That Friday Feeling - The Return!

I think I'll avoid the embarrassed apologies for the length of time since my last blog post.

Suffice to say there's been some things happening out there in that lil ol' place we call 'life' which have been filling up my days...and mind. I learnt a while ago to just give into times like that. Fighting them generally leads to internal combustion.

However - today is the 1st December which is a good fresh start day for me (way better than the overrated 1st January) and I'm writing this from a train travelling home from a meeting in London. The journey takes over 3 hours which is providing me with more than enough time to reflect in how much I miss this little blog.

So for my Friday feeling this week I thought I'd share what I've been missing in recent weeks, as a way to refocus on doing the things I enjoy...

 So the things I've been missing recently and commit to getting back to this month are...

1. Crafting - I haven't made anything in sooo long - and have committed to making Christmas presents this year - so I think it's time to get started!

2. Long walks - chilly but sunny winter days are my absolute favourite - time to get back out there!

3. Goal planning - I find it really easy to lose sight of my goals and ambitions so want to get back to making some exciting plans

4. Clear out more 'stuff' from home - aka my permanent and ongoing mission to de-clutter my world!

5. Blogging - I think that's a given!

So that's my plan for December (in addition to having a rather lovely time in the holidays of course!).

If you have a moment to yourself, be it on a train, before bed or in the loo (a legitimate place for doing some thinking) use it to make a list of the things you love to do but haven't engaged with in a while...then try to find the space - even if it's just one little thing (on reflection I think enjoying a G&T - that should be on my list!).

Have fun and let me know how you get on!

Bye for now

Xx

...Hello August

I'm looking forward to August. For the past few weeks I've been in a really negative headspace and I've lost touch with the things I need to do in order to be able to focus positively on situations. Positive thinking is something that doesn't always come naturally to me - I'm definitely a bit of a pessimist - so it's something I need to be aware of, practice and learn from the times when I can't see the wood for the trees.

I've got some plans for some little crafty projects for the month ahead, and to focus on family, friends, my health and home. I thought I'd share the goals I've set myself for August to try and keep myself on track.

1. Meditate every day - I feel about a thousand times calmer when I take a few minutes to meditate each day - it really helps calm the pessimist in me and to focus on what is important. I've resubscribed to Headspace so I have no excuse. I'm going to re-start with their beginners programme from today so I'm interested to see how I'm feeling in my post at the end of this month

2. Walk 70,000 steps each week. This is fairly self explanatory - my aim is to get out and about walking more often, and to take photos as I go.

3. Finish 4 crafty projects - because I'm loving the sense of calm I get when I craft - and the accomplishment of finishing a project (no matter how small!).

4. Spend less time on social media and more time with the people I care about - I think that social media - particularly facebook - is kind of bad for me. I'm going to stick to just looking at instagram for August and see if being away from Facebook helps to free up some time for far more important things.

5. Get organised at home - my home is in desperate need for some organisation, and some low-scale DIY projects at the moment. August is definitely the time to get started on them.

Have you got any goals for August? Whatever the month holds for you I hope it includes doing lots of things that bring you happiness - whatever they may be!

Bye for now

xx

Goodbye July...

I'm not sure how I feel about the past month. It definitely brought some happy times my way, and some achievements, but it has had some difficult times and I'm leaving the month feeling tired and like I need to take a step back and re-prioritise things.

So...that is what August will be for - recharging and refocusing.

I thought it would be nice to note some of the good things July has brought before I flip it the bird and skip into August.

Watching Movies...

...I have watched a lot of movies this month. More than I have in a very long time. Some have been good. Some...not so much.

This is a screenshot from my favourite film of July - Get Out. It stars Daniel Kaluuya who is just an amazing actor. He plays Chris - a man who goes to visits his girlfriends family for the first time. Look at those smiley faces. What could go wrong?

The answer is..a lot..although not necessarily for the reasons you might expect. The film is creepy, sinister, funny, horrific and tense - all at the same time. I can't say much because I don't want to spoil it - but just watch it. It's fantastic.

Crafting...

July is the month I started to get my crafty mojo back. I've finished two little craft projects so far, and am working on project three at the moment. I've loved making things again - and it's definitely something I want to keep focussing on.

