media consumption journal (vol 11): everything I've been loving this past month
cosy reads, binge-worthy shows, and little joys from this month
“When you let go of the frantic search for validation, you find yourself exactly where you are meant to be, with the tools you need to go forward. It is from this place of quiet assurance that the most beautiful things emerge.”
-Virginia Woolf, from A Room of One’s Own
It’s that time of year again, the season when the festivities seem to arrive earlier and earlier, and the sudden realisation hits that the year has quietly slipped by. Streetlights are already dotted with decorations, calendars are filling up, and somehow we’ve reached the final media journal of the year. The next time I write this newsletter, we’ll be stepping into a brand new year.
There’s something a little surreal about wrapping up a year of monthly reflections. These media journals have become one of my favourite parts of writing on Substack, tiny time capsules of what I read, watched, listened to, loved, or obsessed over each month. It’s comforting to look back and see how each season left its own little imprint.
In case you missed out, you can view my media consumption journals from previous months here.
Last month, a few of you mentioned that you enjoy the monthly favourites section and wanted it to become a regular feature, so consider this the beginning of that tradition. I’ve included the things I’ve been reaching for on repeat lately, along with my usual mix of articles worth reading, books I’ve been sitting with, shows and films that sparked joy, and anything else that captured my attention over the past few weeks.
My hope is that this newsletter feels like a cosy conversation, like we’re swapping recommendations over coffee at the end of a long year. And as always, I’d love to hear from you too. If you’ve discovered something interesting, strange, or comforting lately, feel free to send it my way. I love knowing what you’re consuming, thinking about, or quietly loving.
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What I’ve Been Loving this month…
I was kindly gifted SAMI’s Hydrate & Refine Bundle a few weeks ago, which includes their No-Rinse Hydrating Cream Cleanser and the AHA + BHA Exfoliating Toner. I like a streamlined routine, so these have worked well for days when I’m moving quickly — especially early mornings or post-workout.
The Hydrating Cream Cleanser has been the standout. It melts away makeup, sunscreen, and daily build-up while leaving my skin calm and hydrated. I love that there’s no rinsing needed — I just apply, wipe away, and I’m done. It’s also a great alternative to makeup wipes, which makes it both convenient and less wasteful.
Paired with the AHA + BHA Exfoliating toner, I’ve noticed a smoother, brighter complexion over the past few weeks. It’s been my go-to after my workouts when I want something effective that doesn’t require a full bathroom setup.
What I appreciate most is how these products are designed for real life — early mornings, late nights and sweaty gym days. They’re vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated to handle SPF, zinc, sweat, and makeup without the fuss of a full sink routine.
If you’ve been curious about SAMI, they’ve given me an exclusive code (KELLY20) for 20% off storewide. You can use my referral link to browse their range and save a little while you do.
I was invited to an advanced screening of Running Man earlier this month. I don’t often go to the cinema, so it was a refreshing change in my routine. There’s something special about watching a film on the big screen—being fully immersed, popcorn in hand, and no distractions. It wasn’t my favourite film, but it was interesting to see this adaptation that blends comedy and action together.
This month, I’ve become obsessed with a new Chanel perfume—a sweet gift from a coworker that’s quickly become my daily go-to. This fragrance is a fresh, floral, woody musk with bright tangerine top notes. Inspired by the Basque coast, it blends sparkling citrus with soft lily of the valley and finishes with warm white musk and patchouli.
I got my second piercing for my birthday a couple of weeks ago, and it’s finally healed—so I can now rotate my earrings again. One thing I wish I had done earlier in my twenties is invest in quality jewellery. I’ve been wearing these earrings from Ardant almost every day, and I love how timeless they feel.
As the year starts to wind down, I’ve been reflecting on the past twelve months. Notion has been a big help with that—it’s where I track everything from finances and habits to the films, shows, and books I’ve consumed.
