straight to the entry for happy and go from there – though I wouldn’t even be surprised if it would have read something like “the opposite of unhappy” – but instead it made me wonder how I, myself, would define happiness.

And the more I thought about it and the more I struggled with coming up with a general definition that I could suggest to the dictionary people.

When I think about happiness, I see the moments spent with my boyfriend and my rabbit Charlie, I see Books and Sweets and how much I enjoy working on this little corner of the internet, I see a great book with sweet characters and a heartwarming story, I see travelling and discovering a new culture etc.

How do you turn that into a dictionary entry?

On top of that, we are all unique beautiful beings and what makes me happy would not necessarily make you happy and vice versa because we do not have the same interests, desires or aspirations.

For example, I have a few friends who are not too fond of pets so if I were to define happiness as spending time with your furry family members, they would be doomed to a lifetime of unhappiness.

We might not be able to agree on a universal definition of happiness but we all know how it feels when we are happy and, unfortunately, we also know when we are not.

And the reason behind that is because happiness comes from within us. There is no happiness elixir or secret recipe.

Happiness is a feeling in you waiting to be discovered. And you discover it by following your heart and letting go of your fears – because yes, it can be scary to be happy.

Unhappiness can be comforting for some people because that is either what they’ve always known and it has become their comfort zone or because they are scared that if they allow themselves to be happy even for one second, it would feel even more painful when happiness will inevitably be taken away from them.

If this is how you feel, I want you to know that no one can take away your happiness but you, just like you are the only person who can make yourself happy.

Discover what it is that gives you that warm feeling in your stomach and puts a smile on your face and hold on to it. Do more of it, put it in everybody’s face without any guilt, abuse the shit out of it and never let go of that smile.

And then come back here and let me know in the comments what makes you happy! I am so excited to know 🙂

xoxo,

Nel

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Nelisa is the founder of Books and Sweets. She has always been passionate about spreading kindness and positivity into her community and this column is her own personal look at the world and how to make it a kinder place.

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How to Create the Perfect Reading Nook.

perfect reading nook

How to Create the Perfect Reading Nook.

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Books and Sweets

With the announcement of a third lockdown across the UK, we will all be spending a lot more time indoors. While this is tough news for everybody, one of the plus points is that you have plenty of time on your hands to enjoy a whole stack of good books. All you need now is the perfect place to enjoy them. So, in this blog post, we are going to suggest a few ways that you can create a beautiful reading nook.

Choose Your Space

You may have plenty of space at home, but even if you don’t, a reading nook only requires a small corner. Ideally, it will be in a quieter part of the house where you can really enjoy your book without distraction.

Put in Some Soft Furnishings

First, you need the perfect chair that invites you to sink into it. You can then add some cushions and pillows for added softness. During the colder months of the year, a fluffy blanket or throw will ensure that you stay nice and toasty.

Add in a Bookshelf

Not only does a bookshelf have a practical function, but it also gives you the chance to see all your books on display and get excited about the ones that you still have left to read. One of our surprise books would make the perfect addition to your shelf.

Get the Lighting Right

There is nothing that can ruin a reading nook more than bad lighting. If you can put your reading nook next to a widow, this gives you the opportunity to enjoy the natural light during the daytime. A reading lamp is the obvious choice for when it gets darker, but you could also light a candle or two. Choose a scented variety for an even greater sense of relaxation.

Bring in the Natural World

Your reading nook should be a place where you can relax and unwind. A greater connection to the outside world is a proven way of boosting your mood and reducing stress. So, why not add a houseplant or two? Just make sure that you remember to water them!

Put in a Bluetooth Speaker

Some people like to listen to their favourite tunes while reading. Others prefer calming ocean noises. A Bluetooth speaker is a convenient way of giving your reading nook audio access. You could even start listening to audiobooks.

By putting a combination of these ideas into practice, you can create the perfect reading nook and a calming environment to escape the stresses of the modern world.

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