Spending quality time with the people I love...

Yep - it should be a given that this is something that it is good to do. In July I've spent some quiet time with some of my most loved people and have really treasured that time. I often but myself under pressure to make everything perfect, but I've tried to shake that off - and just enjoy the moments.

The photos above are from a stay in a lovely country hotel. It was just for one night but it was so relaxing it could have been a week away. I'm definitely going to try to plan more times like that in the month ahead.

Linked to the quality time - I've also really grown to understand just how kind and amazing people can be. Sounds super fluffy I know, but my heart has been warmed by the kindness of others many times over in July, and that's kind of amazing.


...and that's about it for July. I'm going to sleep on my thoughts about July and plan some goals for August.

How was July for you?

Bye for now

xx

That Friday Feeling...Being Calm, Podcasts and Unicorn Tea

Hello beautiful Friday fans.

This week has involved needing to inject as much calm relaxation into my evenings as possible. I've renewed my efforts to try mindfulness each evening - which I'm still find really challenging when my head is full of thoughts it is trying to organise - although I think that may be the point of mindfulness!

I've found a few other calming things to do this week so thought I'd share...

What I've been reading...

I've been working my way through these lifestyle magazines and have found that reading them is a really relaxing experience. In the Moment and Project Calm are just so pretty to look at, are written in an accessible and warm way and have lots of interesting information and craft projects included - perfect! I've subscribed to 'In the Moment' so will share my thoughts in a more detailed review after a few issues.

What I've been listening to...

My husband has introduced me to the world of Podcasts recently and I've found they are great background noise while I'm doing other things or trying (and failing) to fall asleep. A few favourites so far are:

'Richard Herrings' Leicester Square Theatre Podcast' or RHLSTP as it is otherwise known - lots of Richards special brand of infantile humour and some entertaining celebrity guests - my favourite so far has been David Mitchell

Adam Buxton Podcast - this isn't published as frequently, but has some magic moments and for fans of The Adam and Joe show in the '90's it was particularly lovely to hear him reunited with Joe Cornish

Just Make the Thing - Claire Tonti is the wife of my husband's favourite podcaster Mr Sunday Movies and he suggested that I try her new podcast which focuses on her inability to finish projects which she starts (I can relate!). Some great tips so far.

I'm on the look out for new podcasts to listen to at the moment so if you have any recommendations I would love to hear them.

What I've been drinking...

This week I've been in love with Teapigs 'Jelly and IceCream' tea for a lovely sweet fix without lots of calories. Of course...the fact I'm drinking it from one of the most amazing mugs of all time is helping. This mug came from Asda and it's making every cup that little bit more magical!


Life is still a bit difficult at this end, with someone I care about very much going through something very difficult. This weekend is going to be spent with the people who mean the most to me. Whatever you are doing I hope you find some time to be calm and do a little (or a lot) of something that makes you happy.

Bye for now xx

Thoughts on Kindness

I've recently been watching my way through The Kindness Diaries on Netflix. The programme is a travel documentary of sorts, but based on the premise that the 'traveller' - Leon Logothetis - has to rely entirely on the kindness of strangers to sleep, eat and for fuel for his amazingly retro yellow motorbike.

I've found it to be a really touching show which has really put some of my own concerns into perspective, and is a much needed televisual hug while the world seems to be going a little bit crazy. The most powerful message I've taken so far is that it seems to be the people with the least who give the most.

'Kind' is a word I've always held as part of my identity, who I am. It's a trait I value highly, and that's something I definitely learnt from my parents. However - watching The Kindness Diaries has made me reflect a little bit on what I do to show kindness to strangers - people who aren't actually part of my family/ friendship/ work circles. I think the answer is 'not much' and so that's something I'm aiming to change. Ultimately I want to donate time to supporting people through volunteering. However, there are some baby steps I want to take first, to try and make myself more conscious of the importance of kindness towards others, and I thought I'd share them today.

1. Donate items - this is an obvious one, and isn't new to me. I always donate to charity shops when I'm having a turn-out. However - I often see charities advertising for donations of handmade items (eg blankets for homeless people, crochet octopus for premature babies, jackets for rescued battery hens) and I'm going to try and donate some of my crafting time to making some items for these charities. More on that to come in future posts!

