Currently at Christmas

Happy Christmas Eve!

I can't believe it's already here. This month has gone so fast.

I have one last festive post I want to squeeze in before I log off for Christmas, so let's do this.

It's been over six months since I last did one of these Currently posts, so it seems like the perfect time for a catch up. And since it's December, let's make it festive.

This is what I've been up to lately:

Reading

I wanted to read lots of festive books this month, but so far I've only found the time for a reread of A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J Maas, and three quarters of Upon a Frosted Star by M.A. Kuzniar. It's Swan Lake meets The Great Gatsby, and the writing is so beautiful, and giving off Caraval and The Night Circus vibes. I'm loving it so far- it's so gorgeous, sad, and romantic. (And I'm not one for romance books at all). I'm still hoping to fit in The Nutcracker this Christmas, but also wanted to read The Penguin Book of Christmas Stories, and reread Little Women, Midnight in Everwood, and A Christmas Carol before the month was through. I never find quite as much time to read in December, and often end up dozing off when I do as Christmas wears me out, so I guess most of them will have to keep for another year.

Besides seasonal books, I have read lots of great evergreen books over the last couple of months, too. I flew through the entire Blood and Ash series, adored A Curse for True Love, got completely lost in Iron Flame, and fell in love with Legends and Lattes when I read it earlier in the month. Would recommend them all. I've read a few others as well, but these were my favourites from recent months.

Watching

Over the last couple of weeks, I've broken out the Christmas movies and TV shows, and am trying to work my way through my favourites. So far I've watched Santa Claus the Movie, The Muppets Christmas Carol, The Santa Clause, While You Were Sleeping, Home Alone 1 & 2, Little Women (1994), Meet Me in St. Louis, Miracle on 34th Street, The Snowman, Love Actually, The Holiday, the Little Women BBC mini series, The Gavin and Stacey Christmas specials, and The Vicar of Dibley's 'Merry Christmas' episode (the one where Geraldine dives head first into the chocolate fountain and then gets drunk before Christmas mass). I've also had Christmas cooking shows on in the background, and have been watching some non-festive stuff, too, including Neighbours, Faraway Downs, and a Lost rewatch. (I'm currently on season five). No doubt I'll be watching lots of festive TV with the family over the next few days, too.

Listening

I've been listening to all the usual Christmas songs while getting ready for Christmas, and of course, Ronan Keating's Winter Songs album has also been played a lot lately. (Old habits die hard). It wouldn't be Christmas without it.

Stitching

I've just gone back to cross stitching the little Satsuma Street retro baubles I began a year or two ago. I'm only on the third one, and still have another four to go. 

Playing

It'll come as no surprise that I've been enjoying the seasonal content in Animal Crossing when I've found a spare second to play. I love the festive additions to the game so much. I've been busy building pink Christmas rooms in my main character's house, have added Christmas wreaths to all the doors of my villagers' houses, started putting out festive furniture on my island, and have been dressing my characters in the cutest Christmas outfits. It's such a cute game to play at Christmas time if you like cosy sim games. I've been playing it for almost four years, and I still love it!

Painting

It's been a few weeks since I last picked up a paint brush, but I recently started colourising the awesome Throne of Glass colouring book. I wanted to try some festive painting this year, but all the present wrapping has aggravated the spinal pain in my neck, so I've not been able to bend over a colouring book to try. *Sad face.*

Writing

I finally wrote my Christmas cards a couple of weeks ago while watching The Santa Clause. I went with these colourful cards by Tache from TK Maxx. The designs are so fun.

Wrapping

I also managed to get all of my Christmas presents wrapped by mid-month (including the dog's). I actually started wrapping them in November, and did them in small batches to try to make it easier on my back. If you have chronic pain, staggering your wrapping definitely helps! I spent a couple of hours last Sunday adding red and white twine and candy canes to them, and now they're done I feel much more organised. This year's wrapping paper is covered in gingerbread men using cups of cocoa like hot tubs, and I got it from Zazzle when it was half off. It's not cheap, but I couldn't resist.

Decorating

I decorated my bedroom for Christmas about ten days into the month, and it feels so festive and cosy with all the fairy lights and retro decorations up. I have a small real tree on what is normally my dressing table, loads of retro deer ornaments, and lots of other decorations dotted about. We also finally managed to put the decorations up in the living room on Wednesday, so the house is looking so festive now.

Loving

Seeing all the houses and town centres decorated for Christmas. We went for a drive to spot Christmas lights the other night, and there are so many good ones this year. I love how Christmas lights brighten up the long winter nights.

Liking

How my bedroom currently smells strongly of pine from the Christmas tree. It smells so good!

Enjoying

Getting ready for Christmas. I always enjoy all the fun little activities we do in the lead up to Christmas to prepare for it- wrapping presents, hanging decorations, shopping for treats etc- even if my body protests a lot these days.

Needing

To dress the mantle with fir branches and pine cones. (I've been waiting for the greenery from the garden to dry, so I'll have to do a last minute job today).

And some rest and a decent night's sleep because I've not been sleeping, and I'm shattered.

Wanting

To find the Loungefly Lady and the Tramp mini backpack, the Hunger Games deluxe box set, and the Illumicrate Olivie Blake book set under the tree this Christmas. Please Santa; I've been very good this year. *Cough cough.*

Wishing

I could get out and about more, and had someone to do all the fun festive things with. Christmas isn't so fun when there's no one to enjoy it all with.

