the matcha diaries

we're back with another jampacked autumnal BOOK EPISODE!!! this one is all about our tbr & hopefully it can inspire some of you at the same time. <3

all the books we speak about:

Classics

• Rebecca — Daphne du Maurier
• The Count of Monte Cristo — Alexandre Dumas
• Dracula — Bram Stoker
• The Girl in White — Lindsay Currie
• Hallowe’en Party — Agatha Christie
• Dead Poets Society — N. H. Kleinbaum
• Jane Eyre — Charlotte Brontë

Fantasy/Witchy

• The Once and Future Witches — Alix E. Harrow
• Rewitched — Lucy Jane Wood
• One Dark Window — Rachel Gillig
• the new ACOTAR !! — Sarah J. Maas
• Phantasma — Kaylie Smith
• A Sorceress Comes to Call — T. Kingfisher
• A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking — T. Kingfisher
• A Discovery of Witches — Deborah Harkness
• A Dark and Secret Magic — Wallis Kinney
• The Witches of Cambridge — Menna van Praag
• One Dark Window — Rachel Gillig
• A Natural History of Dragons — Marie Brennan

Romance/Romantasy

• Assistant to the Villain — Hannah Nicole Maehrer
• Immortal Consequences — I. V. Marie
• Arcana Academy — Elise Kova

• The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy — Megan Bannen

Dark Academia / Mystery / Thriller

• London Falling — Paul Cornell
• Not Quite Dead Yet — Holly Jackson

• Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant — Darci Hannah
• In the Company of Witches — Auralee Wallace
• The It Girl — Ruth Ware
• The Goldfinch — Donna Tartt
• The Thirteenth Tale — Diane Setterfield
• If We Were Villains — M. L. Rio

Horror

• ‘Salem’s Lot — Stephen King
• Bunny — Mona Awad
• Coraline — Neil Gaiman
• Alchemised — SenLinYu
• Slewfoot — Brom

Other

Falling for Peachtree Bluff — Kristy Woodson Harvey

to stay up to date on our lives, contribute to future episodes and share any of your thoughts - pls do follow us on ⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠tiktok⁠⁠ or subscribe to us on youtube ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ or ⁠here⁠ (leo's booktube) ! ☕ also, if you want to join our BOOK CLUB... you can join us ⁠here⁠ - current book of the month is 'Salem's Lot' by Stephen King).

if you don't have any social media and want to chat (or for advertising opportunities), please email us at: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

it is finally time for the autumn diaries and we couldn't be MOREE excited eep!! If you’re looking to build the ultimate autumn tbr, we’ve got you covered. from cozy, low-stakes fantasy and small-town witchy romances to moody dark academia and gothic classics, we are breaking down our absolute must reads for the season.

we’re sharing our personal favourites, our latest additions, and the stories we can’t stop thinking about.

Books Mentioned in This Episode:

Witchy Vibes & Everyday Magic

• The Ex Hex (Series) by Erin Sterling

• The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

• A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna

• Weyward by Emilia Hart

• Heartless Hunter & Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli

Cozy & Enchanting Fantasy

• The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst

• Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Fairies by Heather Fawcett

• The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig

• Silver Elite (Series)

• Twilight & ACOTAR (Our cozy re-reads!)

Dark Academia & Secret Societies

• The Secret History by Donna Tartt

• Babel by R.F. Kuang

• If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio

• Bunny by Mona Awad

• Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang

• The Academy by Erin Hildebrand

• The Exorcism of Faeries by J.L. Vampa

Gothic Classics

• Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

• Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

• Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

• The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

Mysteries, Thrillers & Sleuths

• Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy

• Murder at the Bookstore by Sue Minix

• A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

• The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

• And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

Romance & Heartwarming

• The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston

• If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia

• You, Again by Kate Goldbeck

• My Roommate is a Vampire by Jenna Levine

• Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Graphic Novels

• Witches of Brooklyn by Sophie Escabasse

p.s we know that cara's video and audio are slightly out of sync at times and will try to work on a solution for the future on this as we are not 100 percent sure whyy this kept happening! Sorry if this gets a bit annoying to watch!!

