Reading has long been an important part of my life, however finding somewhere peaceful to relax and really enjoy it these days is increasingly difficult. Those of you with children added to the mix, rather than just a husband to contend with, I salute you, I don’t know how you find the peace and quiet!
I do find myself seeking out this quiet time more and more these days, it’s a coping mechanism for me, and in times of stress and anxiety, it’s one of my go to strategies, alongside Netflix binges and “colouring in” of course!
I think the fact that I’m an only child means that my own company is often the BEST company and the alone time really helps my mental wellbeing.
I do have a few favourite places to read, not any old place will do! I wonder if these are similar to yours…
In the garden
This is a pretty seasonal one, and given that weather “up north” isn’t that amazing, most of the time, I always cherish the time I get to spend reading in the garden.
We have a little suntrap at the bottom of the garden under the trees, where I can indulge in some YA fantasy novels whilst listening to the birds above me… usually with a G&T, I mean why not right?
In my study
I recently redecorated my study, it’s pretty much the opposite of my husband’s “man cave” (otherwise known as our living room!) and apart from this being where I do most of my blogging and wedding stationery orders, it’s also where I’m most likely to be found reading. It’s peaceful, bright during the day, and cosy during the evenings. I can pamper myself by popping on my favourite scented candle, pulling on something luxurious and comfy like this lovely DKNY super soft robe and relax, pure BLISS!
There’s also something really comforting about being surrounded by books. I don’t keep a huge number of books after I’ve read them, mainly due to space, but those that I do keep often hold great memories for me. My selection of point horrors for example (remember them?). I just can’t bear to part with them, as naff as I would probably think them, if I attempted to read them again. The 12-year-old me however, LOVED them, so there they will stay.
In bed
For most people I know this is a big nono, and although we don’t have a TV in the bedroom, I do often find myself in bed with a book. During the winter I don’t think there’s anything better than snuggling up under the duvet with a brew and a good book.
There’s always the danger of nodding off though of course, so I try and keep the late night reading to a minimum. It’s not uncommon for my husband to find me fast asleep with a book open snoring my head off. He says, obviously I DON’T snore….ever.
I can almost always guarantee that I will be joined by one, or both, of my furbabies. I like to think it’s the pleasure of my company, rather than the warmth but I’m probably kidding myself! I’m sure fellow cat owners will agree that a cats purr is one of the most relaxing sounds you’ll ever hear. Izzy’s belly is certainly my definition of a worry ball ?
So how do they compare to your favourite reading spots? I’d love to hear your suggestions!
Thank you to UK Lingerie for providing the robe as a gift, it truly is as comfy as it looks and is a new “reading uniform” staple for me.
I’m really surprised this post was sponsored by the lingerie brand! That’s a VERY creative way to incorporate a product into a post, props to you! The robe looks gorgeous too, by the way. I love reading in the garden when it’s warm enough. Or in the bath, when it’s cold enough to have a bath. I definitely think the bath is where I get the biggest chunks of reading done. Partially because I never wanna get out! xx
Author
thanks! I’m pleased it wasn’t obvious hehe ?
I had no idea when I started reading that this post would include a product from a lingerie company! Very clever (& a lovely robe too!) I love spending quiet time reading but unfortunately I often don’t get the chance to read. Your garden looks like the perfect summer reading spot 🙂 x
Author
ha thanks, always trying to think of inventive posts instead of a straight forward review
Bed is also my favourite place to read, either that or the beach! Love the robe too!
Oh my gosh i love this post!
I love your little garden too, i might have to get myself a little spot like that… and a G&T also haha.
Oh my, that robe does look very comfortable! You are probably the most photogenic when reading person I’ve ever seen! 😀 thanks for sharing;)
Author
ha! thanks ?
Aww I do love snuggling up in bed with a good book! Lovely to do in winter when it’s cold outside x
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
Awwww, love this post! I think reading in my bed and on the couch is my fav. 🙂
x finja ~ http://www.effcaa.com
I used to love taking a good book to the garden on in the bath with me. I hate that I just don’t get the time anymore but hopefully I’ll be able to once my little one starts nursery full time.
Ps. Your garden is just lovely!