Eating 

Far too many Reese's peanut butter Christmas trees and Cadbury praline chocolate Puds. And a couple of Christmas Doughnut Time doughnuts. Why are Christmas treats so much tastier than regular treats?

Drinking

I've had a couple of Costa hot chocolates delivered lately, which has been lovely as I hadn't had one in years. Their signature hot chocolate is my favourite, but last time, I tried the Terry's Chocolate Orange one and it was sooo good. Would recommend.

Looking

forward to a lovely Christmas with my family. We're having a family Christmas buffet this afternoon, and a quiet Christmas Day at home, but I can't wait to enjoy lots of good food, Christmas movies, and maybe even a board game or two together over the next couple of days. And most of all, I'm just looking forward to having a spare second to relax!

And that's my life lately in a nut shell.

I hope you have a fantastic Christmas how ever you're celebrating, or a lovely week / other religious holiday if you're not. Eat, drink, and be merry, and have an extra slice of cake for me. 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, guys!

What are your plans for Christmas?

Currently | April 2023

It's been almost four months since I last sat down for a catch-up, so I think it's time for a long over-due Currently post. 

Today, I'm going to talk about some of the things I've been enjoying and doing lately. 

Let's start with some books:

Reading

Since the New Year, I've fallen down a Sarah J. Maas rabbit-hole and have been flitting back and forth between the Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses series'. Two series that I've wanted to read for years, but have only just got around to. I'm kicking myself, as they're both amazing. 

So far, I've read the first three books of A Court of Thorns- A Court of Thorns and Roses, A Court of Mist and Fury, and A Court of Wings and Ruin, and I've just began A Court of Frost and Starlight after a a little ACOTAR break to stop myself reading them too quickly. I'm completely obsessed with the series, and it's been living rent-free in my head for the last four months. 

A Court of Mist and Fury has definitely been my favourite so far. It's so different to the first book, and completely changed my perspective on several characters (Tamlin's out, Rhys is in, Lucien can get a time-out for being an enabler), but it's one of my favourite reads ever. The trauma, PTSD, depression, abuse, and recovery storylines were so powerful and heartbreaking, and the character development was amazing. The book is quite melancholy for a while because of the trauma and abuse, but as characters heal and so many different things unfold, it turns in to such a funny, flirty, empowering, and exciting read. I loved getting to know Rhys and the Inner Circle (hello, Cassian), and I adored Rhys' relationship with Feyre- especially the way he tries to piece her back together with banter and flirting. Chapter 54 killed me, and that ending! Cauldron boil me, it was so good! Would highly recommend it and the series in general... as long as you don't mind a bit of spice... (Avoid chapter 55 of ACOMAF if you do). 

I can't wait to read A Court of Silver Flames for Cassian and Nesta's story, but I won't know what to do with myself once I'm finished and have to wait God-knows-how-long for the next book to come out.

I've also been loving the Throne of Glass books (perhaps even more than ACOTAR), and have so far devoured Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, Heir of Fire, Queen of Shadows, Empire of Storms, and Tower of Dawn. Just two more to go.

I loved the first two books and the Celaena/ Dorian / Chaol love triangle, but Heir of Fire is when it really started getting good, and has definitely been my favourite so far, followed by Queen of Shadows- mostly because of Rowan, who quickly became one of my favourite male fictional characters ever. Sadistic side of him, an' all. I adore Rowan and Aelin together- especially how cute the big grouchy warrior is when he gets protective and starts fussing over her, or later worships her like a queen. (Where can I get one?) The introduction of the fae magic definitely adds something extra to the story, too. I really enjoyed Empire of Storms, as well, though, with so much of the storyline focused on war, I found it a bit slower than the other books at times. But, I loved the Elide and Lorcan scenes, and all the romance and sexual tension building between several couples, and I can't wait to find out if they all end up together in the final book. And that ending! Brutal! Rowan's reaction to what happened broke my heart. I was gutted when I began the next book, Tower of Dawn last week, and realised it took a break from the main characters and storyline to tell Chaol and Nesryn's stories, and that I have to wait a whole other book to find out what happens next. I wasn't so invested in Chaol and Nesryn's POV to begin with and it took me a while to get into as it was a bit duller than the rest of the series, but I loved Yrene as a character, Chaol getting his ass handed to him by Yrene, and Sartaq being so obviously smitten with Nesryn. It was also interesting to see Chaol learning how to adapt to life with his spinal injuries, battling his limitations and his pride, and realising using a mobility aid doesn't make someone less of a man / woman. Despite the unrealistic fantasy healing, it sent a good message about disability, and it was great to have an ambulatory wheelchair user character to open people's eyes to how mobility levels can alter through activity, and that not all wheelchair users are paralysed.

I'll try to post some proper reviews of both series' once I've finished them, but you can find some mini reviews on my Instagram highlights, and more in-depth ones for some of them on my Goodreads.

Another book I really enjoyed was The Stolen Heir by Holly Black. It's the first book of a new duology set in the same world as The Cruel Prince series, but eight years on. It follows Jude's younger brother, Oak, and Suren (Wren), now all grown up in their late teens as they team up with his knight and their prisoner, and travel across the faerie lands of Elfhame to the Ice Needle Citadel to free Madoc and defeat Lady Nore. Along the way, they face dangers and threats, like trolls and monsters made of human body parts, and there's some fledgling romance developing, before they reach the Citadel, where there's lots of shocking twists and turns. I didn't see the ending coming, but it was brilliant. I can't wait for the second book now- and it pains me that it's almost a year away.

