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

That Friday Feeling - Anniversaries, Playing in the Labyrinth and The Handmaid's Tale

This week has had its ups and downs. The loveliest part has been celebrating two years of marriage to my most amazing of husbands.

It did leave me with the question of what the hell to buy a man that is made out of cotton (the traditional material for the 2nd wedding anniversary). I settled on an anniversary themed cushion, and a very non-anniversary themed T-Shirt (Rick and Morty to be precise) which seemed to go down well...phew!

Some other highlights from the week have been...

What I've been playing... the Labyrinth Board Game

I know I can occasionally border on revealing my geekier side on this blog, and that this post represents revealing a whole new level of geekdom, but I'm loved playing this game so much that I just don't flipping well care!

I have been a die hard fan of the Labyrinth franchise ever since tiny-me first locked eyes with the Goblin King. I have never been a massive board gamer, but this has changed all that. My most amazing husband bought this for me as an anniversary present (yep, he really does know me well) and playing it has been the most lovely nostalgia trip this week. If you're a fan of the film then I can't recommend this enough. It has clearly been put together with love for the franchise and genuinely captures the feel of the labyrinth and the characters.

Speaking of the characters...look at the playing pieces (I'm squealing in my head right now)...

Ludo! 

The photos above are from truffleshuffle.co.uk and you can pick a copy of the game up if you are a fellow Goblin King groupie.

What I've Been Watching... The Handmaid's Tale

I'm only one episode into The Handmaid's Tale but it absolutely and completely captivated me for that time. It seems very timely that this classic novel has been turned into a TV series. In my lifetime I don't think I've ever had as many concerns about women's rights in the Western World as I do right now. It makes the shocking events within this dystopian future even more plausible. Horrifying, gripping, beautiful and ugly all at once, the first episode was TV at its finest, and I can't wait for episode 2 to hit the UK.

The rest of this week has been about family. Whatever you have planned for the weekend I hope you have some time to do the things you enjoy - however small. 

I'm off to play another game of Labyrinth. 

You remind me of the babe...

Bye for now!

xx

Collection Crush - Next Scandi Range

With the slight changes I'm planning for this blog I may not do a weekly collection crush, but still plan to share lots of beautiful home ware, and this new range of Scandi themed items from Next is no exception.

I love the blues and reds in this range - they'd work beautifully in winter or summer.

Going clockwise from top left, the items can be found at the following links:

1. Horse Sculpture

2. Tapestry Bird Cushion

3. Tomato Tin Sign

4. Ceramic Bird

There are some other really cute items in the range, including tin cans planted with artificial flowers and some beautiful plate sets with a pretty blue and red scandi design. There's something so calming and yet cheerful about this style. It would look so pretty in a country style kitchen (I can dream!).

Bye for now

xx