to stay up to date on our lives, contribute to future episodes and share any of your thoughts - pls do follow us on ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠tiktok⁠⁠⁠ or subscribe to us on youtube ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ (leo's booktube) ! ☕ also, if you want to join our BOOK CLUB... you can join us ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ - current book of the month is 'rebecca' by daphne du maurier).

if you don't have any social media and want to chat (or for advertising opportunities), please email us at: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

guys what can we say, this episode is objectively, kinda, really, a little bit *weird*... please see this as one big mind map being actively created ft. audio cut outs, real time realisations & autumnal themed tangents... aka WELCOME TO OUR BRAINS!!!

some resources to create your own (much better planned) personal curriculum:

• Online courses: Coursera, edX, Udemy, MIT OpenCourseWare, Khan Academy, Class Central, LinkedinLearning, Skillshare, great courses
• YouTube: CrashCourse, TedED, Great Art Explained, The Life Guide, OverSimplified, freeCodeCamp, Kurzgesagt
• Books and articles: Google eBookstore, Project Gutenberg, Open Library, Internet Archive, Libby, Medium, Substack
• Communities: Subreddits, Discord, Facebook, Amino, Skool

you can find the personal curriculum notion template we mention here <3

to stay up to date on our lives, contribute to future episodes and share any of your thoughts - pls do follow us on ⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠tiktok⁠⁠ or subscribe to us on youtube ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ or ⁠here⁠ (leo's booktube) ! ☕ also, if you want to join our BOOK CLUB... you can join us ⁠here⁠ - current book of the month is 'rebecca' by daphne du maurier).

if you don't have any social media and want to chat (or for advertising opportunities), please email us at: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

dare we say.. grab a pumpkin spice latte, light a candle & get cosy with us for this week’s big yap ☕️🍂

in today’s episode, cara shares the huge life update of finally going wedding dress shopping (and unexpectedly finding the one!!), while leo debriefs her week of unplugging from media, silent walks, and romanticising everyday routines. then, we dive deep into the psychology of nostalgia: why rewatching our favourite comfort shows (hello, gilmore girls season) feels so safe, the science of remembering things through rose-tinted glasses, and finding peace in who we used to be. 

(p.s. if you want to skip our weekly yap about cara unexpectedly buying her wedding dress and leo’s week of silent walks, skip straight to 33:40 for the nostalgia chat! 🤍)

to stay up to date on our lives, contribute to future episodes and share any of your thoughts - pls do Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠tiktok⁠⁠⁠ or subscribe to us on youtube ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠! ☕ Thinking of joining our BOOK CLUB? We’d love to have you! Check it out  ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠! for advertising opportunities, or you don't have any social media and want to chat, please email us at: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

are you also constantly playing music, podcasts, youtube videos and even series in the background?? have we lost the ability to be in silence with our thoughts? and maybe most importantly, what impact is that having on our brains?

these questions (& more) are the ones that prompted us to go on a good old fashioned research DEEP DIVE this episode. we cover:

• what impact does silence have on our brain (creativity & emotional processing)?
• is constant stimulation actually making our overthinking tendencies worse?
• can music ever have a positive impact on productivity?
• what impact does being an extrovert or introvert have on your tolerance for environmental stimulation?
• social silence and how we can apply this to ourselves

as always, grab yourself a hot drink & enjoy this episode! <3 FYI: the main topic starts 14:53 mins in

to stay up to date on our lives, contribute to future episodes and share any of your thoughts - pls do follow us on ⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠tiktok⁠⁠ or subscribe to us on youtube ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ or ⁠here⁠ (leo's booktube) ! ☕ also, if you want to join our BOOK CLUB... you can join us ⁠here⁠.

if you don't have any social media and want to chat (or for advertising opportunities), please email us at: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

YT video mentioned:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quroaZV0YBc

References:

https://medium.com/@thewhimsicalshots/why-your-brain-needs-silence-more-than-music-5d46f442bfe8

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12109699/#B45-brainsci-15-00482