Watching

I haven't watched a lot lately, as I've been in a weird funk, but I've been loving Shadow and Bone on Netflix these past couple of weeks. I'd been looking forward to it since I finished season one last year, and though it's different to the books, it hasn't disappointed. I need season three and the Six of Crows spinoff now!

I also recently watched Avatar 2: The Way of Water for the first time, and absolutely loved it. Possibly even more than the first one. It was so beautifully done- especially the underwater / sea creature scenes.

Listening

I'm loving the new Fall Out Boy album, So Much (For) Stardust, which came out recently, and have been playing it on repeat. The entire album is amazing, but I particularly love Fake Out, Love From the Other Side, The Kintsugi Kid (Ten Years), and So Good Right Now. I've also been going back in time twenty years with Linkin Park's Meteora 20th Anniversary release. I've been playing the original since I was seventeen and still at college, and it's always been a favourite album (and Linkin Park era) of mine. I'm enjoying reminiscing about those good old days with it, and getting to hear lots of unreleased tracks from that era on top of the original songs from the album. It's like 2003 all over again.

Playing

I've been playing Animal Crossing New Horizons a lot, and have jumped on the bandwagon and got myself Disney Dreamlight Valley, when it was on sale after Christmas. I haven't actually got past making my avatar yet, though. I've been in too much of a funk to want to play or concentrate on anything new lately- sometimes my brain-fogged head gets like that. I'll have to give it another go again soon.

Stitching

I haven't done any cross stitching since Christmas. I've been so uninspired with what to make next that I've lost my sewing mojo. Hopefully I'll spot a fun, colourful pattern I like soon.

Painting

I recently bought myself the A Court of Thorns and Roses colouring book, and have enjoyed colourising Feyre and Tamlin in the glen of the Spring Court with my watercolours recently. I'm just beginning the second coat, and making a complete mess of it, especially of Tamlin, who is a complete train wreck at this point. I ruined a patch of his hair and sleeve by overworking the areas, and made his gold mask too yellow, since I didn't have a gold paint when I started. (I do now)! I'm hoping I can improve them before I'm finished, but he might remain a bit of a fixer-upper- much like his character. It's going to take me forever to work through the book as my joints will only let me paint in short bursts, but I'm enjoying destressing with it, trying to improve my painting 'skills' (I have none!), and bringing one of my favourite book series' to life this way. It's so therapeutic. I'll post a review of the colouring book once I've painted a few more pages.

Loving

The new book covers for the Throne of Glass series- especially the hardbacks, which I'm currently collecting. The cover art is so pretty, and the books are such lovely jewel colours.

Liking

The Nivea Organically Good Aloe Vera body lotion. I've been trying some cheaper skincare options since the cost of living crisis to save my pennies where I can, and I'm so impressed with how good this one is. I don't think my skin has ever felt softer! It smells so good, it's vegan, and you can roll up the bottle as it empties to get every last drop of lotion out of it. Very impressed, especially considering it's a budget brand.

Enjoying

the extra hour of light in the evenings now the clocks have changed, and all the blossom and colourful spring flowers that are popping up. I love it when everything comes back to life again after the winter. 

Seeing

I recently saw Ronan Keating and the City Light Symphony Orchestra live at the Royal Albert Hall in London, and it was amazing I've seen Ronan live countless times over the years, but never quite like this. The classical music really complimented his voice and they were some of the best performances of his songs I've ever seen / heard. The music was so powerful, I had goosebumps all night, and even got teary-eyed over a few songs because of it. It was such a fantastic experience, and the 65-piece-orchestra was incredible. I've never really seen a big professional orchestra perform before (though Ronan toured with a small one years ago), or been to a classical concert, but I was definitely impressed by what I saw and heard. There were so many talented musicians on that stage, and the maestro was so fun to watch as he was such a character. It's a shame it was just a one-off gig in the UK (with random shows in places like Cape Town and Switzerland), as I'd have happily gone to see them again. 

Needing

I really need to get my hair cut. I haven't had it cut in almost two years, and I'm beginning to look like Cousin It again. Hopefully I can afford a visit to the hairdresser's this spring to get it cut into a more manageable length. I also need to get to the optician's for new glasses (I'm about five years over due), and see a dentist about my cracked molar.

Wanting

About 8929134 books, several of the new Lady Vintage Lyra dresses, a new Vendula London clasp purse (to replace the one that was stolen), quite a few Loungefly bags and purses, a few Erstwilder My Little Pony brooches, an Illyrian bat boy, my own Rowan Whitethorn, a pain free day, more time out of the house, some adventures, a holiday, and a good night's sleep. Not asking for much, really...

Wishing

the two guys who pick-pocketed my purse from my bag at Victoria Station last month get kicked in the balls before enjoying a pleasant stay in hell. 