2. Stop Judging - I mentioned in my post last Monday that I have found myself judging strangers online in the past and intend to stop doing that, and that is something I plan to ensure is part of my every day life - on and off the internet. Judging others is a massive waste of time, and just adds more negativity to the bubbling pit of meanness that already exists in the world.

3. Be Kinder Behind the Wheel - Driving can sometimes bring out the worst in people it seems. Something I've already tried to start doing is letting people out of turnings more. I've already received a lot more smiles and friendly waves from other drivers, which makes me a less tense driver,  so it already seems like such a tiny action is having a positive impact.

4. In the blogging world - leave kind comments. Blogging and commenting don't seem to go hand in hand anymore - but I know that taking time to leave a comment can make someone feel happy when they've taken time to put something out there. This seems like a really lovely way to spread a bit of kindness

5. Be Kind to Myself - I think this is the foundation of all other kindness. I am the queen of beating myself up about things I can't change, or mistakes I've made. This then leads to a crappy mood, which then rubs off on those around me. So my first step is to be kind to myself. I have a sneaky suspicion this will be the most challenging change!

I'd love to hear about the steps you take to be more kind, and if you know of any crafted item donations please pass them on, I'd love to build a list!

Bye for now

xx

Thoughts on Blogging

Well I have hardly been a prolific blogger these past few months. My blog has remained in the back of my mind through all of the quiet periods, like an old friend you can not talk to for years, but know that when you do catch up it'll be like things never changed.

Things do change though, and I know I've definitely changed as I've progressed through my thirties, and I'd love to start writing a blog that reflects that. 

There are some truly beautiful blogs out there in the world - so many in fact, that it can become overwhelming. Particular for an over-thinker, which I most definitely am. It's easy to decide that because my life will never be the perfect picture of beautiful clothes, worn in amazing locations, surrounded by rose gold accessories that I should give up the blogging game. 

But, honestly, that's not the life I want. I want to look at some pretty items I have a hope of being able to afford, I want to be creative and make things (irrespective of how crappy they may turn out to look) and I want to have fun and write about whatever is interesting me at the time. 

The little blog in the back of my mind has been trying to whisper to me for the past few weeks that perhaps if I feel like that, then other people might too, and might still be interested in reading my space in the blogosphere.  

I think I'm going to listen this time. Life outside of the world of my chrome book is difficult at the moment due to the health of someone I love very much,  but then life can difficult. The truly horrific events that have taken lives in the UK recently seem to suggest that the world has quite literally gone mad. Blogs sometimes neglect to mention that, with the chant of 'only ever be positive' ringing in our ears from so many different lists of blogging tips. 

I'm planning to have a little bit of a re-fresh around these parts - some new post ideas, and just a renewed attempt to make this a space that reflects more of life. I'm planning more posts that involve more writing...my thoughts on things and lessons I've learnt. For I have learnt many! There will still be homeware and crafts a-plenty though...never fear!

If you've taken time to read this little outpouring then thank you. It's really appreciated and makes my heart feel that little bit fuzzier. I hope to see you again soon. 

Bye for now xx

On Catching Bugs...

Adorable print by TheNerdyFamily on Etsy

Soooo...yeah...I've been battling a really tough virus for a few weeks now - honestly not sure at this point what it was, but it left me really tired, dizzy most of the time and just feeling generally 'bleugh'.

Sorry for the silence around these parts. I've been wiped out most evenings and not able to write a coherent sentence (I know, I know...what's new?). I'm really happy that I'm starting to feel more like my old self..and itching to get back to blogging...and crafting...and...well...anything really!

As you'd probably imagine, things have been fairly quiet at home so I have very little to report. I have been catching up on some TV so I'm planning a post on some of the best of those. I've been totally out of the loop with new Spring home ware releases, so I'm going to go and catch up on those...and try to resist splurging by writing some Collection Crush posts instead!

This post is just me dipping my toe back in the blogosphere...in the past I've found that after I've been away from my blog for a little while for whatever reason it can be hard to get back into writing - it feels like a failure. I'm not going to fall into that pattern this time. It's not a failure, it's a temporary blip!

