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?

You Might Also Like

That Time I Got Pick Pocketed in London

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?

You Might Also Like

Autumn Goals

What I Got For My Birthday

Currently | July 2019

It's been ages since I last sat down and wrote a 'Currently' post about some of the things I've been doing and enjoying lately (more than four months, apparently- oops!), so I think it's about time for a long-over-due catch-up.

Here's where I chat about what I've been reading, watching, crafting, buying, loving, and enjoying lately- and so much more.

As usual, let's start with what I've been reading...

Reading

I'm really enjoying reading again at the moment, and have been reading so much lately. I've been making an effort to read every day for at least an hour, and I've only failed on days when the arthritis in my hands has been too bad to hold a book open, or my eyelids have been too heavy from fatigue for me to read. Even then, I've given it my best shot.

Since my last 'Currently' post in March, I've finished seventeen books- eleven of which I read in the last month alone! I know it's not a lot by some people's standards, but it's been a while since I've read so much in such a short space of time, and I'm really pleased with my effort. I've finished twenty-three books so far this year, which is already more than I read during the whole of last year and we're only half way through this one. I'm now only two books away from completing my Goodreads reading goal for 2019! I guess I underestimated myself by setting it at only twenty five... I may have to increase it to keep myself on my toes!

I've read some brilliant books over the last few months, including (in order read):

♥ The Extinction Trials Rebel by S. M. Wilson.

♥ Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott.

♥ An Ocean of Minutes by Thea Lim.

♥ The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom.

♥ The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe.

♥ The Amateurs by Liz Harmer.

♥ The Giver by Lois Lowry.

♥ The Passengers by John Marrs.

♥ The Next Together by Lauren James.

♥ The One by John Marrs.

♥ The Last Beginning by Lauren James.

♥ The Good Samaritan by John Marrs.

♥ When You Disappeared by John Marrs.

♥ Welcome to Wherever You Are by John Marrs.

♥ Don't Wake Up by Liz Lawler.
♥ Her Last Move by John Marrs,
♥ I'll Find You by Liz Lawler.

Lots of 'thes' and quite a few John Marrs novels- I've fallen in love with his writing style and disturbing storylines after reading The Passengers and The One a few weeks ago and now I can't stop reading his books. His novels are amazing.

From all of the books I've read lately and listed above, I'd say my favourites were An Ocean of Minutes, The One, The Passengers and Don't Wake Up- they're all brilliant, five star reads that I'd highly recommend. Would anybody like me to write some mini reviews of the books I've read so far this year, or are book reviews not your thing?

Watching

I've watched several new-to-me films over the last few months including The Zoo Keeper's Wife, The Light Between Oceans, Adrift, Sully, Brain on Fire, and Flowers in the Attic, all of which I enjoyed. I've also been rewatching some old favourites like Me Before You, Phantom of the Opera, Arrival, Australia, What Women Want, The Longest Ride, and Little Women. There are probably lots more I've forgotten about, but my brain does not want to work right now. 

On TV, I've been loving Chernobyl, The Big Bang Theory, The Handmaid's Tale, and Stranger Things. Chernobyl was fantastic, but I definitely expected it to be more fast-paced and explosive, so the style came as a surprise. I really enjoyed the final series of The Big Bang Theory, and loved the finale- although, I'm disappointed that Raj didn't get his happy ever after and find true love. I felt like he was overlooked in the final episode while all the other characters got their happy endings. Does anybody else agree? I've since moved on to The Handmaid's Tale and Stranger Things, which have both been epic so far. I fucking love Hopper, and drugged Steve and Robin! I finally watched the finale this weekend, which was amazing, but turned me in to an emotional wreck. The only problem is, I now can't get the theme tune to The Never Ending Story out of my head and I want to scream! My sister used to drive me mad watching that movie on repeat when we were growing up, and I can't stand it! I thought I'd finally escaped that film forever years ago. *Cries internally.* That scene in Stranger Things was epic, though!

Listening

I haven't listened to a lot of new music lately, but I really like Gloria by The Lumineers, and I'm looking forward to checking out their new album when it comes out later in the year. Other than that, I've just been listening to my usual favourites, and enjoying lots of cheesy eighties tracks.