Buying

Most of my purchases over the last few months have been books. I just can't resist them, and they're the best form of escapism and distraction. I've been gradually collecting the Throne of Glass and ACOTAR hardbacks, and also treated myself to the Illumicrate editions of The Stolen Heir, Ninth House, and Hell Bent, which are all absolutely gorgeous. (I'll try to review those for you soon). I also treated myself to an amazing A Court of Thorns and Roses book tin from Litjoy Crate in the style of Beauty and the Beast (yes, I'm obsessed!), some Erstwilder brooches, and an amazing My Little Pony print smock dress from Truffle Shuffle. 

Eating

I've been enjoying treats in Easter form- especially Cadbury mini orange eggs, and Kinder Bueno eggs. They're so good! Why is Easter chocolate so much better than regular chocolate??

Drinking

Apart from being treated to a Hotel Chocolat hot chocolate after Christmas, I haven't drank anything interesting in  ages. I don't think I've even had a proper drink in about five years. I've not made a conscious decision to quit drinking or anything (though I'm not meant to drink on my painkillers), I just don't tend to drink unless I go out, and it's been a long time since I did that. *Tiny violins.*

Well, that's been my life lately.

What have you been enjoying recently?

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That Time I Got Pick Pocketed in London

That Time I Got Pick-Pocketed in London

A couple of Sundays ago, I took my first trip out of the house all year to see Ronan Keating and a symphony orchestra live in London... only to get pick-pocketed minutes after we got off the bus in Victoria.

I swear, I either have the worst luck, or I did something terrible in a former life. Something always goes wrong when I travel to concerts.

It's been going around and around in my head since it happened- mostly what I should've done differently- so I'm hoping writing about it and getting my thoughts out will help me make sense of it, and let it go. Writing has always helped me clear my head, but feel free to roll your eyes if you think I'm overreacting.

So... just after arriving in London on Mother's Day, we went into Victoria station to grab some food before heading to the Royal Albert Hall for the concert we'd travelled to see. Seconds after we went inside, we were walking slowly up half a dozen stairs (slowed down by Arthritis), when someone pressed up close behind me. I thought they were trying to hurry us up, so I tried to ignore them instead of letting them intimidate me (or elbowing them in the face), but something about it felt off, so I thought to check my bag as soon as I was off the stairs- only to find my backpack was unzipped, and my purse had gone. They'd seen us moving slowly, and they'd marked us as easy targets. 

It was all over in a matter of seconds, and happened so fast, I didn't even get a look at them as they hurried away. My sister got a glimpse, but I was too busy checking my bag.                                             

Luckily, they only took my purse and I didn't even have any cash on me. My phone was in my hand, and they didn't take my camera or concert tickets which had my personal details on them, so it could've been worse. They could've taken my whole bag, and I could've had my NI card on me, but didn't. Thanks to my sister, I was able to cancel my bank card in minutes before they even got a chance to use it, so my only real loss was my lovely Vendula London flower shop purse. (I'm gutted- it isn't made any more).

I'm mostly just annoyed at myself for being stupid enough to take a backpack to London, because I never, ever do for this very reason. I've always taken a cross-body I can keep a hand on, but this time, I was careless as I wanted to ease the strain on my neck and shoulder, which were hurting like hell. I even contemplated the risk before I left home, so I feel like such an idiot. 

With all the stabbings in London lately, I'm just grateful I wasn't hurt- they didn't so much as touch me- and I wasn't alone so I didn't end up stranded without any money or a bus ticket home. All I could do was Paypal my sister money for things, so it left me feeling pretty vulnerable. I think it's time to set up some kind of payment on my phone (which the policeman also recommended), and go back to putting £20 in my shoe when I travel, so I'm not so helpless if I lose my wallet again. It was a wake up call.

I wasn't the only one it happened to, either; when we were talking to the police, there were two other girls who had just been targeted in another station, probably by the same men. I felt worse for them, because they were tourists, and it's a shitty thing to happen miles from home. The police and the security guard were all really kind and sympathetic, though, which made a big difference. They took it seriously, and didn't lay any blame on our actions, or make us feel like we were wasting their time. They just shared some insights about pick-pocketers and suggested some tips- like wearing a cross-body bag beneath a jacket or cardi so it's harder for thieves to cut a bag right from your body, and to set up Apple Pay on your phone to have money to fall back on.

I didn't really care about finding my purse- that was already long gone, but we got the police involved to hopefully stop it from happening to other people. I hope they were able to find them, but if not, I hope karma comes back to bite them where it hurts. I'd wish them a life time of chronic pain, but that seems a little bit mean. Maybe they were professional pick-pocketers, or maybe they were just desperate. Who knows?

I didn't let two assholes ruin my night, though, and tried not to let it phase me. I didn't panic, and only realised it affected me at all when the nerves in my legs started twitching when I sat down afterwards. (It's only now it's over that it's bothering me a little bit, and creeping in to my head at random times). We still had a great night, and miraculously, we had the same bus driver on the way home to Oxford, who remembered us, and didn't make me pay for another ticket home, so... silver linings. 

If you take anything from this story, I hope it makes you think about your safety when you travel and you learn from my mistakes. Don't take a backpack to London or any other big city; keep your bag where you can see it; don't keep all your money in one place when you travel; and if someone invades your space, don't just ignore it to be the bigger person. It might not be safe to confront them, but at least turn to acknowledge you know they're there to discourage them, and try to move away from them if you can.

It might make a difference.

Have you ever been pick-pocketed on your travels?

Currently at Christmas

Can you believe it's only a few more days 'til Christmas?