Take care for now, and I'll see you very soon!

xxx

January Round-Up - The Month in Review

Uhhh...what just happened to that month? 2017 has been fairly kind to me so far. Busy...but kind. I thought I'd start doing a bit of a monthly round-up of how I'm progressing with my resolutions and thinking about the month ahead.

My Blogging Resolutions

I've stuck to my blogging schedule...hurrah! I still want to do a lot more here..and make it more personal...but for now I'm back in the flow of blogging, which I've really loved. I'm worrying less about whether my posts fit the blogging mould and that's helping me get over my blogging-block. I also want to get more crafty on here, so that's a goal for February.

My Personal Resolutions

I've been trying to focus a lot on my health this month, and it's been working. I've lost weight (yay!) and feel like I have lots more energy. So I plan to keep up with that for Feb. The aspect I need to focus on more is de-stressing. I think it's just in my personality to worry about things and with the worry comes the stress. A February goal is to try mindfulness to combat that. I've definitely managed to look for the positive this month, instead of focusing on the negative, and have spent lots of quiet time with loved ones doing things I enjoy. For February I want to get back to doing a lot more crafting...I've signed up to 2 crafts swaps over at Craftster to help with that! I'm definitely frozen with fear when it comes to starting up my online business...so that's something to work on over the next few months!

What I've loved this month (as told through blog posts)

1. Using my happiness planner this month to focus on the positives each day

2. Learning how to make beeswax candles

3. Discovering Readly, which is a far cheaper way of feeding my magazine addiction!

4. Watching this is us...definitely my favourite TV show of 2017 (so far)

5. Having a relaxing day out with Hubby and Puppy

6. Joining a book club, which has got be back into regular reading 

So there we go January is finished and I'm looking forward to February. I'm hoping it gets warmer and the evenings get lighter. I'd love to get some crafting projects finished, some more books read and some new places visited.

How was your January? I hope it has been kind to you too...and here's to a love-filled February!

Bye for now

xxx

The Happiness Planner - A Review

I've written diaries on and off all my life, and have used a filofax for a significant part of my working life, so I've always loved having something tangible to write and plan in.

That said - I hadn't tried using a planner until last year when I bought my first Happiness Planner. I bought it part way through the year, but still found it so useful for helping me organise my priorities and focus on the good things that had happened in the day, rather than the bad. Unfortunately I didn't commit to using it every day and then got out of the habit of using it at all, so the positive effects wore off.

This year I bought A Happiness Planner in time for a January start and have committed to using every day so support in the achievement of my goals and to help train myself to focus on the good and not beat myself up about the past.

There are several different options of Happiness Planner available, but this is the one I opted for, and now it has arrived I could not be any happier with it. The design, and more importantly, content are beautiful and well written to support a manageable level of planning.

The overall presentation is beautiful, when you open the box you're presented with a little bubble wrapped parcel of loveliness.

As well as the main journal the set comes with a pen, 2 binder clips and 3 x paperclips (mine are rose gold...the metal colour depends on your overall colour options). Also included are some separate planning pages for undertaking activities including a 2016 Reflection, 2017 vision board and New Years Resolutions.

Inside the journal I was greeted with a positive message...

...and then some pages of activities to complete before getting to the main journal. These activities, and the additional sheets, were so incredibly supportive in helping me take a mental step back, think about who I want to be, want I want to do and how to get there. There is a really important focus on taking positive action - not being passive and expecting good things to fall into my lap. I love the overall tone of the planner, the questions it asks and the way it encourages you to think.

The main part of the journal provides space for planning/ reflection at the beginning and end of each month, and a page for each day to think about what I'm excited about that day, what my main focus is, what exercise I've done, what I've eaten, schedule, to-do list, notes, and then a daily reflection on what was good about the day, what I'm grateful for, and what I hope for tomorrow.

I've obviously only being writing the main part of the journal for two days but it's already been really supportive. I had a bit of a stressful thing happen yesterday, but the process of writing the journal in the evening and reflecting on the good things that had happened really supported me in putting the bad thing that happened to rest and not letting it eclipse the day.

I think it's going to be interesting to see how things go with the journal when I'm back at work full time (tomorrow...sob) but I'm determined to keep going with this for a year and see if it continues to support my personal development and levels of positivity.