Playing

I'm still addicted to Animal Crossing New Leaf, and have been playing it virtually every day so far this year. I probably shouldn't admit that I've lost over 500 hours to this game since Christmas, huh? Yeah, I was shocked to learn that, too. *Facepalm.* It's so addictive! I'm currently busy landscaping my town with paths and hedges, and trying to make it look super pretty and colourful by colour-coordinating my flowers and trees. It's a work in progress, but I think it looks pretty cute so far. Here's a few screencaps of what I've been working on lately:

I've also been sporadically playing another Animal Crossing game called Happy Home Designer, which you might like if you enjoy the home decorating element of the Animal Crossing games. You basically decorate and landscape homes for villagers of the town following a set theme, like polka dots, minimalist, modern, fruit, a specific colour etc. As a home designer, you also get put in charge of building the town's amenities like a school, hospital, and café. I enjoy using my creativity, so I find it really fun, and can easily lose a couple of hours to it at a time,

If you don't have a Nintendo DS, try Pocket Camp on your iPhone. I haven't played on it much yet, but it's similar to New Leaf, and it's free from the App Store, too!

Stitching

I haven't actually been able to do much cross stitching so far this year as my arthritis has been so bad it's been too painful to sew. I've only managed to do a little more of the mandala cross stitch I showed you back in March, so I'm feeling pretty unaccomplished right now. Fingers crossed (or not because that's also too painful) the arthritis in my hands lets up soon so I can get it finished, and get back in to stitching regularly again. 

Crafting

I haven't managed to do much crafting, either, which is really bumming me out. I miss using my creativity! I think the last things I crafted were some pastel-coloured Easter crackers in April. I used cracker kits from Little Crafty Bugs, tied them with satin ribbons, and glued little pom poms on to them in contrasting colours. I then filled them with mini Easter chocolates and scratch cards. They were so much fun to make and looked so cute on our Easter table. I was hoping to blog about them at Easter but I wasn't able to, so I'm saving them up to blog about next year. I did make similar crackers last year, though, and you can find a tutorial for those here.

Wanting

more concert tickets, some new books, all the new Lyra dresses from Lady Vintage, everything from the new Erstwilder Endangered Animals collection (I've collected six of the brooches so far), and a Nintendo Switch Lite so I can play the new Animal Crossing Game, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, when it's released next March. It looks awesome!

Needing

a hair cut and a holiday. I've only left the house a handful of times for non-medical appointments so far this year, and I haven't been on holiday in a couple of years, so I could definitely do with a break, and some new adventures. It's not going to happen this year, but my sister and I are hoping to spend a week in Cornwall together next year once my brother-in-law finishes his posting in Germany and they get transferred back to England. I'm excited at the thought of getting back to one of my favourite places again- even if it's not for over a year, and not even set in stone yet. I need to believe my feet will make contact with the Cornish sand again soon.

Buying

Since March, I've bought several Erstwilder brooches and pairs of earrings (which I'll be blogging about soon), the Cath Kidston positivity journal and patchwork duvet set (on sale), some Body Shop Satsuma bath and body products (essentials I'd used up), tickets to see Boyzone live again in October, and quite a few books. I can never say 'no' to new books. I also recently treated myself to the red Russian Doll convertible backpack / cross body bag from Vendula London. It reappeared in the sale online at half price, after selling out months ago, and when I went to checkout, another 10 percent was taken off the price, so I snagged this beautiful £77.50 bag for under £35!! Bargain! I think it's going to be perfect for my next lot of concert adventures! (Please note, I have previously worked with Vendula London, but both of the bags in the above photo were purchased with my own money).

Winning

I entered a rainbow mandala cross stitch I made in to Hobbycraft's sewing-themed June Make of the Month competition last month, and forgot all about it, until last week when I found out I came in as a runner up! I'm absolutely thrilled- even if I can't understand how anybody would deem my cross stitching worthy of a prize. I won a £20 Hobbycraft gift card, which will definitely come in handy. I just can't decide whether to spend it on some fabric for making hoop art, or to save it to put towards my annual Christmas craft haul this autumn. (It's scary how quickly it's coming around!)

Celebrating

Last month, we celebrated my older sister's 40th birthday. She and her husband came over from Germany for the weekend to spend it with us, and although she couldn't do anything big as she was waiting on surgery on her knee and could barely walk, we had a lovely day popping in to Oxford for a spot of shopping, going out for lunch, and then spending the rest of it at home with some good food and a Patisserie Valerie birthday cake. I filled the house with so many decorations- confetti balloons, word balloons, giant number balloons, bunting, paper flowers... I just couldn't stop myself. Thankfully, my Mum and brother-in-law helped me put them up because I was so shattered from leaving the house I would never have managed it all by myself! I was so worn out by the time I'd finished, I didn't actually have the strength to take any photos of them (the horror!), but one room was decorated colourfully, the other mostly gold. The sister seemed to like them, so job well done.