I'm not sure where the month has gone, but it doesn't feel like we're nearing the big day. Maybe it's just that I still don't feel festive. I'm beginning to wonder if I'm going to feel Christmassy at all this year.

Anyway, in an effort to get in to the holiday spirit, I'm here for a catch up, and since it's December, this post is going to be giving off a lot of festive vibes. You have been warned. 

(As always, please excuse the quality of my photos. I'm still stuck using an ancient point-and-shoot with a scratched lens, and the quality is awful).

This is what I've been up to:

Reading

I intended to spend all month reading Christmas-themed stories, but I failed at that from day one. I began reading The Cruel Prince at the end of November, and became so hooked on it, I just couldn't wait a month to read The Wicked King, and of course, when I finished that, I had to dive right in to The Queen of Nothing. I. Am. Obsessed. The Folk of the Air series is amazing, and it's without a doubt one of the best book series' I've ever read. I think I might even love these books more than the Shadow and Bone books- and you all know how much I adore those. The Folk of the Air is a dark YA fantasy series, set in a magical Faerie land, with a morally-grey mortal heroine, a cruel but loveable faerie prince / king, battles, curses, murder, the best group of spies, and a little bit of romance and seduction. The magical world of Faerie is enchanting, and I love Jude becoming bad-ass with power and shamelessly murdering anyone who gets in her way; and poor, damaged Cardan who starts off cruel and detestable, but who's really a funny, mischievous sweetheart who just wants to be loved. His backstory is one of the saddest things I've ever heard, and the way his family neglected and abused him broke my heart. I hated Lady Asha, Dain, and Balekin so much... but maybe not as much as I hated Locke and Taryn. Even if she redeemed herself a little in the last book. I'm sad the main series is over for me now as all three books were so good, but I'm looking forward to reading the companion book of short stories, How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories, and the new book, The Stolen Heir, which comes out next month. Just read them all, promise?

Aside from getting lost in Faerie, I have read some Christmas stories this December. I've been slowly making my way through A German Christmas: Festive Tales from Berlin to Bavaria, a short story or two at a time. It's a book of classic festive short stories written by German, Austrian, and Swiss writers, and they're charming. I've also just started Midnight in Everwood by M.A. Kuzniar, which is supposedly a modernisation of The Nutcracker.

Watching

I've watched some Christmas movies so far this month, but not as many as I would normally have by this stage of the festive season. I just can't seem to get in to the mood for Christmas this year, and that's really unusual for me. I'm not sure why I'm not feeling it this year. Maybe it's just because I've barely done any of the big festive activities at all yet? Who knows. Anyway, this month, I've been watching Home Alone, Home Alone 2, The Holiday, Santa Claus the Movie, The Muppets Christmas Carol, While You Were Sleeping, The Santa Clause, and Meet Me in St. Louis. And I've also been enjoying Kirstie's Handmade Christmas, and a couple of Christmas specials.

Listening

The Christmas tunes have been broken out. I've been playing all the usual festive classics, listening to some Christmas songs on Magic radio most weekday mornings, and have had Ronan's Winter Songs album on repeat. Old habits never die.

Playing

When I've had a little spare time in the evenings, I've been winding down with Animal Crossing New Horizons to enjoy the festivities in game. I haven't built anything exciting since I'm recollecting the recipes and haven't got all my festive furniture yet, but I'm having fun collecting them all, making snowmen, and enjoying the pretty fairy lights in the trees. Here's a very pink Christmas home I built in ACNH Happy Home Paradise a few months ago.

Stitching

I haven't found much time to sew lately. I'm still working on the Satsuma Street retro bauble designs I showed you in my last 'currently' post, and haven't done loads since then. I'm hoping to work on them a bit more this week, but I'm unlikely to get them finished in time for Christmas.

Wrapping

I've thankfully got all of my presents wrapped already, apart from the few that haven't been delivered yet. I actually started wrapping in October to take some of the pressure off, and have just wrapped everything else as I've bought them, and it's been a huge help. It's really made a difference to my pain levels this December, so I'm glad I did this. This year, I bought the loveliest snail mail wrapping paper from Gabi & Gaby, and wrapped them with pastel pink and blue satin ribbons from Hobbycraft.

Writing

I surprised myself by getting all my cards written and sent / given out at the start of the month, instead of at the last minute. Miracles do happen. This year's cards were from Whistlefish.

Buying

Most of my money has been spent on presents, but a few Christmas Erstwilder brooches and earrings may have been bought last month, and several books may have also jumped in to my basket lately. Including a few gorgeous editions from Owlcrate in the Black Friday sale. I'll be sure to review those ones once they arrive.

Enjoying

Accessorising all my outfits with Christmas brooches and earrings, and counting down the days to Christmas with my Essie nail polish Advent calendar. It's the little things...

Loving

Seeing all the pretty Christmas lights everywhere, brightening up the dark winter evenings. Christmas lights make everything better. Fact.

Liking

Filling my days with Christmas-themed activities. They're much more fun than regular-themed activities.

Needing

Some sleep and a good rest. Preparing for Christmas is tiring work. Roll on Boxing Day, when I can finally relax again.

Wanting

A lovely Christmas with my family, and to find lots of pretty books under the tree this year.