If you've found a planner that works for you I'd love to hear about it.

Bye for now
Kat xx

My 2017 Resolutions

Happy New Year to you! I'm feeling very happy that we're sat here in 2017. We don't know what this year is going to bring but I'm going to stop stewing in worry and try to find positive actions to take instead. Here are my (admittedly a bit vague in places) resolutions for the year ahead!

Blogging Resolutions:

1. Keep on track with a blogging schedule of a minimum of three posts each week

2. Stop worrying that my blog and lifestyle don't necessarily fit with the blogging 'norm' - stay positive

3. Write more posts sharing places I visit/ explore

4. Get back to crafty posts - they're what I love the most

5. Get more involved in the blogging community


Personal Resolutions:

1. Focus on my health - in every aspect

2. Keep a positive mindset and look for the good and not the negative

3. Get back to crafting - at least a couple of times each week

4. Set time aside every week to do something lovely with someone awesome

5. Start up an online business

So that's my focus for the year ahead - I'm feeling really excited for 2017 and can't wait to see what's ahead. Number 1 & 2 under personal resolutions are the most important for me - if I can get those right then I think the other resolutions will fall into place. I hope to see you around this blog space a lot more in 2017.

Wishing you lots of happiness and health for the year ahead, and luck with your resolutions, whatever they may be.

Bye for now xx

2016 - A Personal Review

I've started writing this post a few times and then deleting it each time. 2016 has been a difficult year - both for me personally but more importantly for the world. Tensions are high and although I'm seeing messages across social media that people are very happy to be waving goodbye to 2016, I think we're all wondering what 2017 will hold. It's hard to write a retrospective of 2016 without acknowledging the world events that are probably going to shape years to come, and the deeply sad losses of some very talented people - but that then leads me into a negative spiral which achieves nothing!

Sooo...instead I've taken a step back with a little bit of help from my Happiness Planner (more on that to come) and have realised that there have been some seriously lovely personal moments through 2016, and that I've learnt a lot about myself - which is always a good thing!

Some of my favourite moments this year...

These photos were all taken this year and capture some really lovely memories. We've had some beautiful days out - two of my favourites were The Lost Gardens of Heligan (bottom left picture) and Trelissick (top middle picture). 2016 has definitely been the year of 'outdoors adventure 'for me, and I've loved it. I've seen some really beautiful things this year that I don't think I'll ever forget.

My husband also took part in #wearehere - a modern memorial of The Battle of the Somme led by Turner prize winning artist Jeremy Deller. It was a really emotional day and I couldn't have been prouder of him (bottom, middle picture).

I've also really enjoyed some of the smaller moments - tea with friends, a chai latte with hubbie, and a gin festival with a good friend - happy times.

This little guy has also brought nothing but happiness my way. He's a hilarious comedian in disguise as a little teddy bear/ ewok, who knows when I need a good laugh, or when I need a snuggle. I can't begin to talk about some of the adventures we've had this year, but I'm so happy we found the perfect doggy addition to our family. Having a dog has definitely encouraged us to explore more places, and one of my blogging goals for 2017 will be to share more of that here.

So what have I learnt about myself this year?...

I think I've actually re-learnt some things about myself that I'd forgotten. Nothing earth-shattering, but I've remembered that although I'm a bit of an introvert by nature, I actually feel better when I push myself out of my comfort zone and meet new people. I can also have ostrich-like tendencies and bury my head in the sand when it comes to certain issues. A big challenge for me moving forward will be to keep my inner-ostrich at bay, and make sure I do the things I need to do. Maybe resisting the urge to procrastinate is a goal for 2017.

An important lesson I've learnt is to give myself time to do the things I enjoy. It's a blindingly obvious lesson, but one it's taken me until December to learn! So that's a huge goal for 2017 - be it outdoor adventures, time with loved ones, crafts or blogging - I'm going to make sure I do the things I enjoy!


I hope 2016 has brought some moments of happiness your way, and I look forward to sharing more thoughts, ideas, projects and adventures in 2017.

Bye for now - see you next year!

xx

A Plan for a Relaxed NYE

Despite my post yesterday with ideas for last minute New Years Eve planning, I don't have plans to party on NYE. Before and after 31st, yes, but on the night? Nope.