Reading continues to be one of the most grounding parts of my routine. I’ve been using my e-reader a lot more lately. After finishing Alchemised, I was reminded how convenient it is to have a whole library in one device—especially when I’m reading outdoors or on the go.
Another new habit I’ve picked up is taking an online course on investing. It’s become a bit of a weekend ritual—brewing coffee, studying, and watching my lessons. It feels good to be learning something new again.
If you’re interested in generating passive income, I’ve written a post about getting started here.
And if you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know I’m a big advocate for replacing boredom doomscrolling with offline hobbies. Lately, I’ve been reaching for my Sudoku puzzles whenever I get that familiar urge to scroll. It’s simple, but it’s been such a nice way to unplug.
Don’t forget, if you’d like to ask me a question, you can submit your questions anonymously below. It can be about anything (career, living abroad, travelling, navigating your twenties, etc).
Past questions that have been asked by this community:
What’s something an outsider wouldn’t know about your career industry (social media/marketing)?
What are your passive incomes, and any advice for starting your own?
What I’ve Read
I’m currently at 82 books I’ve read this year. My 2025 reading goal was 60 books, so I’m well ahead of my goal. This month’s reading mix included romance, fantasy and paranormal. Below, I’m sharing my favourite quotes, ratings, and the tropes that really stood out from each book.
Alchemised by SenLinYu
⭐️ rating: 4.5/5 stars
📖 Genres & book tropes: dark fantasy, fiction
“You’re like a rose in a graveyard, I wonder what you could have turned into without the war.”
SenLinYu’s Alchemised is the kind of book that reminds you fantasy can still be deeply human. Set in a world where alchemy, faith, and science intertwine, it’s a story about love, power, and the way history chooses who to remember.
What captivated me most wasn’t just the plot — it was how the book examines truth and memory. It asks who gets to tell the story of a war, whose voices are amplified, and whose are quietly erased. The world-building is stunning in its precision: a blend of mysticism and machinery, devotion and decay. Every detail feels deliberate, grounded in the unsettling question of how far people will go in the name of belief.
At its heart, Alchemised is about survival — the cost of it, the compromises it demands, and the silence it leaves behind. The female characters, in particular, are complex and unforgettable. They are brilliant, resilient, and forced to navigate systems designed to diminish them, yet they endure with a quiet strength that lingers long after the final page.
And the romance… it’s not soft, but it’s deeply felt. It’s the kind of love forged through ruin — imperfect, consuming, and profoundly human.
There’s a melancholy beauty to this book. It’s dense and philosophical, yet full of moments that feel fragile and intimate. SenLinYu writes with precision and compassion, crafting a story that’s as much about ideas as it is about emotion.
Alchemised is for readers who crave layered worldbuilding, moral complexity, and slow-burn storytelling that lingers in your chest. It’s one of those rare books that makes you sit in silence for a while after finishing — not because of the twists, but because of what it makes you feel.
The Second Death of Locke by V.L. Bovalino
⭐️ rating: 3.5/5 stars
📖 Genres & book tropes: Gothic, fantasy, romance, friends to lovers, slow-burn romance
“What is love, without freedom?” she murmured against his skin. He leaned close to kiss her shoulder, then to whisper in her ear. “What is life, without you?”
In a world where magic is sustained through sacred bonds between mages and their chosen, The Second Death of Locke follows Grey Flynn, a warrior bound to protect her mage, Kier. Together, they are pulled into a war that tests loyalty, devotion, and destiny. But Grey hides a truth that could unravel the world itself — she is the heir to the lost island of Locke, the root of all power. If she dies, all magic dies with her. What unfolds is a devastatingly romantic epic about sacrifice, love, and the cost of carrying a power too great for one person to bear.
This book started off so strong. From the very first chapters, I was completely immersed — the world-building, the war-torn landscape, and the quiet hum of political intrigue had me hooked. The writing is undeniably beautiful, lyrical even, though the pacing might take some getting used to. It’s one of those stories that unfolds slowly, like a bruise spreading under the skin.