Wishing

I could've got out and about to do all the fun festive things, and had someone to enjoy them all with. I've missed out on all the fun holiday activities like Christmas light switch ons, Christmas markets, browsing decorations in the garden centre, Christmas parties... basically all of it, and it sucks. Okay, maybe I don't care so much about missing Christmas parties, but I wanted to do all the rest. Sometimes I resent my health just a little bit. (Do you hear those tiny violins)??

Decorating

I finally decorated my bedroom for Christmas at the end of last week. I got a potted tree from Tesco's the week before, but I hadn't been feeling great pain-wise, and couldn't find where my Mum had hidden a box of my decorations, so I started really late this year. I've got a tree up with all my presents wrapped underneath, retro deer ornaments dotted around, hoop art on the wall, Christmas tea lights by my TV, and I've even hung some decorations from my white-twig Easter tree. My bedroom basically looks like Christmas threw up on it, and I'm so proud. We still haven't put up the tree in the living room, though. 

Eating

A Christmas Doughnut Time doughnut or two might have come home with me last time I was in town. They have a brand new shop in the Westgate in Oxford, so it would've been rude not to visit it when I was out Christmas shopping. That same day, I also got to experience Popeye's for the first time, who have also just opened a restaurant in Oxford. I didn't know what to expect, but it was surprisingly tasty.

And... that's basically December so far in a (very long) nut shell.

What fun Christmas activities have you been up to lately? Are you all ready for Christmas yet?

Currently | October 2022

I can't remember the last time I sat down and wrote a 'currently' post about what I've been doing and enjoying lately, so I think it's about time I stopped by for a catch-up. 

Grab yourself a cuppa, make yourself comfortable; and help yourself to a biscuit.

So, what's new with you?

Lately, I've been...

Reading

I've read almost every day so far this year, and while I haven't read a crazy amount of books, I've still devoured a decent number. I'm currently on my thirty-eighth book of 2022, and only need to finish three to complete my Goodreads reading goal of forty, so I'm pleased with my progress. I've read some great books over the last few months (and a couple of not-so-great ones, too). I discovered Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo, and ploughed through all seven of her Grishaverse novels one after the other, plus an enchanting book of fairytales and another about saints set in the same world. I'm a little obsessed, if I'm honest- especially with Nikolai, who has to be one of my favourite book characters ever. It took me a while to get in to Six of Crows as it was a slow-starter and so different to the first three books, but by the time Matthais and Nina were added, and all of their characters' stories started to unravel, I was hooked. I've also reread the Caraval series as I needed another fantasy binge and a Jacks fix; got through a few psychological thrillers like The Blackbird by Tim Weaver and Do No Harm by Jack Jordan (both excellent), and The Last Party by Clare Mackintosh (which was not); and recently finished The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum for the first time. I've also read a few Blake Crouch novels lately, and was especially engrossed in Dark Matter, which has to be one of the best books I've ever read. It's about a man who gets kidnapped and wakes up in a parallel universe where his wife isn't his wife, his son doesn't exist, and the company he works for are out to get him. Once he realises where he is, he has to figure out how to get back to his own world, and all kinds of crazy shit goes down as he tries to get back to his family. It was an incredible read, and the way the multiverse is explored was both mind-blowing and terrifying. Read it! Recursion was also brilliant, but Upgrade was so boring I had to force myself to keep reading. I then reread Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone for the first time in twenty-one years, which was lovely to return to. I've just finished The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber, which I loved- especially Jacks and his patented blend of gentleness, mischieve, and playful cruelty, but the ending broke me. If Garber doesn't fix that ending in book three, I don't think my heart will ever recover. A few days ago, I finished reading The Lighthouse Witches by C.J. Cooke, a creepy thriller about a woman and her three daughters living in a lighthouse in Scotland that's cursed by witches and wildlings. In 1998, the mother and her daughters disappear one by one, and only one girl is seen again- until twenty-one years later, when one of the daughters reappears, still seven years old. It was a good, creepy little read, and perfect for autumn.  On Thursday, I read my first ever graphic novel- The Demon in the Wood by Leigh Bardugo. It's a prequel to Shadow and Bone about The Darkling and how he came to be, and the artwork is gorgeous. I'm now reading Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, and I'm already hooked. I hope it's as good as The Martian. 

If you want to keep up with what I've been reading, you can find me on Goodreads here.

Watching

Recent screen favourites have included Shadow and Bone (especially Matthais- I mean, seriously, where can I get one?!), Stranger Things, Alba, Jurassic World Dominion, The Age of Adaline, Old, Greenland, A Quiet Place 1 & 2, Scream 5, the Neighbours finale (so sad it's over), and Home and Away. I've also started watching Locke and Key on Netflix, and The Night Sky on Prime, which I've been enjoying, but I've only watched a few episodes of each so far, and I recently watched an interesting documentary series on 9/11 on Disney+. Mostly, I've just been rewatching old favourites.

Listening

I haven't listened to a lot of new music lately, except for the new Panic! at the Disco album, Viva las Vengeance, which I'm really enjoying. I've mostly been playing a lot of Linkin Park and Dead by Sunrise, but hey, what's new?

Stitching 

I've hardly cross stitched at all this year as I've been so uninspired and haven't found anything I've wanted to stitch, but I've just gone back to stitching some Satsuma Street Christmas baubles designs I began last December. They're only little, so they won't take me long to sew, so I should have no trouble completing them in time for the festive season. I've finished two so far, and think I have five left to go.