My NYE grinch-like behaviour comes from a few years of truly awful experiences. Generally fuelled by too much pressure on one night and too much alcohol, they've just been an absolute disaster. So for the last few years we've stayed at home and it's been lovely. Waking up on the 1st without the headache from hell and regrets is also a much nicer way to start the year.

I think we've perfected the art of the chilled NYE, so I thought I'd share a few key ingredients:

Adorable Chinese Food Necklace from jazlenecollection on Etsy

1. Take-away food - we very rarely splurge on take-aways, but NYE seems like a good excuse. We always go for Chinese take-away - it's our favourite - but as long as it's super tasty and means you don't wake up on NYE to loads of washing-up then any take-away will do!

Pajamas All Day Print from LuciaandLuciana on Etsy

2. Yep - as the print says - its all about pajamas (or pyjamas as I normally spell it!) all of the time - day, evening - whatever - maximum comfort is what it's all about - none of that little black dress and strappy heels nonsense. It's all about being about as snuggly as it's possible to be.

3. Film marathon - Put together a list of your favourite films and just start working through them. What's that you say? It's going to take until the early hours to watch them all? Well that's ok - it's New Years Eve. Oh - and if you live in the UK, periodically pause the film just to check whether anyone good is on Jools Holland.

4. Get you game on - yep - dig out those old board games and play them while watching the films and eating your take-away. Just be careful not to drop a vegetable spring roll on the board.

Planner and image from The Happiness Planner

5. Get Planning - This is my favourite NYE activity now - sitting and planning for the year ahead - what do I want to do and what do I want to achieve. It's so great for going into the next year feeling motivated and positive - I can't recommend enough setting a bit of time aside to do this. It doesn't matter what your planner looks like - and it could just be a plain notebook - as long as you use it to write some goals and make some notes about:

• what 2016 has brought
• what you hope 2017 will bring
• and what you will do to try and make it happen. 

I've ordered my planner and it hasn't arrived yet so I'm keeping my fingers crossed it will arrive any minute!

So that's my NYE in a nutshell. Although this post is a little bit 'tongue in cheek' and I know that it's probably a lot of people's idea of hell, it works for me and it's what I'm sticking with.

Whatever you do - have fun, and stay safe! 

Christmas, Apologies and Shopping

Hello Beautiful People!

I hope you're all having a lovely December. If you celebrate Christmas, I hope it's been a magical one. Christmas in my little home has been really relaxed and exactly what I needed.

Now for the awkward bit…I feel like I need to acknowledge my long absence. I've had some 'life stuff' going on (well isn't that just annoyingly vague) and had to do a quick check on where I was putting in energy. Unfortunately blogging, crafting and online surfing have been casualties in this review while I got things sorted. Things aren't completely resolved yet, but they are hopefully heading in the right direction. Which means I have a bit more energy to put into the things I love doing... Hurrah!

Today is Boxing Day in the UK which means it's the start of sales in pretty much every shop, everywhere.

In previous years I've fallen into the trap of buying items just because they are a bargain, without really needing them in my life. In my continued efforts to de-clutter my life I'm going to try to resist this year. However...that doesn't stop me partaking in a bit of daily browsing to see what's out there.. I think it's fair to call it some online window shopping.

To celebrate this sales season I'll be posting a daily '7 Days of Sales'  to share some of the best sales finds. I'll be highlighting a different online shop each day and I'm a little bit intrigued to see if I can still find some beautiful bargains by day 7.

I'll be back soon with day 1!

Bye for now (and it's lovely to be back!)

Xxx

That Friday Feeling...Colds and Sneezes and Sniffles...oh my!

Mug and Photo from TailoredChocolates on Etsy

It's Friday!...just in case you hadn't heard.

The weather definitely taken a turn towards the chilly this week and unfortunately that has brought with it the usual range of coughs and colds. I've been fighting off a virus of some kind all week which has basically meant my days have looked something along the lines of...

Wake up

Drag myself out of bed 

Crawl to work

Work

Crawl Home

Walk the dog

Sit under a blanket staring into space whilst thinking about all of the things I would rather be doing

Go to sleep

Which means I don't have an awful lot to share this week for my Friday Feeling! I've been sat here staring at my laptop for 30 minutes trying to think about the awesome happenings of the week.