I also celebrated my own birthday on the 2nd, but I'm going to write a separate post about that soon. 

Loving

the sunshine we've had lately. The blue skies and sunshine have been gorgeous, and have put me in such a good mood... even if the heat and humidity have been a bit unbearable at times, too.

Enjoying

a slice or two of chocolate Patisserie Valerie birthday cake, on both mine and my sister's birthdays. The parents got me a chocolate Patisserie Valerie cake with layers of chocolate and Chantilly cream, strawberries, raspberries, and chocolate curls. It was amazing! I've only ever had homemade or supermarket birthday cakes, so it was such a treat.

Day Tripping

On my birthday, I also ended up taking an impromptu day trip to The Cotswold Wildlife Park with my Mum. Even though i've been there dozens of times before (I've lived locally all my life), we had another lovely visit taking in all the animals and plants, and it was a good opportunity to play with my Instax camera, too. I've only left the house a handful of times all year, so I was particularly happy to get out and about for a while, and just spend some time in the fresh air and sunshine. It's the little things in life...

I'm not going to dedicate a whole post to my visit this time, as you're probably sick to death of my wildlife park posts, but I will share a few photos when I blog about my birthday really soon.

And that's what's been happening in my life lately, minus all the boring health stuff, which I'll go in to separately another day...

What about you? What have you been enjoying lately?

You Might Also Like
Currently | March 2019
Currently | November 2018
Currently | July 2018
Currently | April 2018

Currently | April 2018

It's been ages since I last wrote a 'Currently' post (like more than six months ago), so I thought it was about time I put a new one together and updated you on some of the things I've been doing and enjoying lately. Today, I'll fill you in on what I've been reading, watching, buying, making, loving and much more.

Shall we start with the books?

Reading

Since the last time I did one of these 'currently' posts, I've worked my way through the Me Before You series by Jojo Moyes, Me Before You, After You, and Still Me, which I absolutely adored (although, After You wasn't the best). I reread a little of Little Women, A Christmas Carol, and Carrie, and most recently finished How To Stop Time by Matt Haig, and Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon, both of which I really enjoyed. I've now moved on to A Skinful of Shadows by Frances Hardinge, the author of The Lie Tree, but I've only read a few chapters so far, so I couldn't tell you much about it yet, except that I'm hooked already. I'm really enjoying reading again at the moment, so if anyone's got any book recommendations, let me know in the comments! I read a bit of everything. 

Watching

I haven't watched many new films or TV shows lately as I just haven't been in the mood to concentrate on anything new- plus I've misplaced my Amazon Fire Stick remote so I haven't been watching Netflix in bed as much. I've mostly been enjoying The Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon, Timeless, and Home and Away, and I've got in to watching The Waltons and Little House on the Prairie in the middle of the night because I haven't been sleeping well. I used to love both shows when I was a kid. (FYI, I watched reruns in the nineties; I wasn't alive when they were first out! I'm not that old!) I've also enjoyed watching Little Women (the BBC series), The Miniaturist, Suffragette, The Cloverfield Paradox, Belle, and re-watching The Theory of Everything and Beauty and the Beast (live action).

Listening
I'm currently obsessed with Fall Out Boy's new album, 'Mania', and have basically been playing it on repeat since it came out a couple of months ago. It's such a catchy album, and it's full of great tunes; I'm hooked on every single one. I particularly love 'Wilson (Expensive Mistakes)', and 'Bishops Knife Trick' and haven't been able to stop playing them this week. I also love Panic! at the Disco's new song 'Say Amen (Saturday Night)', (the music video for it is pretty epic, too) and I can't wait for their new album. It's like 2005 all over again!