Playing

I still love Animal Crossing New Horizons and enjoy relaxing with it every day. I've recently started a new island after getting frustrated with my old one when I was sick with Covid- then regretting it and resetting again- so I'm busy playing catch up, and also trying to make it look super autumnal with lots of pumpkins and orange foliage. I've also been working on lots of holiday homes with the add-on, Happy Home Paradise, which I find oddly addictive. Aside from AC, I regularly play FarmVille 3, and recently spent a fun evening on holiday playing Ghostbusters Monopoly, and getting taught how to play Disney Uno for the first time. I'm tempted to jump on the bandwagon and try Disney Dreamlight Valley next, as everyone seems to be obsessed with it, but I want to get a little further in Animal Crossing before I get addicted to another game.

Buying

I recently bought the coolest Labyrinth print smock dress from Truffle Shuffle. It's black and has a print of characters from the movie (like Jareth, Ludo, and Hoggle), and barn owls and the lyrics 'dance, magic dance' dotted in between. It's amazing, and so comfortable, too. It caters to both straight sizes and plus sizes up to a 24-26, and it's generously-sized, so I'd recommend sizing down. I also treated myself to a gorgeous red polka dot midi dress by Live Unlimited from Very with some belated birthday money, which I wore on my recent holiday to Cornwall. It's pretty, classic, and so comfy, too. Also very generously-sized. Aside from dresses, I've bought quite a few books lately- mostly from stumbling in to bookshops on holiday; a pumpkin witch brooch from Erstwilder; the cosiest new toadstool print pyjamas from ASOS Curve; and I've even picked up a few gifts and wrapping accessories for Christmas already. 

Wanting

All the books, some new dresses, this year's Essie and Benefit Advent calendars, to curl up in a pile of blankets like a burrito, the sequel to The Ballad of Never After to be out now because that ending broke me and needs fixing along with my heart, and the next series of Shadow and Bone to be released on Netflix already, 

Needing

New glasses, a hair cut, new pairs of ankle boots and Converse, a good concert, my tachycardia to calm the f*ck down, a cure for tinnitus before I go insane, some excitement in my life, and a new camera as I dropped and broke my Canon. *Sobs.*

Wishing 

I could rewind a month and enjoy my holiday all over again. Or that I was rich enough to take another one... I miss being by the sea.

Enjoying

A week's holiday down in Cornwall last month. It was so good to get away, spend some time by the sea, relax, eat some good food, and revisit some of my favourite places. I won't say any more now, as I'll be writing a separate post about what I got up to soon.

Loving

I recently tried the OGX coconut shampoo and conditioner, after picking up travel sizes for my holiday, and not only do they smell amazing, but they left my hair so soft and shiny, too. I'll definitely be buying them again.

Liking

The crisp chill in the air, the leaves changing colours, seeing hedges full of blackberries, the sound of dry leaves skipping along the tarmac in the breeze, and curling up under a blanket with a good book as the last of the daylight fades away in the evening. I'm liking these early autumn days a lot.

Eating

As I've been away, I've enjoyed some really good treats lately; my favourite fish and chips from Rick Stein's Fish and Chips, the most amazing berry roulade from a café on Padstow harbour, delicious junk food from a burger bar called The Hub Box in St. Ives, a few Cornish pasties, some great gelato from Pavilion Ice in Perranporth... it was a good week for food. I've also been loving Cadbury Mint Crisp chocolate, and may have enjoyed a Millie's Cookie or two last week... 

Drinking

I recently tried a really delicious raspberry lemonade from The Hub Box. It was just the right balance of tart and sweet, and had fresh raspberries in it. It was sooo good. More please.

Burning

the back of my hand on the oven the first time I tried cooking (well, heating) something in many moons. (Cooking hurts my back too much, so I don't often unless I have no other option). I really shouldn't be allowed in the kitchen. Luckily, the burn isn't too deep as I reacted fast, but boy, did it hurt. Fingers crossed it doesn't scar.

And that's life lately in a nut shell.

What have you been enjoying lately?

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I can't believe it's only two more sleeps 'til Christmas! Where has the month gone?

I don't know about you, but I've been so busy getting ready for Christmas, and enjoying all the usual festive activities, so I thought it would be a good time to sit down and have a catch up about what I've been getting up to lately. Well, it has been about a year since I last did one of these 'currently' posts!

Reading

When I've had a spare second to read between wrapping presents and hanging decorations, I've been enjoying some festive short stories. I'm currently reading A Merry Christmas & Other Christmas Stories by Louisa May Alcott for the first time, and it's one of the loveliest collections of Christmas stories I've ever read. If you love Little Women, I'd definitely recommend it. Once I finish it, I'll be moving on to the Puffin Book of Christmas Stories, which is also new to me this year.

Watching

The Christmas movies have been broken out, and I've been working my way through my favourites over the last couple of weeks. So far this Christmas, I've watched The Muppets Christmas Carol, Santa Claus the Movie, The Santa Clause, The Holiday, Love Actually, It's a Wonderful Life, Little Women (2019), Home Alone, Die Hard, A Gift Wrapped Christmas, and While You Were Sleeping.

Listening

I've been playing lots of Christmas tunes this month, including all the usual old favourites from Wham to The Pogues. And it wouldn't be Christmas without me breaking out Ronan's Winter Songs for the millionth time...