Then I realised that it shouldn't always be the awesome happenings or 'best things ever'. Sometimes it can be the little things that bring a smile in an otherwise slightly grumpy week.

So here's my top 5 favourite things from this week...

1. The evening walks with the puppy and the hubby - yes, it's getting darker but I'm loving wrapping up in warm clothes and walking until it's dark
2. Hubby trying to make me a drink with my Dolce Gusto, which was supposed a Chai Latte but was actually half a caramel chococino and half a chai latte due to a pod mix up...and actually tasted alright
3. Gathering Christmas catalogs from the shops and choosing what to buy. I have been truly sucked into the Christmas marketing machine this year. I'm planning already and am literally itching to put up a Christmas tree. I'm telling myself it's because I'm too tired to resist!
4. Avocado on toast with sea salt and chili flakes - because it's literally the easiest and yummiest breakfast/ lunch/ dinner and has saved me on several occasions when I didn't feel like eating due to my cold...because trust me, it's going to take something pretty major to put me off that taste combo!
5. Lovely chats with lovely people - err...probably don't need to explain this one but have just had a few moments this week where I've realised just how lovely people can be (cheesy, but true)

So this weekend I'm planning to get back on track with some of my crafty plans, have some quality time with loved ones and catch up on some sleep....rock n roll my friends, rock n roll.

Whether your weekend is wild or serene, I hope it's a good one and I'd love to hear about some of the little things/ moments that have brightened up your week!

Bye for now!

Time out...no more

Gorgeous Vintage Clock for sale by CirceCollectables on Etsy

Well hello. That was quite the long time out, wasn't it?

I've mused on starting a whole new blog, so embarrassed am I that it's been so long since I posted, but I'm quite attached to my little space in the blogverse. I could write a bit of a thesis on the past year, but I'm not sure it would be fun to write, and I have no doubt it would be even less fun to read. Instead I'll attempt to sum it up in 10 words...

Planning

Overwhelm

Virus

Retro

Kitties

Business

Disappointment

Friends

Wedding

Happiness

They're in no particular order apart from the last two. I'm now a Mrs. Our wedding was the most perfect and lovely day - it was everything we had hoped and more, and it was spent with the best group of people. The Mister and I have been together for a fair while so I hadn't expected life to feel different after the nuptials but it really positively does. I had so much fun planning the big day too, I think it reignited my love for the more creative side of life. Hurrah!

I've opened a little shop on Etsy selling vintage stickers which has been lots of fun and has helped me break down my fear barrier about selling on Etsy so I have quite a few plans brewing away. Hopefully they'll be ready to share soon!

I'm still working on my plans for my little blog but I feel fairly safe in saying it will involve lots of craftiness, some more free cross stitch patterns, the sharing of pretty things I'm drooling over and general and oftentimes random wonderings.

So anyway...how you doin'? ...Oh did I mention I've been watching Friends on repeat? (although that's not why it's a word on the list!), it may have inspired one of my business ideas, however.

A mystery revealed...

So I bought this cute little bird feeder which is basically a pretty yellow saucer mounted on a metal stick. I filled it straight up with bird food and then waited.

And waited.

Not a bird was to be seen. Any yet all of the bird food mysteriously disappeared.

Luckily the mystery is now solved - I caught this little guy (girl?) casting a judging eye on the empty saucer. I quickly filled it up, and the pigeon quickly returned and started working through the stash (and has returned several times since).

I'm honestly just happy that it's being used. I would like to attract a bit of a better selection of birds mind you - I'm turning into a right old bird-watcher recently!

Have you had any surprising visitors in your garden?

Bye for now!

Kat xx

#BEDM - The best things about being an adult

The Blog Every Day in May prompt for today is 'Best thing about being an adult', so I thought I'd put together a little top 5 reasons why being an adult is all kinds of cool...although as you'll discover later this week, I also get incredibly nostalgic about childhood! On the surface adulthood can be full of stress and responsibility, but there are some little pieces of joy to be found...

