Lately: Doodles, Biscotti and York

Hello there, how are we all? I’m soaking up all the goodness and contentment I’m feeling today, after what was a pretty wobbly time last week. When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I need to remind myself that it will pass and I’ve learnt surrounding myself with good people, with great attitudes, always help too.

In between the wobbly days I’ve been filling my time with doodles (using Eloise Renouf’s 20 Ways To Draw A Tree), garden pottering, walking with Julia, trips to York with Kathryn, reading, York fun with the OH and enjoying the spring sunshine. Or if you want more detail…

We use matches every single day so it seemed appropriate to treat our home to this cute box, bought at The Imaginarium in York. I’m a sucker for pretty packaging. Wouldn’t they make a great gift with a candle?

We have a small back yard and we managed to get out into this weekend to plant and tidy up the space. I can’t wait to spend more time in it and watch it grow. I’m no green thumb but I’m learning bit by bit and looking forward to working on the flower beds next; I want my own cutting flowers area!

I’ve only read a couple of pages in the latest Simple Things magazine but boy does it look like a great read for the Easter break (not long now – hello bank holidays!).

Avoca Blanket c/0 House of Fraser

After a hard day at work, nothing fills my heart with glee more than seeing my favourite armchair and blanket and hearing the kettle boil. Getting old? Perhaps. Loving every second? Yes!

I’ve always loved the Avoca brand and the this cheery blanket is as functional as it is pretty; great for brightening up the living room, and keeping me cosy.

I’ve been getting into the habit of working in the evenings (I’m rubbish at saying no to extra work) so this week I’ve promised myself to have at least 2 nights reading. I picked up The Miniaturist and a couple of other books with birthday money and I can’t wait to get started! Have you read it?

Look at the pages!

Walks with Julia have turned out to be the best New Year activity. We couldn’t manage it last week so we’re off to the hills again tomorrow for a much-needed breath of fresh air. I’m bringing hot chocolate and biscotti.

Biscotti baking. I’m obsessed with the stuff and it’s so easy to make.

Meeting commutes. I’ll always love train travel (off-peak) especially when you have a good takeaway coffee by your side.

If only breakfast could be blueberry buttermilk pancakes every single day! I met the lovely Kathryn from Kat Got The Cream on Friday in York for brunch at Bill’s restaurant. After the eclipse it turned into the most spring like day full of chat, more chat and delicious lemon cake. She’s a good un, that lass.

Kathryn loves tulips, so naturally I took a snap of her in her blooming element! Afterwards I met the OH and we had a gorgeous night eating good food and drinking cocktails at the Evil Eye Lounge; followed by a late night shop stop for a packet of Monster Munch, of the smelly variety. The OH is so lucky to have me, I know. Ahem.

Finally, back to the simple things. Every morning, when I’m working from home, I stand by the back door and drink my first cuppa of the day; it’s a nice way to start the day looking at the trees, if only for 5 minutes. Hopefully it will be warm enough to sit outside soon.

What have you been up to lately?

♥