Stitching

I finally finished stitching the Satsuma Street Christmas wall hanging I began two years ago, which I blogged about here, and I'm just started some small retro bauble designs from the same brand. I'd hoped to stitch throughout December, but I've only just made it down to Hobbycraft for more supplies to help me get started. 

Playing

When I've had a spare second to play, I've been enjoying the festivities in Animal Crossing New Horizons. I've been making my island look super festive by adding Christmas trees and decorations everywhere, along with a Christmas room, a Christmas market, tree farm, and an ice skating rink. I'm also living for all the cute festive outfits, and enjoying building snowmen in the snow. I love how AC allows you to immerse yourself in the seasons, and celebrate the holidays. It's so much fun. Do any of you guys play it?

Wrapping

This weekend, I finally finished wrapping all the presents I've got so far, after making it across to Hobbycraft for ribbons last week. I decided to go for pink gift wrap again this year, and chose the cutest puppy dog wrapping paper from Cath Kidston and gingerbread house paper from Emma Cooter Draws, then tied them with white or mint ribbon. (I may or may not have bought the dog print paper with my dog's Christmas presents in mind...) 

Writing

I spent a couple of evenings writing out my Christmas cards, and actually got them all written at the start of the month for a change. This year, I went with these pretty wreath cards from Paperchase. I love the little hidden robin in the wreath.

Decorating

It's been slow-going this Christmas, but I've finally finished decorating my bedroom for Christmas a few days ago. I got a lovely fresh potted tree from Tesco's, and decorated it with colourful baubles and retro deer ornaments. It looks really scruffy now as it's dropped so many needles, but it was such a lovely tree when I first got it. I've got presents and bigger deer ornaments beneath it, plus more deer dotted around my bedroom, as well as festive tea light holders, light up ornaments, Christmas books, festive bedding, and more.

We also finally decorated the living room for Christmas yesterday. Everyone's been so busy and tired that it was the first chance we've had to put them up. We've never decorated so late before, but it actually felt more festive than usual since it's so close to Christmas. 

I haven't actually got photos of either tree yet, as it's been too dark and dreary for photos all month. Fingers crossed for some sunshine tomorrow so I can snap a few before all the presents are given out.

Visiting

On the 2nd, my sister and I took our annual visit to the Appleton Christmas Barn. It's a little Christmas tree farm in Appleton, near Abingdon in Oxfordshire, with a barn converted in to a Christmas ornament shop, and a few reindeer to see. They had two new young reindeer this year, bringing their herd up to four, and the adorable little things were all curled up asleep in the straw. Why are reindeer so cute? After seeing the reindeer (which is completely free to do), we got out of the cold, and browsed the decorations. We were pleasantly surprised to find their Christmas shop had also grown since last Christmas, and is now about three times bigger. There were so many beautiful Christmas decorations to look at, and I could've bought the whole shop, but only bought two as I had a lot of Christmas presents left to buy. I got these two gorgeous frosted iridescent baubles, as they're similar to some old spherical favourites on our tree which I've had for about fifteen years. They don't look impressive in my photo, but when the fairy lights hit them, they glisten in so many different colours. They're really beautiful.

Instagramming

I've been doing my best to make my Insta grid look super festive, and have posted almost every day this month. I've done a daily reveal of what I've found in my OPI Celebration Collection Advent Calendar, posted brooches of the day, and also shared festive things I've been enjoying or getting up to.

Buying

Like everyone else, I've been buying so many presents for my family, friends, and dog lately. I've officially finished my Christmas shopping now, which is such a relief, although, I'll probably think of something I've forgotten. I also bought myself a pair of gingerbread man Christmas PJs from Simply Be on Black Friday, some retro reindeer decorations, and a couple of Christmas books to relax with.

Eating

My younger sister and I kicked off the festive season with a box of Christmas doughnuts from Doughnut Time that we went on halves on in the Black Friday sales. We split each doughnut so we could try all the flavours, and they were bloody delicious, especially the Biscoff filled Reindeer doughnut, Elvis Pretzel, and the apple cinnamon doughnut, Spice Up Your Life. 10/10 would recommend. Doughnut Time make the best doughnuts.

Dressing

my dog, Rosie, up for Christmas in a Christmas headband when we decorated the living room for Christmas yesterday. She wasn't amused, but kept it on for a couple of minutes each time, while she sat looking like she was posing for an oil painting. She'll be less amused when I put a Christmas jumper on her on Christmas Day! Haha! 

Loving 

Cadbury Chocolate Orange Mousse Snowmen. Have you tried them? They're so good!

Hating

How dark and dreary it's been lately. I feel like I've barely seen daylight all month. I can't wait for long summer evenings again.

Needing

a good night's sleep (or ten) to recover from the festivities. I'm shattered.

Wanting

a lovely Christmas with my family, unruined by Covid restrictions. I will be pissed if Boris suddenly puts us on lockdown on the 27th (as rumoured), and says we can't socialise with our families between Christmas and New Year again. All I want is to eat, drink, and be merry with my family over the holidays, and be able to make some happy memories.

Wishing

I had more hours in the day to get everything done.

Looking

forward to Christmas, and enjoying the festivities with my family. And also to Boxing Day when everything calms down again, and I can finally relax, and do nothing except eat cake in my PJs.

Well, that's my December so far.

What have you been getting up to this Christmas? Are you ready for Christmas yet?