the matcha diaries

happy 2026 eeepp & happy first episode of 2026! First and foremost we are very very very sorry for disappearing (we share some context into this in the episode hehe)this week’s episode is (unfortunately) a little different.. leo is currently in India, having the best time of her life AS SHE SHOULD (don’t worry, she still makes a cameo 💌), so I will be on the mic solo and today I wanted to talk about the viral question at the moment..  “is 2026  the new 2016”. at first, it feels like harmless internet nostalgia… but is that really what’s going on?in this episode, I dive into:what 2016 actually represented culturally (and personally)the psychology of nostalgia and why our brains cling to the past during uncertaintypre-pandemic innocence, digital exhaustion, and algorithm fatiguehow age, generation, and life stage shape the version of 2016 we misswhy our memories are rosier than reality & and why that’s okayI hope you enjoy this episode hehe and we can’t wait to be back together on the mic for our usual wednesday uploads! xxto 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: ⁠⁠⁠thematchadiariespod@gmail.com⁠⁠

in episode 4 of our festive diaries series, we share our 2025 christmas bucket list: from baking cookies to movie marathons, ice skating and christmas markets. little moments, big intentions, and all the cosy things we want to make time for this season 🎄✨ please let us know what fun things you are planning to tick off over the next week?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: ⁠⁠thematchadiariespod@gmail.com⁠

in this episode, we’re chatting about the festive season and why it can feel like a lot more than we expect it to (aka can be very overwhelming) we talk through the pressures of gift giving, drinking culture, losing routines, end of year work stress, and the idea that this is supposed to be the happiest time of the year. we share what’s been helping us feel more grounded lately.. from small rituals and romanticising everyday moments to saying no, drinking less, and logging off social media. this episode is all about finding pockets of calm where you can and letting go of the pressure to do the season “right.”  🤍p.s we know this episode is coming a little late in the season, but honestly, this is often when the overwhelm, comparison, and emotional exhaustion really hit.. so we hope you still find this relevant <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! ☕ 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: ⁠⁠thematchadiariespod@gmail.com⁠

we’re very excited to be sharing our festive book recommendations (aka the festive books we’ve genuinely loved that are cosy, Christmassy comfort reads). If you want real, tried and tested winter book recommendations, this episode is for you ❄️Festive reads (past favourites)Kiss Her Once for Me Alison CochrunThe Wedding Witch Erin SterlingHis Dark Materials / The Book of Dust Philip PullmanI Feel Bad About My Neck Nora EphronIn a Holidaze — Christina LaurenThe Christmas Book Hunt Jenny Colgan My December Darling Lauren AsherP.S - we kept saying Bah Humbug without actually knowing what it means so please ignore us being silly xoxo 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: ⁠⁠thematchadiariespod@gmail.com⁠

welcome to the first episode of our festive diaries series hehe! 🎄and what better way to kick things off than with our festive tbr! this week, we share our most anticipated holiday romances and wintery reads to get you in the christmas spirit... expect enemies to lovers, snowed in mysteries, and small town festive games!  here is the list:How My Neighbor Stole Christmas  Meghan QuinnGood Spirits B.K. Borison (new release)Always, in December Emily Stone Let It Snow John Green, Maureen Johnson & Lauren Myracle Royal Holiday  Jasmine GuilloryBringing Down the Duke Evie DunmoreA Winter in New York Josie SilverThe Most Wonderful Crime of the Year Ally CarterThe Christmas Wager  Holly CassidyThe Plight Before Christmas  Kate Stewart12 Dates of Christmas Jenny BaylissThe Holiday Swap  Maggie Knoxto 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: ⁠⁠thematchadiariespod@gmail.com⁠

in this week’s episode, we sit down with leo’s mom (aka our favourite person EVER) and we answer YOUR advice questions. we talk love, confidence, burnout, navigating relationships and so much more. thank you for submitting so many wonderful questions and we will defo be recording a part 2!!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: ⁠⁠thematchadiariespod@gmail.com⁠

in this week’s episode, we dive into burnout: how to spot the signs, and how to recharge!! think of this as your reminder to slow down, breathe, and come back to yourself.substack article linked here.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: ⁠⁠thematchadiariespod@gmail.com⁠November Burnout Recovery PlanWeek 1: The Slow ResetClear space, clear mind. Start simple — create the environment for recovery.Checklist:☐ Declutter one small area (a desk, nightstand, or shelf)☐ Wash your bedding and add a cozy blanket or flannel sheets☐ Create one calming corner (a reading nook, candle, or fairy lights)☐ Write down 3 things you’re letting go of this month☐ Go for one solo walk without headphones☐ End each night with a warm drink (tea, hot chocolate, matcha)☐ Read or journal before bed instead of scrollingWeek 2: The Sensory ResetReconnect with your senses to quiet your nervous system.Checklist:☐ Light a candle each morning or evening — something seasonal like amber or vanilla☐ Try a cozy homemade meal (soup, pasta, or roasted veg night)☐ Listen to a “soft life” playlist while cooking or getting ready☐ Go on a short morning or evening walk — just for fresh air☐ Do one gentle yoga, stretching, or Pilates session☐ Write one journal entry answering: “What actually feels good right now?”☐ Have one social moment — call a friend, host a wine + cheese night, or cozy movie nightWeek 3: The Mental ResetProtect your energy and quiet your mind.Checklist:☐ Turn off notifications for at least one app that drains you☐ Schedule one “no plans evening” — guilt-free rest night☐ Try a low-stimulation morning (no phone until breakfast)☐ Read something comforting (The Comfort Book, Wintering, or a cozy romance)☐ Write down 3 things that made you smile this week☐ Do one thing just for fun — bake, draw, rearrange your flat☐ Go outside for sunlight every day, even if just 5–10 minsWeek 4: The Grounding ResetReflect, restore, and prepare gently for the end of the year.Checklist:☐ Write a short reflection: “What have I learned from slowing down this month?”☐ Have a self-care evening — bath, music, skincare, book☐ Do a mini digital detox for a day (no scrolling, just living)☐ Walk somewhere beautiful — a park, along the Thames, or through autumn leaves☐ Tidy your space while listening to an uplifting podcast☐ Choose one small goal for December (something that feels good, not ambitious)☐ Spend one day completely off-duty — no chores, no work, no guilt

first and foremost we apologise for the audio quality in this! We had no idea when recording that leo's audio would be so much louder than cara's and we know this is very much not ideal... HOWEVER this was the most meaningful and reflective episode we have recorded as it is our 5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!! in this episode we reflect on how we've changed, what we've learnt... the highlights and lowlights & we react to our 1st ever episode (very cringe....)as always thank you so much for all the love! we really couldn't do this without you xxto 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: ⁠⁠thematchadiariespod@gmail.com⁠

catch up with us as we share our recent highs and lows, our current recs (lots of book favourites, movie recs, and tv shows) & some reflections before our cabin weekend together! 🧸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: ⁠⁠thematchadiariespod@gmail.com⁠

eeeeep i actually can’t believe I’m typing this description at the moment but in this episode i (cara) get to share my engagement story!!! 💍💍 FULL DEBRIEF IN THIS EPISODE ! how did ed do it?, where where we? what i was thinking and feeling in the moment? did i know beforehand???did ed speak to my parents before??? listen and you’ll find out heheeh!in all seriousness i feel very lucky to get to share this news with you lot and thank you so much for all the love ❤️❤️❤️ 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: ⁠⁠⁠thematchadiariespod@gmail.com⁠⁠