weekly reading vlog | hay-on-wye book shopping, birthday trip & mental health chats

Hiiii everyone,
I've been a little quiet lately as I've been celebrating my birthday! 🎈🎂
I took a trip to the world’s first book town, Hay-on-wye, as the treehouse I stayed in wasn't too far. I had the pleasure of reading Funny Story, by Emily Henry for the entire trip (I still have mixed feelings on that book btw) and starting I See Buildings Fall Like Lightening by Keiran Goddard.
Anyways… I'll definitely return to Hay-on-wye, especially to Richard Booths book shop as I could have easily spent all day in there.
I hope you enjoy this vlog and I can't wait to share all of the books and antiques I bought on the trip. 🥰
Speak soon! 💖
📖 Goodreads: / nickellesnook
💌 For business enquiries only: [e-mail]
All music in this vlog is from Epidemic Sound.
#weeklyvlog #readingvlog #booktube #bookchat #newbooks

[@adamhattan]

The down days 100% come in waves. I can't tell you how many times a year I feel like throwing in the towel and just running to the other side of the world. But in those times, I just remind myself 'this feeling is temporary.' Whilst it doesn't get rid of it, it grounds me whilst I ride it out and stops me from making any rash decisions. ☺️ Such a lovely vlog all around and love your vulnerability in these vlogs. The perfect Sunday morning watch 🥰

[@NickellesNook]

Ahh Adam! Hiiii 👋🏾 Awww thanks for sharing, it’s nice to know that I’m not alone. Thanks so much for the kind words! Can’t wait to have a watch of ep 3 later of your self-publishing book series! Thank you for being transparent and showing us bts of publishing your debut novel!!! ✨ Also, congrats btw I can’t wait to read it! ❤

[@sarahfrith1984]

I totally understand those bad days where you can’t focus or concentrate and don’t want to read, I hate those days, it’s the curse of chronic illness! Happy belated birthday 🎂

[@NickellesNook]

Yeah it’s so horrible isn’t it, being in a funk! Luckily it cleared, it’s so nice to know that I’m not alone. Thank you so much! 💖

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Gosh I relate so hard to you re: the feeling of isolation and the importance of having IRL connections. I absolutely love the cabin you went to!! I need to get myself there for some R&R 😂 also happy belated birthday and welcome to the 30’s ❤

[@NickellesNook]

It can be hard at times right? Definitely need to focus on doing more in person stuff like a book club etc. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in our homes when you work remote etc isn’t it. How are you finding it? Oh yes, you would absolutely love it!!! ❤️ Awww thank you! Excited to be part of it, I even found my first grey hair last week, so I feel like I’ve been initiated 😂 Btw, your recent video has really made me want to have a declutter! You were brutal. I need the same energy. I hope the move goes well and can’t wait to see moving vlogs etc ☺️🏡

[@cherryblossom5528]

The colors you give throughout this vlog is stunninggg even through the downs you shine the brightest

[@NickellesNook]

Oh wow this really made my day, this is so sweet. Thank you 💖

[@thejoysofhoardingbooks]

Happy Belated Birthday! Being open and honest with your struggles is what makes your channel so genuine and relatable to so many people! It's real life. I love your content and I am sending positive vibes your way and hopes that you feel better soon.

[@KittyAndTheBooks]

Happy birthday, Nickelle! What a wonderful spot to celebrate. I have been in my 30s for a while now, and I love it.

[@avleveri]

Happy belated birthday Nickelle! What a beautiful place to stay too. I hope this year brings you happiness and good times and that you will be surrounded with people you love!

[@luise_marianne]

Thank you for addressing mental health and being so open about it

[@TanyaWestley]

Happy belated 30th Nicelle! Thank you for sharing your trip with us and for always staying authentic through the ups and downs. Chronic illness can take so much from us so it's important we find joy in the little things and seeing you enjoy your stay in nature was wonderful :) x

[@chancecarer5234]

Happy birthday! I live with chronic daily pain issues. Yes! I understand the sadness and the feeling of isolation and loneliness. Sending love, hope, and strength your way.😇🙏

[@laurenmartin2247]

Happy birthday! What a privilege to have a glimpse into your lovely getaway and birthday celebrations, thank you for sharing with us 🥰

[@NickellesNook]

Awww thank you so much, that’s so sweet! ❤

[@Booklover90]

I understand the isolation. I’m forcing myself out of the house. Work from home too. Joined a couple book club and a running club. It makes me anxious to leave but I have to or I will do what my mom does and only leave the house to go to the doctor. Try and find an in person book club. It’s the best! ❤

[@pjsandpages92]

Happy birthday! I have bipolar disorder and can definitely relate to your bad days. Sometimes it feels like nothing can get you out of that funk. Love watching your content!