The relationship between Grey and Kier is the heart of the story — raw, codependent, and full of yearning. I loved how it subverted the usual dynamic: Grey is the one burning for him, the one ready to die and destroy for love. That obsessive devotion coming from a woman’s perspective felt both tragic and empowering. Their childhood-friends-to-lovers tension is painful in the best way — that kind of slow burn where every glance feels like it could undo them.
Grey, as a character, completely captivated me. She’s fierce and stubborn, driven by both rage and tenderness — the embodiment of feminine strength that refuses to be tamed. Kier, while gentle and kind, felt distant at times; I wished we’d had a dual POV, because so much of him is filtered through Grey’s gaze. You can feel his quiet worship in the background, but I wanted to hear it too.
What surprised me most was how the book expanded beyond romantic love. It’s also about devotion in all its forms — the bonds between friends, the weight of legacy, and the families we choose for ourselves. Beneath the magic and battlefields, it explores autonomy, choice, and the impossible expectations placed upon those born to power.
Set against a backdrop that feels almost Scottish or Icelandic — wild oceans, jagged cliffs, and storm-swept isles — The Second Death of Locke is haunting, tragic, and quietly hopeful. It may stumble in pacing, and it left me wanting a little more from Kier’s side of the story, but it’s still a deeply emotional fantasy that lingers. The kind that asks not just what you’d die for, but who you’d live for.
Heavenly Bodies by Imani Erriu
⭐️ rating: fiction, fantasy, romance
📖 Genres & book tropes: fiction, fantasy, romance
“People can only meet you as deeply as they’ve met themselves.”
Heavenly Bodies delivers a romance-heavy fantasy filled with prophecies, celestial villains, and an irresistible star-crossed pull. After her kingdom falls to the Star of Wrath, Elara flees to Helios and ends up training under Prince Lorenzo—sparking a bond neither of them can ignore. The premise is strong, the zodiac-inspired world is intriguing, and Elara and Enzo’s chemistry is easily the highlight of the book.
For the first 75% I flew through the story—the writing was smooth, the worldbuilding promising, and the characters felt alive. But a noticeable 20% dip disrupted the momentum: the writing weakened, Elara’s choices became frustrating, and the pacing grew messy. The ending, packed with rapid-fire twists, felt rushed and confusing, making it hard to stay grounded in the plot. Some relationships and worldbuilding elements also felt underdeveloped, leaving a sense that something essential was missing.
Still, the romance shines, the ideas are exciting, and the foundation for the series is solid. If you enjoy fantasy that leans heavily into tropes and star-crossed tension, this is an entertaining start—with room to grow in future instalments.
If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia
⭐️ rating: 4/5 stars
📖 Genres & book tropes: contemporary romance, slow burn, small town romance
“he knows how to make people feel seen. Sometimes too seen. He’s so different from me. If I’m autumn, he’s spring. He’s all smiles and glowing warmth.”
If It Makes You Happy is a warm, cozy fall romance that feels like slipping into your favourite ’90s rom-com. We follow Michelle, who temporarily moves to Copper Run, Vermont, to run her mom’s bed and breakfast after her divorce — a “simple” plan that quickly unravels when her new neighbour, Cliff, points out her disastrous scones and even worse small talk. Cliff is the town’s golden boy: a charming single dad, beloved baker, and the kind of man who just gets people. Becoming friends with him and his daughters is easy. Not falling for him? Much harder — especially when Michelle knows she’s supposed to leave in three months.
Michelle and Cliff’s friends-to-lovers slow burn is sweet, supportive, and full of wholesome small-town moments. Michelle’s growth is heartfelt, and Cliff brings warmth and humour, even if his self-doubt sometimes gets repetitive. Their banter, chemistry, and makeshift family dynamic (plus Rocket the dog!) make this story genuinely delightful.
I do wish the strained mother–daughter storyline had been explored more, but overall, this book gave me all the cozy fall vibes I wanted. Charming, nostalgic, and quietly tender — a perfect pick if you want a feel-good autumn romance.