1. Home Sweet Home - I love having my own place! That's not because living with my family wasn't great but there's something totally amazing about having my own space which I can decorate as I choose

2. Coffee and alcohol (and alcohol in my coffee!)..not that I indulge too often, but it's nice to have the option

3. Maturing relationships - as I'm getting older I'm definitely seeing changes in my relationships - I take a lot more time to really get to know and understand people and the relationships I have with family and friends mean a lot more to me

4. Freedom to explore the world on a larger scale - childhood exploration can be limited to a local woodland, but as an adult there is more freedom to jump in a car or hop on a place, and get yourself somewhere completely new to explore - I want to make it a priority to do more of this over the next couple of years

5. You can eat a whole swiss roll  (a long cake for anyone not familiar!) anytime and no-one can tell you off - reason number 5 comes from my boyfriend - apparently the moment he realised he could eat a whole cake without anyone telling him off was the moment he realised he was an adult. Thankfully he doesn't choose to do this, or I might worry about his health!

Have I missed any? Let me know in the comments if I have!

Bye for now

Kat xx

#BEDM - Walk to Work Week

Today's prompt for Blog Every Day in May is 'walk to work week'. I would love to be able to walk to work - getting stuck in traffic is pretty much my idea of hell, so the idea of having the freedom of walking is very appealing. Sadly I live a little bit too far away, and am generally carrying a little bit too much stuff (think big laptop and various folders).

As an alternative I've decided to name this 'Walk after Work Week'. I've started making a habit of this for the last couple of weeks. I don't live in the countryside (yet!) but have some pretty beautiful fields and forest within a stones-throw of my house and I've found a 20 - 30 minute walk can help de-stress me a lot.

I decided to take some  photos on my last walk, which actually helped me to relax even more, and appreciate the little pieces of beauty (unfortunately the photos were taken on my phone, so a big sorry for the quality...I'll take my camera on the next walk!). The top photo was taken on the walk as the sun was setting through the trees, and here are some more...

This is the path I walk up - I love how the trees have formed a tunnel...

There are gaps in the trees to the left with views like this...

And more horses (so cute!)...

And lastly - towards the end of the walk...this beautiful tree!

So if you can't walk to work (or there is no work to walk to) get out there for a little stroll anyway - take some snaps of the little things you might not normally notice and enjoy every moment.

There's no motiff Monday for this week, as I'm a bit consumed with other crafty projects this week - but normal service will resume next week!

Bye for now

Kat xx

BEDM - Some TFI Friday Motivation!

*drum roll*...it's Friday!

The prompt for today is 'motivation'. I bought a little book of mindfulness and motivation recently - it's full of lots of positive and motivational quotes and 'thoughts for the day'. I've found that reading it is a really lovely way of giving myself a little boost if I'm feeling a bit worn out and kind of like I want to hide under a duvet all day (which happens more than I'd care to admit!).

I thought it might be nice to share the joy, so here are a few motivational prints found at the lovely Etsy.

I love this...and I'm absolutely guilty of doing the whole 'thinking about things too much' - time for more doing!...

Motivation Shop - Etsy

Because being awesome is important...but coffee is essential...

The Motivated Type

I love how simple this is...I think I know an office wall that would benefit from this print...

Spell and Tell

And finally a Dumbledore quote...because..ya know...Dumbledore is super wise and all that...

Eyecharts

If you have any motivational tips I'd love to hear them!

I hope your weekends are filled with lots of good things and I'll see you tomorrow!

Bye for now

Kat xx

BEDM - Local History Month

So...wow...today's prompt has shown me that I know literally nothing about the history of my local area and I unfortunately haven't had time to do any research today. I'm really bad when it comes to learning about places where I live. If I'm somewhere on holiday then I take time to learn everything I can...but my home? Not so much.

Time to change that maybe?

So for today I'm going to share some recent photos I've taken at places local to me...hopefully they'll tell their own story about just how beautiful it can be...

And so from the beautiful to the just plain weird...

In case you were wondering...that is one terrifying plastic dinosaur which forms part of an attraction at a local theme park...with a mannequin 'armed guard'.

Yep...that pretty much sums up my local area - so very pretty but also so very odd at times - and I love the mix!

How much do you know about your local area? Could you put me to shame? (It wouldn't be hard!)

Bye for now

Kat