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/jun/19/usa.guantanamo 

https://newhumanist.org.uk/articles/why-your-brain-needs-silence/

https://quietquality.nl/en/blog/what-silence-does-your-brain/ 

https://neurosity.co/guides/silence-vs-music-deep-work 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12109699/#B45-brainsci-15-00482 

join us this week for the long awaited guest episode where ed & i (cara) are joined by our lovely neighbours... who are also called cara and ed! (confusing I KNOWW) 

we asked you guys to send in your relationship/COUPLE questions, and we had a big chat answering them from both of our couples' perspectives. we got into so many juicy themes, including:

1. maintaining independence & social life: answering questions on how to balance quality time as a couple while still making time for your own friends, and how to make sure you grow together without hindering your individual progress or hobbies.
2. co-living logistics: tackling the day-to-day realities of living together, including tips for just moving in together, keeping your sanity when living with in-laws, and navigating a "bedtime gap" when one person is an early bird and the other is a night owl.
3. managing finances: discussing the tricky topic of splitting expenses, whether to use joint bank accounts, and how to handle it when couples want to approach saving and spending differently.
4. conflict resolution & the 7-year itch: sharing advice on how to actually reconnect after a fight, learning each other's fighting styles, and having super honest conversations about navigating doubts or the "seven-year itch" in a long-term relationship.
5. keeping the spark alive: answering how to maintain attraction and romance post-honeymoon phase, from understanding each other's love languages (and actually using them!) to planning intentional, thoughtful dates.

whether you're single, moving in with your partner, or years into a relationship, grab a matcha and join us as we share our honest thoughts & advice.

to stay up to date on our lives, contribute to future episodes and share any of your thoughts - pls do Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tiktok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or subscribe to us on youtube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! ☕ Thinking of joining our BOOK CLUB? We’d love to have you! Check it out  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! for advertising opportunities, or you don't have any social media and want to chat, please email us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

in this week's episode, we have a big yap and end up unpacking a few big conversations around self-image, getting older, and modern influencer culture

we talk about:

• growing up, aging, & acceptance: shifting from fearing the milestone of turning 30 to finding quiet gratitude in aging naturally (and spotting our first forehead lines in the mirror).

• beauty standards & self-perception: how we see ourselves versus how the world sees us, ranging from the drama of "hair dysmorphia" after a haircut to the normalization of procedures like botox and "looksmaxing" for younger generations.

• influencer culture vs. authenticity: unpacking the viral nantucket craft shop that posted a "no influencers allowed" sign, and debating whether anti influencer backlash stems from subtle misogyny, spatial disrespect, or general performative fatigue.

to stay up to date on our lives, contribute to future episodes and share any of your thoughts - pls do Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠tiktok⁠⁠⁠⁠ or subscribe to us on youtube ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠! ☕ Thinking of joining our BOOK CLUB? We’d love to have you! Check it out  ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠! for advertising opportunities, or you don't have any social media and want to chat, please email us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

TRIGGER WARNING: this episode discusses eating disorders, disordered eating, body image, weight loss, body comparison, celebrity bodies and potentially triggering content around food and appearance. Please take care of yourself while listening.

if you’d prefer to skip our highs and lows, our main conversation starts at 19:30.

in this episode we address the recent conversation surrounding Ariana Grande and, more broadly public body criticism, celebrity culture and the way we talk about people’s appearances online.

we get into why we feel so uncomfortable commenting on someone else’s body, even when those comments come from a place of genuine concern. we talk about the difference between expressing concern and contributing to harmful body discourse, whether celebrities have any responsibility for the images they put into the world, and whether the public has any right to expect an explanation about someone’s health.

we also talk about our own experiences with body image and why seeing certain content online can affect us differently depending on where we are in our own journeys.

we also chat about the potential impact of seeing this kind of content when you’re younger, whether trigger warnings actually help, and what we can do when we notice the internet starting to negatively affect our own relationship with our bodies.

It’s a messy, nuanced conversation, and we’re very aware that there isn’t one “right” way to talk about something this complicated. we’re sharing our own thoughts and experiences rather than pretending to have the answers, and, as always, we’d love to hear yours.