📚 Don’t miss out on these 30 books you NEED to read in your twenties. 📚
November Articles and Essays
Here are a few of my favourite long-form pieces I’ve enjoyed reading in November.
Doomscrolling in the 1850s The Atlantic was born in an era of information overload.
Exhausted employees don’t want it – so why has Greece introduced a 13-hour work day?
Media that kept me curious this week
What I’ve Watched
Tv shows
Teen Wolf (2011 - 2017)
Took a trip down memory lane and rewatched Teen Wolf. Post-Halloween, I was craving paranormal and settled on Teen Wolf.
“An average high school student and his best friend get caught up in some trouble causing him to receive a werewolf bite. As a result they find themselves in the middle of all sorts of dramas in Beacon Hills.”
Nobody Wants This (Season 2)
I really enjoyed the first season and binged the second season of Nobody Wants This in one weekend. It was refreshing to watch as we follow up on Noah and Joanne’s relationship amidst wildly different lives and meddling families.
“Don’t you think we deserve to be in relationships where we can both be exactly who we are while still moving forward?”
Witcher (Season 4) (2019 - Ongoing)
“Geralt of Rivia, a solitary monster hunter, struggles to find his place in a world where people often prove more wicked than beasts.”
Want a roundup of TV shows and films delivered to your inbox at the start of each month? Check out my monthly reset series.
Movies
Frankenstein (2025)
This film stays with you long after the credits roll, beautifully crafted and raising profound questions—most notably, what happens when you assume the role of the creator. Dr. Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant yet egotistical scientist, brings a creature to life in a daring experiment, setting in motion a chain of events that leads to the downfall of both creator and creation.
“My place was never in this world. I sought and longed for something I could not quite name. But in you, I found it. To be lost and to be found, that is the lifespan of love. And in its brevity, its tragedy... this has been made eternal. Better this way... to fade... with your eyes gazing upon me.”
Mummy (1999)
This film will forever be one of my favourites that I watch each year.
“At an archaeological dig in the ancient city of Hamunaptra, an American serving in the French Foreign Legion accidentally awakens a mummy who begins to wreak havoc as he searches for the reincarnation of his long-lost love.”
Running Man (2025)
“A man joins a game show where contestants, allowed to go anywhere in the world, are pursued by hunters hired to kill them.”
Dracula: A Love Tale
I’ve been in the mood for gothic and period pieces lately, and this adaptation of Dracula was fascinating. The story was gripping, the atmosphere perfectly eerie, and the ending left me staring at the wall in disbelief.
“When a 15th-century prince denounces God after the loss of his wife he inherits an eternal curse: he becomes Dracula. Condemned to wander the centuries, he defies fate and death, guided by a single hope - to be reunited with his lost love.”
Wicked: For Good
Having seen the musical live, I was curious to watch the second part of the film in cinemas. It was enjoyable overall, though the plot twists didn’t really surprise me, and a few moments felt a bit uneven in their pacing.
“Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West and her relationship with Glinda, the Good Witch of the North. The second of a two-part feature film adaptation of the Broadway musical.”
Eternity (2025)
“In an afterlife where souls have one week to decide where to spend eternity, Joan is faced with the impossible choice between the man she spent her life with and her first love, who died young and has waited decades for her to arrive.”
Feel free to share what you’ve read, watched or listened to this past month in the comments! I always love media recommendations.
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Here are a few of my most popular posts from November, loved by you:
Long-form posts
Here’s also my mood of the month:
That’s it for now, but you’ll be hearing from me soon!
Until next time,
Before you go: You can find me on Instagram, Fable, and TikTok to keep up with my updates, oversharing and recommendations in real-time.
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Saved all the books although I haven't reached my reading goal. Thank you for this cozy piece ❤️
So thrilled so see SAMI featured! Also thank you SO much for more watching recs, especially over the silly season because you knowww I'm queuing those up. xxx