[@hannahandherstories]

Sending you good vibes and wishes for brighter days on the horizon 🌅

[@sapphoslibrary]

this is my first video of yours and i adored your honesty and the calm moments in this vlog!! i really understand how you're feeling with reading, and i've been feeling the same for a while now but seeing you try to push through and find something you're excited by is really motivating! also your pink suit on your birthday? a slay!!!

[@NickellesNook]

Awww thank you so much! 🫶🏾 Yeah it’s so horrible when you’re not feeling yourself, whilst in a slump. I’m sure the two definitely coincided with each other 😂 I can officially confirm I’m out of the slump now. Thanks for watching and I hope you’re enjoying your current read.

[@renske8773]

I love how relatable all your videos are, especially regarding chronic illness! I just had a very bad week, every day I felt I was doing a little better but then the next day would be shit again. I wasn't able to do any reading and it just felt so scary. Reading has been a hugeee hobby for me since I have ME/CFS and it has become like my entitre identity. Luckily yesterday I read some pages again and it was such a relief, even in such a short amount of time it is so easy to feel like you'll never get rid of the heaviness again and to fear it will become the new normal?? And I have a book rec! I suppose you already have it on your TBR because Hanna May is a big fan, but I feel like you'll love The Rachel Incident, it hit exactly the right note for me where it wasn't too silly or quirky but not too difficult either. The audio edition is wonderful as well! Also Real Life by Brandon Taylor if you're in for an immersive more serious read! Wish you lots of good reading xoxo

[@olamidekomolafe4936]

Happy belated birthday. Glad you had a lovely birthday. That cabin looks amazing. I have been watching your vlogs since the very beginning and you are just gorgeous. May this new decade bring you joy and good health. Enjoy your 30s, it flies by too fast.

[@ChanChan-ps8bz]

Loved this video. Really resonate with your mental health chat and can empathise with you massively! Hope you had a fab birthday ❤ also birthday outfit was 🔥

[@philippawood5047]

I understand how you are feeling and it is all so so valid. I really appreciated your vulnerability and it felt bittersweet how much I could relate. It will pass, just give yourself compassion and time. In terms of reading, I know this sounds a bit weird but maybe try a kid's book. Like I love The Very Hungry Caterpillar, it is for tiny humans but the pictures and the story just always uplifts be and I have such fond memories. Whatever yours is, pick it up from your library and see if that gets you out of the slump. Hope you had a great birthday, Nickelle!!🥳🥰

[@nissasbookcorner]

happy belated birthday!! thank you for always being so open with us. it makes us all feel a little less alone in our feelings and struggles

[@ArrowGate]

Happy belated birthday, Nickelle; we're glad you had a wonderful time. :)

[@leoniereads1234]

Happy birthday and I feel 30’s club are fun when you’re a reader

[@gracelovesbooks2]

Happy Birthday, Nickelle! Thank you for practicing vulnerability with us.

[@milexalexi9274]

Happy belated birthday!! I can definitely relate to feeling in a bit of a slump and have felt this way recently too. Honestly thank you for being so candid about it, I love your channel and keep being you xx

[@lucywells6579]

Happy belated birthday, what i enjoy about your channel is your honesty and how you keep it real. I hope you had a good trip away, I also went to hay last year and only came home with one book.

[@Onemorebookpodcast.]

Happy belated birthday 🥳 & thank you for sharing this with us.

[@MemphisJones]

Happy Belated Birthday Nickelle! I am glad you pushed thru your depressive periods, they come on like a flood and there is never a good time is there? But loved seeing your excitement at the treehouse.

