Well hello there! So much has happened since I last blogged, that it’s hard to know how to start this post. Firstly, let me begin by wishing you all a happy new year (am I still allowed to say that!?) and secondly, I hope that you’re all staying as safe and sane as possible in these very strange times we find ourselves living in.

I’m vowing to blog much more this year. I will be coming at you with positivity and joy, including self-care, DIY tips, interior styling, monthly catch ups and travel (when it’s allowed of course!). If you’re not already signed up to receive my blogs into your inbox, then pop your email address below, so you don’t miss out.

Even though I’ve neglected my blog of late, I’m posting every few days over on Instagram. Head on over to see more of what I’ve been up to.

January/2021 plans: I’m not gonna lie, like many of you, I’m struggling, life is SO hard at the moment. January isn’t the best month for me anyway, throw in a pandemic, home-school, four adults/teens using the internet all day (I can our modem creaking I swear!) and lots of daily stresses that I won’t bore you with, the struggle to get through the day is real. I know times are tough for everyone, all across the globe, so I’m sending you all a great big virtual hug.

I’m taking king each day as it comes, making lots of lists and working through them as I can. Sometimes rewarding myself with a cuppa and a biscuit just for getting through the last hour. I’ve even treated myself to some new stationery, anything to make my days/lists feel a bit brighter. Pretty coloured felt tip pens and Post It Notes for the win!

Not only are Spring blooms are in the shops, but there’s also the promise of blossom on the trees. Both these facts fill me with happiness. Spring flowers such as daffodils, tulips and hyacinths symbolise hope and new beginnings for me.

Whilst out shopping for essentials, I picked up four different pretty bunches at my local supermarket. You can grab a bunch of daffs for as little as 99p, pretty flowers really don’t have to break the bank. I then mixed them all up and created two large vases and four smaller displays to dot around the home. They have given me so much joy.

As well as flower faffing and endless list-making with pastel coloured highlighters, I’ve also been trying to practice lots of self care. Focussing on really looking after myself, in body AND mind.

Lighting candles, setting aside time for myself to have pamper baths, filling in the journal I received for Christmas have been things I now live for. I’ve been listening to guided meditation sessions before bed, which have really helped me. My go-to guru for this is Jason Stephenson, his YouTube channel is full of peaceful meditations designed for improved sleep and inspired living.

Reading and crochet, were my lockdown buddies of 2020, and are again in Lockdown 3. Here are some of the books I’ve read recently and have been recommended to read by others. I learnt how to crochet about five years ago. There are lots of tutorials on YouTube, it’s such a relaxing pastime.

I love cooking, and luckily so do my family, which is pretty lucky to be honest, as with 12 meals a day and snacks to feed us all, the kitchen can get very busy! I’m trying to stay healthy where I can and a favourite breakfast choice is this Slimming World Frittata, it’s so easy and you can adapt with ingredients of your choice.

For a bit of fun with my little ‘quaran-team’, Saturday is now game night and fake-away style food. We made these amazing Gennaro Contaldo pizzas, they were so yum and tasted so authentic (no swanky pizza oven needed!)

Lastly, I’ve been trying to get outside when I can. I don’t feel very safe with the scary statistics here in London, but being outside is so important for mental health. Even a cup of coffee in the garden is a joy these days.

Stay safe everyone.

Until next time,

Amy x