Wreath-making

Lately, I've been getting handy with a glue gun, and have made a garden of felt flowers and leaves to add to the Spring wreaths I'm currently making. I've taught myself how to make felt roses, daffodils, tulips, pansies, and their leaves so far, and they've turned out surprisingly well, so I'm pretty darn proud of myself for it. Once I've embroidered faces on to the pansies, I should be ready to start putting the wreaths together... unless I decide I want to make yet another type of flower. in the meantime. I'm finding it really addictive. I've also been breaking out the pom pom makers, and have made a shed load of pastel-coloured pom poms for the Spring wreaths,



Making
In addition to making felt flowers and pom poms, I've also made some polka dot fabric hoop art using the loveliest pastel polka dot fat quarters, and wooden embroidery hoops from Hobbycraft. All I did was frame the fabrics tightly in the hoops, and blanket stitch some felt on to the backs to finish them. They're so quick and easy to make! I then turned the left over fabric in to bandannas for my dog, Rosie, and made her a few others as well. You can see her modelling the mint green one on Instagram here.

Stitching

I'm currently almost half way through a rainbow-coloured spectrum mandala cross stitch from The World In Stitches, and I'm really enjoying stitching with all of those colourful threads. Well, you know me and anything colourful! Moth to a flame. It's the same design as the spectral mandala I made last Summer (which you can see here), except the colours are reversed, with this one edged with red and the rainbow bleeding inwards to purple. The colours are so beautiful and cheerful, and I think it's going to look so pretty when it's finished. If you fancy giving the spectrum mandala cross stitch a go yourself, you can find it on The World in Stitches' Etsy shop here.

Painting

I haven't done a lot of painting lately as I've been too busy crafting, but I have bought a couple more Johanna Basford canvases to paint this Spring. I really need to get back in to it soon because I miss it.

Wanting

To own all the Lindy Bop dresses, Erstwilder brooches, Sophie Conran for Port Meirion Colour Pop crockery, and Too Faced's Life's a Festival make up collection.

Needing

Some new ballet pumps, sandals, ankle boots, clothes I can wear in the heat without melting, and to dye my hair. My roots are getting ridiculous, and the greys coming through are depressing me big time. There's no way I'm getting old already. No way at all. *Cries.*

Wishing

I could have a holiday, and go on some more concert adventures. I also wish my tachycardic heart would go back to normal already and let me sleep, and the back and joint pain would give me a break for a little while, but that's probably too much to ask.

Having
Blood tests, blood tests, blood tests, kidney scans, DEXA scans (bone density scans), yet another new anti-inflammatory drug that weakens the immune system... Don't worry, though, I'm fine! I'll try to do a proper health update to fill you in soon.

Buying

I've treated myself to a few new bits and bobs lately, including some Lindy Bop tea dresses, four Erstwilder Christmas brooches in the sale, some books, craft supplies, the Urban Decay Heavy Metals palette (oh, it's so pretty!), and a Cath Kidston Park Wildlife fox ring dish and fox and rabbit crockery.

Loving

The sunshine that has finally put in an appearance after a long dreary grey winter and given us the hottest April in something like seventy years. I've not been able to go out and enjoy it, sadly, but I'm appreciating the sunshine flooding through the windows, having some decent light for blog photos for a change, and the obligatory ice creams. (By the way, Haagen Daz's Vanilla Caramel Brownie ice cream is amazing)! It's helped to lift my mood, even if I have been melting in the heat. I'm not crazy about the heat, so I'm glad it's cooled down again this week

Missing
Rosie, who is away in the kennels this week while my parents are on holiday, as I haven't got the pain tolerance to look after her single-handedly for so long. I feel so guilty leaving her there when I'm home, but needs must. The house is far too quiet without her, though, and I don't like it. I can't wait to get her back this weekend.

Seeing
Fall Out Boy live at the O2 in London a few weeks ago. It was the third time I've seen them live, and they were phenomenal! I'd go as far as saying it was one of the best gigs I've ever seen! I wish I could go back and experience it all over again; it was over waaay too soon. If you'd like to read about it, I blogged about the experience here.

And that is basically what I've been up to lately in a nut shell.

What about you? What have you been enjoying lately?

You Might Also Like
Currently | October 2017
Currently | May 2017

Currently | October 2017

It's been ages since my last 'currently' post, so I thought it was about time I sat down to chat about some of the things I've been enjoying lately, and to fill you in on what's been happening, so here we are. 

Let's get cracking!

Reading

I recently finished This Must Be The Place by Maggie O' Farrell and The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks, and last weekend I finished another Maggie O' Farrell novel called The Distance Between Us. I really enjoyed all three of them, but particularly The Distance Between Us, which I couldn't put down. I've now moved on to The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood, although I'm only a few pages in so far.  I got hooked on the TV show, so I just had to give the book a read, too.