[@neetupd8510]

Wish you a belated Happy Birthday Nickelle! May the coming year bring lots of love,joy and good health! ❤️ Loved the vlog!😊

[@amanduhreads]

I don’t know if someone has commented this but Cherry is also a film! It’s with Tom Holland it’s amazing. I hope you had the best birthday 🎈

[@georgiah8162]

Happy 30th Nickelle !!! Looks like you had a lovely time. ❤😊😊

[@Curious-Cat]

Ahah, your pure joy at discovering the cottage just got me giggling ^^ Happy belated birthday!!! 🎂 That pink outfit was STUH-NNING! 💖 Did you end up buying the art piece you were talking about? I hope you did! I'm so sorry you've been feeling so low. I feel you, you're definitely not alone in this. There is no reason to apologize for talking about it: it's your channel, you're free to talk about whatever you want there, and we need more people talking openly about mental health struggles and what it's like because so many people experience it right now, or have in the past, or will in the future, or very likely know someone who is struggling too. And like you, we all want the reassurance that we're not alone in it. KZbin has been and still is such a place of comfort for me in those low moments, and that's what drove me to start my own channel -- because I was hoping to pay it back, that my videos could provide a little bit of that same comfort to other people. Your channel definitely does that for many many people, so you can be proud! Thank you for your vulnerability and candidness, and for taking us with you on the happy moments too. Take care!

[@hannahgray6931]

Happy birthday lovely Nickelle! 🎉❤ Thank you for being you, such a lovely honest chat and fun vlog!

[@mollypopplewell1655]

Happy belated birthday!! Yeah I can definitely relate to the MH days/weeks etc, they come and go! No worries about showing that you were feeling low, defo don't feel like you have to pretend that you are feeling ok! xxxx

[@_sydchats_]

happy belated birthday Nickelle🥳 your vulnerability in this video about your recent struggles definitely made me feel less alone as someone who’s been having a really down month. I loved getting to see your birthday trip it looked like such a lovely time💗 here’s to brighter days ahead☀️🫶🏼

[@michelleMyBean]

Thank you so much for sharing! Your authenticity really is so refreshing. I can completely relate to having chronic health issues and its compounding mental health obstacles. You are a delight to watch! Where is the cabin? It looks heavenly. Happy Birthday to you. Sending peace & healing.

[@TangibleReads]

happy birthday, lovely nature scenery reflection on the balcony. I like going into antique shops but never buy anything, so glad you found some goodies. Book store too.

[@ToCoziesAndBeyond]

Happy Belated Birthday! Thank you for being honest about your mental health and chronic illness. My husband has a chronic pain condition as well as depression and anxiety. Hard days are real and I’m glad you found some joy as well. I think it is very normal to mourn the things you have lost due to your illness. I think that is a normal, natural, and healthy part of chronic illnesses. So mourn well. I am in my 40s and so far my 40s have been the best. So there is plenty to look forward to. ❤️

[@tatianaharris3943]

Happy belated birthday 🥳 ❤

[@bookishlifebeth]

I absolutely love your videos and enjoy your energy, you radiate and glow and it’s so lovely to see 💛 I’m nearing my 30’s too and it’s scary stuff 😢xx

[@banjobiblioteca]

Happy belated birthday!!!! Also, let’s get into these pink outfits!!

[@NickellesNook]

Heyyyyy you!!! Long time no speak! I need to catch up on your latest video, also loving the new channel name too. 💕

[@valinajean-louis8742]

I just LOVE these vlogs!! Quickly becoming one of my favorite KZbinrs, please don’t ever stop 🩷

[@NickellesNook]

This is so sweet, thank you! ❤️

[@MelodySeriesRox2]

Happy belated birthday! 1. You’re right in that it’s more normal than we all recognize to have those types of mental health days. Shutting down or feeling so stuck can also be our body and mind telling to take a pause. And I’m glad you listened! I had to take a day off from work last week because I was in the same boat. 2. So happy for you and your husband to have such a beautiful place to unwind ❤️ it looked lovely!

[@NickellesNook]

Awww thank you so much! You’re bang on. I was trying to push through, but yes I had a break and it worked! I’m glad you took some time out for you. Taking time off from work is so vital, I’m also on annual leave from work and it’s been gorgeous 💖

[@heyitstols]

Happy belated birthday ☺️🩷 Don’t apologise for having a bad day-it is what it is. Hope you’re feeling much better! Loved the vlog as always.