USEFUL RESOURCES 🤍

If anything discussed in this episode brings something up for you, please take care of yourself. You don’t have to be struggling with a diagnosed eating disorder to reach out for support.

🇬🇧 UK

• ​Beat Eating Disorders information, support and resources for anyone affected by an eating disorder. You don’t need a formal diagnosis to contact them.https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/
• ​Beat Helpline confidential support via phone, email and webchat.https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/get-help-for-myself/i-need-support-now/helplines/
• ​NHS Eating Disorders information about eating disorders and accessing support through the NHS.https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/behaviours/eating-disorders/overview/

🇺🇸 US

• ​National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) information, a free confidential screening tool, treatment-finding resources, support groups and resources for loved ones.https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
• ​NEDA Get Help a useful starting point if you’re worried about yourself or someone else and aren’t sure what to do next.https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/get-help/

🇩🇪 Germany

• ​ANAD Essstörungen support and information for people affected by eating disorders and their loved ones, including free and anonymous initial consultations and telephone/online support.https://www.anad.de/beratung/
• ​ANAD Telephone Support confidential and free support for people affected by eating disorders, family members and professionals.https://www.anad.de/beratung/betroffene/telefonberatung/

PODCASTS WE MENTION

• ​Shameless we mention their discussion around Ariana Grande and the ethics of talking publicly about another person’s body and health.
• ​Let’s Talk About Myths, Baby! leo’s current Greek mythology obsession, which she recommends after watching The Odyssey.

as always, we’re not experts or professionals. Please take what feels helpful, leave what doesn’t, and be kind to yourself 🤍

this episode we're looking back at the goals & intentions we set for ourselves at the beginning of the year and reflect on how they're going so far & how we're (honestly) feeling.

prompts we answer (for you to follow along):

• what is one overarching intention you would like to set for this coming year?
• what are three ways you will push yourself out of your comfort zone in 2026?
• what do you want to do more/less of in 2026?
• what are 5 things you want to accomplish in 2026 (can be small/big)?

to stay up to date on our lives, contribute to future episodes and share any of your thoughts - pls do follow us on ⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠tiktok⁠⁠ or subscribe to us on youtube ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ or ⁠here⁠ (leo's booktube) ! ☕ also, if you want to join our BOOK CLUB... you can join us ⁠here⁠ - current book of the month is 'the someday garden' by ashley poston).

if you don't have any social media and want to chat (or for advertising opportunities), please email us at: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

grab a cup of coffee or matcha and join us in our pajamas for a cozy sunday morning recs & life catch-up

this week, we’re sharing all our current favourites. from nostalgic TV and playlists, to our favourite recent reads and board games. We also have an honest chat about navigating busy seasons and learning to feel multiple emotions at the same time.

here is everything we cover & recommend in this episode:

what we’re watching and listening to:

• restarting one tree hill for peak nostalgia!!
• hart of dixie
• dallas cowboys cheerleaders (season 3) + playing the playlist for ultimate main-character airport struts (link here)

what we’re reading:

• phoebe berman is gonna lose it by brooke avrick (the ultimate funny, but heartfelt rom com)
• the reappearance of rachel price by holly jackson (for a fast paced lighthearted mystery)
• the collected regrets of clover (taking it slow & finding comfort in the story)

games&apps we’re obsessed with 

• crossplay (online scrabble with friends!)
• board game night classics: catan, taboo, and black stories

Current thoughts: 

• navigating dual emotions: feeling confidence & anxiety, or grief & joy at the exact same time
• busy adult routines, hard choices, and postponing trips home
• leo’s wedding trip to tuscany & our wholesome reunited mornings in london 

to stay up to date on our lives, contribute to future episodes and share any of your thoughts - pls do Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠tiktok⁠⁠⁠ or subscribe to us on youtube ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠! ☕ Thinking of joining our BOOK CLUB? We’d love to have you! Check it out  ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠! for advertising opportunities, or you don't have any social media and want to chat, please email us at: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