Lately| Happy Things Only

I seem to be playing catch-up with all aspects of my life lately and my brain, which is usually focused on upbeat/creative/cheery stuff, is all kinds of mardy. But I’m boring myself (and most probably you!) moaning about it so I’m going to try to start the weekend with a positive spirit…. just no more brilliant people leaving this lovely planet of ours please (I can’t talk about Bowie/Rickman without tearing up).

So! Let’s have a gander at all the good stuff that I’ve been thankful for lately. P.S I promise to give my blog a lot more loving very soon. Pinky promise, my friends.

Look, I know material stuff shouldn’t make me happy but I’ve wanted this Matt & Natt backpack (practical and beautiful) for a long time. Plus the last few weeks have been rough and these little things (including beautiful bags, Spanish hot chocolate and new Derby kit) have cheered me no end. Thank you OH for a perfect Christmas present!

Polly will feature a lot in this post as she’s the highlight of all my days. Aww. She’s turned a corner lately and is learning so much, and quickly too. We’ve still got lots of training to do, especially when people come into the house and she goes crazy. She hasn’t mastered the art of being alone yet either, but that’s mainly because of my lifestyle, and working from home a lot. We’ll get there I’m sure. In the meantime she deserves all the biscuits.

Magazines are in no way a bad habit, but I would say that they are a big vice of mine in that I can’t have enough. Therefore I’m so pleased to be a part of the magazine.co.uk blogger network, where I’ll share blog posts on the magazines I read, including my favourite film magazine, Sight and Sound. I’ll share any blog posts that feature on the magazine.co.uk hub very soon, but in the meantime if you’re looking to save some money on your favourite magazines then take a look at the Magazine.co.uk subscriptions (10% off at the mo AND free delivery). Now, time for more Tarantino and The Revenant gossip (counting the days to BAFTAs and Oscars – I love the awards season).

It’s been just over 3 weeks since I last went to roller derby training (Christmas break) so it was a bit of a shock when I went back this week. Cor blimey. Endurance wise, I was slow and every bit of me ached, but I learnt so much in those 2 hours including how to skate, albeit slowly, on my heel and toe simultaneously. BOOM. I’m hooked.

We’re now training twice a week, and although I’ve yet to pass my minimums (you need those to officially bout) I am now a Bruising Bandita, and have new shiny kit to prove it.

Candles. I can never have enough. They’re pretty good at making the wet dog smell more bearable too!

10 weeks, my friends. 10 weeks till we fly across the world to sunny Australia. I treated myself to a very bargainous pair of Ray-Ban’s to celebrate, over the Christmas break. I’m so pleased with them. I can’t remember what sunshine feels like!

We’ve had a few new additions to our open plan lounge lately, and will soon be adding a dining table to the mix to complement our new Anglepoise Pendant Light c/o my friends over at Houseology. The pendant light is part of Anglepoise’s original 1227 collection, designed in the 1930s. Look at the brass details! Love it. I’ll share more photos once we have our mini dining area in place.

Walks with my favourite girl often lead to deer sightings in our local woods (spot the white tails?). I quickly got Polly on her lead before she spotted them! Luckily treats beat wildlife everytime…so far anyway.

Blanket hogger.

Erm, more of this one. Do forgive me.

Finally, shake those pom poms and stop everything you’re doing! Launching very soon, by my buddy and soon-to-be shop owner, is Haykin: an online store specialising in goods of colour & simplicity. I fear for my bank balance chums, and so will you. Check out the Haykin blog for the story so far, and Instagram for a taste of all the goodies they have to offer. Smitten, I am (Yoda-speak).

Do tell. What have you all been up to, of the happy variety?

♥