[@NickellesNook]

Thank you so much! I’m doing so much better now thank you 🥰 Thanks for watching 💖

[@GriffReads]

Happy belated birthday ✨ that cabin looked so cosy! (also I have the same t-shirt from ASOS! 🥰)

[@NickellesNook]

Yassss! Twins 👯 👕🥰

[@maryamjuma1704]

i think cherry was also made into a film with tom holland if you want to check it out after! happy belated birthday!! 🎉❤🎉

[@standinmyworld.]

Happy Birthday 🥰

[@tanyam6197]

Happy birthday ❤

[@BenitaLifestyleStories]

great vlog! your trip looks amazing and that treehouse soo dreamy, I would be as excited as you were too🤣 happy belated birthday welcome to the 30 club🥳 I completely understand the feeling. I hope your health improves. PS I love your top and the pink suit🥰

[@NickellesNook]

Thank you! Haha so many ‘omg’ moments when arriving! 😂 Thank you so much for your love and support 🥰

[@scottishbookgal]

I just started watching bridgerton too- it’s great so far! Hope you’re ok and better days are on the horizon 💛

[@MsTimmy1987]

Happy belated Birthday! ❤️🌈📚🎂

[@NickellesNook]

Thank you! 🥰

[@ashfreed2905]

I absolutely love your videos. Your channel has become one of my favourite comfort channels and we have such similar reading taste to boot! ☺️☺️ Curious to hear what you think of Boy Parts when you get to it!

[@suzannedavies7996]

Thank you for sharing your trip with us. Congratulations on your birthday. As someone who is fast approaching sixty (now, that is scary), my 30s was my favourite decade, so I wish the same for you. Hope your health will improve so that you can enjoy life fully ❤

[@NickellesNook]

Awww thank you and that is very comforting to hear! I’ve heard only good things about this decade too. I just know you’re going to be sixty and fabulous! ✨🥂 Cheers to that! 🎉

[@katieisme4]

Love this vlog! It felt like being on a facetime with a friend. 30 and sophisticated, lets go! 💛

[@NickellesNook]

Awww that’s so cute, I love that! Oh yes, c’mon now! ✨🥂🥰

[@whatraereads]

First of all - happy belated birthday (and welcome to your 30s😂). 2nd of all, I totally get you re: the mental health down days and especially the PMDD like symptoms(so you’re not alone and it’s so important you’re being so open about it 🫶) I absolutely loved where you stayed and hay on wye is such a bookish dream ❤ I went you be bookstores you went and loved them too! Such a lovely vlog and I hope you’re feeling better xoxo

[@NickellesNook]

Haha awwwwww thanks Rae!!! Thank you! It’s such a minefield isn’t it. I feel like I’m only learning now about our cycles and hormones etc. They didn’t teach any of this in PSHE 🙈 Honestly, I didn’t have enough time there, I defo want to go back! I had an idea of doing some sort of booktube trip to Hay! Thanks girl, I’m all good now thank you! 💕 xxxxxx

[@whatraereads]

@@NickellesNook You're doing amazing and you're not alone in how you're feeling friend! Just take it day by day and keep being your fab self 💗 Hay is definitely a place you could just keep going and discovering new gems and a truly can't wait to go back !

[@dawnlizreads]

Happy birthday! In my experience, 30s are a time when we (if we haven't already) realise that life isn't always fair and things happen that are beyond our control. We learn to be resilient and manage the best we can. Some people do through life seemingly charmed and never have to deal with anything that difficult. But eventually something does happen (and it always does) and they are completely unprepared for it. So you may have bad days but you know you can get through them. Because you have got through bad days before.

[@NickellesNook]

Thank you! Wow, this is so true! Thank you for sharing ❤️

[@abbyburns3127]

Happy belated birthday! I have so much empathy for how isolating chronic illness and disability is. I'm still trying to find friends who understand the "I am tired but I need to see people IRL because I'm starting to lose my mind. Can you come over and not mind that I am in sweats and have the energy of a sloth" days. 😅It's a work in progress.

