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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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?

My Christmas Cross Stitch Makes of 2016

Over the festive season I somehow became super productive with a needle and thread, and cross stitched my freckled arse off throughout December.

I actually managed to complete two Christmas cross stitch samplers, four Christmas cards, and one cross stitch ornament in the last four or five weeks of the year, (along with eight pieces of hoop art and six Christmas crackers), which I have to say felt pretty darn satisfying. I ended the year feeling unusually productive and accomplished and it was a good feeling. It doesn't happen often!

These are the pieces I made...

At the end of November, I finished this fun colourful patchwork sampler from Riverdrift House, which I already blogged about in detail here.

I then went back to the Riverdrift House Christmas band sampler I'd cast aside out of boredom the Christmas before, and somehow found the time and determination to finish the remaining third about ten days in to December. I totally smashed my expectations with this one because I didn't think I'd finish it before the new year, so virtual high-five to me! I was so pleased to finally put this one to rest, because I found the repetition really tedious, and my heart just wasn't in it, but I am really pleased with the end result, so I'm glad I stuck it out. I think it's going to add a lovely, homey touch to the Christmas decorations when I eventually get around to framing it in five or ten years time.

Once I'd completed the samplers, there were still a couple of weeks to go 'til Christmas, so I decided to try to work my way through the last four Riverdrift House Christmas cross stitch cards I'd been meaning to get around to for a few years. I'd made one the Christmas before, and another the year before that, but for some reason I never found time to make the rest. I wish I had because I really enjoyed stitching these, mostly while watching Christmas movies or festive TV, and it was so satisfying to finish each one in a couple of days, instead of several months like the majority of the cross stitch projects I've made in recent years. I somehow found the time to finish all four (the top three, and bottom right) by the day after Boxing Day, which isn't bad considering I had so many other Christmas things to do, too.

I won't actually be turning them in to Christmas cards- although, the cards are included in the kit- because I just can't bring myself to give them away; I like the designs too much. I'm intending to turn them in to ornaments if I can find mini picture frames to fit them; failing that, I'll probably get them framed together in one of those multi-photo picture frames.

And finally... 

After finishing the cross stitch cards, there were still a few days left until the end of the year, so I figured I had time for one last cross stitch challenge, and finally got to work on the little Permin Scandi Christmas bells ornament that had been sitting in my stash for about four years. It had much smaller aida than I was expecting (though I couldn't tell you what count), so it took several days to make, instead of two or three as I'd assumed from the packaging, but that wasn't a problem. I had it finished a day or two in to the new year, and kinda enjoyed working on it. The design is far more traditional than I tend to go for, but I'm definitely more of a traditionalist when it comes to Christmas decorations, anyway, and I'd say the design is pretty timeless. 

I haven't been able to find a link to purchase this one online, but they're a Danish brand, and usually prominent in most specialist sewing / needlework / craft shops.

I'm pleased with all of the projects I made over Christmas, and impressed with how much I was able to achieve, especially considering it was during the busiest season of the year. It's encouraging me to craft more, and make good use of my time. I'm now working on another Christmas sampler and a flamingo hoop kit, which I'm sure I'll be giving you a peek at soon, either here or on my Instagram.

What have you crafted or created lately?

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My Christmas Cross Stitches 2015.

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My Easter Cross Stitch.