Jordanne || Thelifeofaglasgowgirl.co.uk
I love your post. I love reading on my bed, as do you. I also read in public, aka anywhere I get to – in the metro, buses, even long queues. I love your garden too.
Gayathri @ Musings Over Nothing
Author
ahh yes long queues! I love my kindle for that!
I’d definitely pick my bed, but if I had a lovely little study then that would be a good pick too! <3
sophieannetaylor.com
I love reading in the garden. In my student house I haven’t had one but when I go home my garden has been all done up, hats off to my stepdad, so it is such a lovely spot to read in the summer. My bed is also my favourite and probably most convenient.
Lois x
http://www.lifeasloismay.wordpress.com
This is such a lovely post idea – these are definetely some of my favourite places to read! I love reading in a bubble bath and at coffee shops too x
Kayleigh Zara ?www.kayleighzaraa.com
Author
ahh yes a bubble bath! I forgot that one, probably a good thing considering the photos ?
My favourite place to read is in my reading nook! It’s perfectly cosy and allows me to really immerse myself in the world of the books that I’m reading ??
Author
ooo a nook! I must get myself one of those1
Your robe does look amazingly comfy! It’s too hot here in Arizona to read outside! ? I usually end up reading on my couch in the living room cuddled with with one of my dogs! I would love to see some of your favorite books!
My favourite reading spot is my day bed with a blanket and my cat snoozing on my feet. Although you’re right, it’s very easy to drop off to sleep!
Fun idea for a post! Your reading spaces look amazing ??
My favourite place to read is in bed, but I can read in most places tbh!
Amy x
Author
same, even on a holiday to disney I would read in the queue lol
One of my fav reading spots is by the beach and sea! I’m very lucky to live right by the sea, you walk out of my front door and are straight opposite the beach so I like to dander down there when the weathers nice and like you when the. Weathers not so good I love to cuddle up under my duvet and read!
PaleGirlRambling xo
Author
so do I! well a ten minute walk. I sometimes bike down and sit listening to the waves. I love the smell as well
My fav place to read is in my bed and on my porch in the summer.
I’m absolutely in love with your garden, and living in Chicago, I can totally relate to trying to make the most of what nice weather you do get. Your study looks so bright and airy, too! I usually like to read near where my husband works, which means I’m often in an armchair in the living room of our apartment!
xx
Emily
Emilyhallock.blogspot.com
Author
awww that’s lovely. my husband is usually screaming at a footie game so next to him isn’t usually peaceful lol
Your kittyyyyy is so cute! I love to read under a tree with a blanket to relax on if it feels nice outside (it’s currently hot as you know what) and I love to read at the beach but we don’t really have many actual “beaches” around here (I live in Kentucky, US).
Much love xx
Kimberly
http://www.lifeofkimberly.com
Author
awww thanks, she’s my cutie but then I am biased ?
This is a lovely post! I actually very recently got back into reading, and I like to do it right when I wake up in the morning while I have my coffee, and right before I go to bed. In the mornings I like to be by an open window for some fresh air and natural light, and at night I also read in bed until I’m ready to fall asleep.
People do always say that doing anything but sleeping in bed is a bad idea but I think that it helps me relax and fall asleep, and, like you said, my pets like to join me there and I love it. Thanks for sharing this! 🙂
Jaycee | anthropolojay.com
Author
same, as long as it’s not electronic I think it helps be “settle” ready for bed. I also read in the morning. I car share with my husband and I usually end up reading a few chapters on the way
I am also a bed reader, I love curling up under the covers and reading a few chapters of my latest book, it’s so relaxing, I also like to find places outdoors, I made a video not long ago about my favourite places to read outside 🙂
Rosy | Sparkles of Light Blog
My Instagram | Instagram
Author
ooo I shall have to check that one out ❤️
My favourite reading spots are my bed and the garden. And I am personally a fan of real books vis-à-vis e-books!
My favourite reading spots are my bed and the garden. And I personally am a fan of ‘real books’ vis-à-vis e-books!
Ooh your study does look so bright and wonderful for reading in! I’m already missing reading outside, there’s nothing quite as lovely xx