[@user-bi5lx3hg2y]

I'm having a challenging and isolating period right now too. Thanks for being vulnerable. And I also struggle with what I suspect is PMDD. Sometimes it feels like it just never ends, doesn't it! One thing gets better and the next thing starts. But we do get our little breaks once in a while. So glad you had a lovely getaway. You are such a bright and beautiful soul! P.s. here in the states when you wear denim pants with a denim shirt we call it a Canadian Tuxedo. Just a little fun fact for you to use next time you wear it lol (very cute outfit btw love the shirt)

[@user-ff1uz4sy5g]

Happy belated birthday 🎂 I don’t live that far from Hay 📚 I suffer with pmdd it’s horrendous 😢 I’ve had to plan stuff around it and those days rest 😊

[@lisalovesstitchin]

Happy Birthday 🎉❤ I just finished reading The Wartime Book Club which I can recommend.

[@NickellesNook]

Thank you!!! 🎂 Ooh I’ll have to check it out, thank you so much! ✨

[@miralekic]

I read Cherry a few years ago and loved it ❤ You're the first book tuber I've heard talk about it 😊

[@NickellesNook]

Ahh that’s amazing! So glad you enjoyed it. I never heard of it or read any reviews, so wasn’t sure what to expect. I hope I also enjoy it too. ☺️

[@lynnesmith2936]

It’s also been made into a film with Tom Holland😊

[@SavidgeReads]

Belated Happy Birthday!!!!! I have those 'not wanting to talk to anyone days', everything feels a bit bland... TV is my go to and Bridgerton has been brill, super addictive. I also turn to fab Booktube channels I love like this one!!! I am desperate to know where that cabin is, what a stunner! I got completely overwhelmed in Hay last year, a day wasn't enough, I needed a few days to attack all those shops over a few hahaha. I need to go back for Gay-on-Wye alone, it hadn't opened when I went. So glad you're out the slump. Ps. Without sounding like a crazy stalker, if you ever fancy a Birmingham/mildands book shopping trip you let me know! Pps. 2007 'pretty old'?!?! I am DECEASED lol. Pops. 30's are GREAT and so far my forties, only two years mind, are my favourite.

[@NickellesNook]

Awwwww thank you!!! 💕🎂 Haha I’m glad it’s not just me, I’m usually a right chatterbox, but sometimes I just appreciate being quiet haha I can’t wait to get stuck in, I’m really enjoying it so far! It’s the Quist and it’s in Herefordshire, it’s breathtaking and highly recommend it, I think you’d love it too. Oh honestly, I could have stayed there at least a week, so many book shops! Gay-on-wye was closed when I was there! Was absolutely gutted!!!!! Quite a few shops were closed as we just missed the hay festival. Oh that’s such a lovely idea, I would really love that so much! I’ll have to drop you an email so we can arrange a date 📅 😂😂😂😂😂😂 sorry about that! I was in high school back in ‘07, and that feels like a million years ago. Awwwww that’s so good to hear! ❤️ Sorry??!! 42 where?!?

[@DEBateBookz]

No but why has you playing WWE on Xbox reminded me of when my mum used to play my brother and I on taken on ps1 and press all the buttons but still somehow win 😂 your birthday trip looks amazing!! Tobes and I have been meaning to stay at the rest and wild cabins or unyoked cabins but where you are looks stunning 😍 definitely one to remember 💕

[@thejenmath]

I’m sorry you’re having a hard time mentally. I absolutely know how that feels - my depression has been especially bad since last fall and last month I made the choice to leave my job. I’m now a week into a three-month mental health break; I do have good days, yes, but I still have bad days, too. And I’m definitely experiencing days when I don’t want to read or write or anything. You had to take it day by day and remember it’s not forever. For slumps I always recommend rereading a favorite book or changing your mode of reading, like listening to an audiobook instead.

[@NickellesNook]

I’m so sorry to read that your depression has been tough. It can certainly be tough to navigate. I’m glad you’re taking a break though. You’re so right, it’s always important to remember that it doesn’t last long. Even though when you’re in the thick of it, it can be hard to think positive. That’s some great advice re: slump. Thank you 💕

[@BookishAdventuresInWellbeing]

Happy birthday!

[@NickellesNook]

Thank you so much 🎂

[@chocolateoreo6489]

❤❤❤

[@YourTrueShelf]

Happy birthday!! Wow looks like you had a fabulous place. The beauty and magic of the trees 🌳 Whenever I'm somewhere like that I always wonder what it would be like to live there. I can absolutely relate so much to how you felt. Perimenopause was very tough for me!! Now on treatment which is helping a lot, but I felt exactly what you said. 10 years apart from you, I just turned 40! I have had the joy of meeting several friends from booktube IRL. It would be fab to meet you as well 🥰 Also I loved your outfits!! Xx PS - there is a great episode of quick book reviews podcast called ditch the reading slump - I thought it was great to get out of a slump.

[@NickellesNook]

Awwww thank you! I know, I’m still dreaming about it now, it was heaven! Oh gosh, yeah when I saw a doctor she said a lot of young women with long Covid have been pushed into perimenopause, so I suspect I may be having a taste of it. The waves of the bad feelings are horrible. I’m glad you were able to find treatment that helps you. ❤️ Awww I would love that so much, especially because we’ve read similar books, I feel like we’d have loads in common. Defo need to organise a meet up for sure. Also happy belated birthday, never ever would have guessed you were 40!! 😮 Oooh I’ll have to check that out, I hope you’re well and having a good reading month! xxx

[@YourTrueShelf]

@@NickellesNook ahhhh thank you, I'll take that!! Yeh we'd definitely get on and have lots to chat about 😊 we could always do a buddy read if you're up for it, also a fun way to have a good natter xx

[@justines3507]

Happy Birthday !!! The cabin looked so lovely🥰 Love the pink and green jumper you're wearing ? Where is it from ?☺

[@MichelleReadsandVlogs]

Happy belated Birthday lovely!!! Hope that you're doing okay x

[@NickellesNook]

Thank you so much Michelle!! 🎂 Doing well thank you, I hope you’re alright? I can’t wait for your next wrap up! 💖

[@MichelleReadsandVlogs]

@@NickellesNook Good to hear that you're okay :) I'm hanging on in there... GCSEs are ruling my life at the moment. Over in a weeks time, so very much looking forward to it! Will have more time for reading and making videos too... oh the temptation to quit work and read books full time! :) x

[@NickellesNook]

@@MichelleReadsandVlogs oh my goodness! Yes you must be so busy! Hang on in there, just a couple more weeks to go now. Ohhh, now THAT would be the dream wouldn’t it! 💭✨

[@Justine_S]

Totally understand how you feel. Re Funny Story, I also felt up and down with it and for the first time with one of her books, I wanted to speed through some parts. I think it might be because there’s not really much tension and it’s pretty low stakes. I don’t think the banter was as good as usual and I think that comes down to the main characters and how they interact with each other.

[@NickellesNook]

Completely agree!!!! I felt exactly the same. Usually, I don’t want her books to end, but this one… it just wasn’t my fave. You’re absolutely right and described it perfectly, the stakes were low. Ah well, I guess we can’t love them all. 😂

[@sophiesmith793]

Totally understand the down days/ times. They really suck, but the good thing is they don’t stay forever. Try to be kind to yourself rather than feeling frustrated at not being able to get into reading etc. easier said than done ofc! Happy belated birthday! The place looked SO cute. 🥰 Ps. If you are feeling like you’re wanting to read, I’ve just started Coco Mellors’ “blue sisters” which seems like it might be up your street.

[@NickellesNook]

Absolutely!!!! You’re totally right, that’s why I just had to stop reading/filming and just take a break. Luckily, that really helped. Thank you so much 💕 I’ve heard nothing but good things, I’m very excited to read it! I’m hoping I can get to it either late this month or next month. ☺️ I hope you’re enjoying it so far.

[@TheNywms]

Happy belated birthday! It's great you were able to get away for a few days & you enjoyed your trip. Dont sweat turning 30 each new year is a gift ☺️ Also where did you get your long covid pin? I need one! x

[@NickellesNook]

Thank you so much! You’re absolutely right, it’s such a privilege. It’s from innabox! They make the cutest chronic illness/disability pins. www.innabox.co.uk/products/long-covid-enamel-pin 🥰

[@clairesbookobsession1383]

I am due to go to Hay-on-Wye soon. How comes so many shops were closed?

[@JayGTheAwkwardBookworm]

I’ve still never read an Emily Henry book 😭

[@NickellesNook]

Nooooo! You need to get on that Start with book lovers!! ❤❤❤

[@krissydrake3528]

I didn't really connect with Funny Story either. I liked the concept but didn't like the female MC and felt like the story was quite slow at times.