Watching

I've watched quite a lot of new-to-me films over the last couple of months including Passengers, The Arrival, Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them, Bridget Jones' Baby, The BFG, Ghostbusters, Moana, Finding Dory, Beauty and the Beast, Doctor Strange, Allegiant Part One, The Visit, and Gravity, to name a few. As for TV programmes, I haven't been watching a lot, but I really enjoyed The Handmaid's Tale. It was really heavy and totally fucked up, but just too good to stop watching.

Listening

Since Chester Bennington committed suicide in July, I've mostly just been listening to is Linkin Park's back catalogue on repeat, but I guess there's nothing new about that! I'm still playing the latest album 'One More Light' to death, but now the lyrics are heartbreaking because you can hear how much he was suffering, where as before they were just great songs. Heavy and One More Light kinda break my heart.

Stitching

I recently finished the rainbow Spectrum mandala cross stitch from The World In Stitches that I shared a peek at in my last 'Currently' post and blogged about in full here. I've also just completed a little colourful fox cross stitch from the same company, and now I've gone back to a Christmas sampler I began earlier in the year.

Painting

It's been several months since I started painting again, and I've been enjoying it so much, I've been painting fairly regularly ever since. I finished the compass canvas I showed you a couple of months ago, and have now moved on to another Johanna Basford canvas with a pretty seahorse design. I've gone for a colour scheme of yellows, oranges, pinks, and purples, and I've gotta say, it's so much fun painting with such pretty colours!

Looking

forward to Autumn, and all the good Autumn things. Colourful foliage, candles, cosy blankets, pumpkins, fireworks, hot drinks, comfort food, chunky knits, wearing gloves with everything, layers, Autumn colours, jewel colour nail polishes, cosy nights in, ankle boots, Autumn walks... all the good stuff.

Planning

lots of blog posts for Autumn and Christmas. Whether I'll be well enough to blog them all is another question! (Although, I've already got two Christmas posts scheduled, so I'm doing okay so far!)

Enjoying
Spending the dark Autumn evenings curled up under a blanket crafting, watching movies, and reading with some candles burning. I hate the dark evenings, but spending them like this is oh so cosy.

Wishing
I had gone to see Linkin Park at the O2 like I'd planned on July 3rd, instead of being sensible and avoiding London because of the risk of another terrorist attack. I am even more bummed out about this now Chester has died, and I'll never get another chance to see them play live together as a six-piece. Even if Linkin Park continue without Chester, which I think they will, it'll never be the same again. Lesson learned: never let anyone talk you out of something you really want to do!

Buying

I haven't been able to shop much lately as I still don't have two pennies to rub together, but I spent my birthday money on the Too Faced Chocolate Bar and NYX Ultimate Brights eyeshadow palettes in July, and they're both absolutely gorgeous! I can't wait to play with all of the shadows, but in true blogger style, I need to take blog photos first so I can review them both for you! I also just treated myself to a pretty Sass and Belle jewellery dish baring the words 'follows your dreams', using some of the vouchers I earned from Swagbucks... mostly to use as a blog photo prop!

Needing

I've just worn a hole through my favourite duvet cover, so I'm in desperate need of some new bedding. I'm also in need of some new ballet pumps as my last good pair have fallen apart, and could do with some hair dye as my roots are getting ridiculous. I also need some money so I can afford the things I need; having no money sucks and it's getting problematic.

Wondering

how much money I could get for a kidney...

Wanting

I'm dying to get my hands on the Essie nail polish Advent calendar that's just been released, but it's £80 (currently on promo for £50) and I'm skint, so I'll have to start saving. I'd also love to get my hands on the Ciaté calendar when it comes out. And maybe the OPI Advent calendar, too. Okay, just give me all of the beauty Advent calendars; I want them all!

Winning

I won a set of three purple, blue, and white ombre swarovski glass nail files from Mont Bleu on Twitter a couple of months ago, which was awesome because I love their nail files- they're the best I've ever used. They're so gentle on the nails, and easy to use for great results, even if you're useless at nail filing like me. I keep the small one in my handbag for nail emergencies on the go, and use the medium and large for every day filing at home. I love them!

Wearing

I've barely left the house in the last couple of months, so I've mostly just been living in my pyjamas. I'm currently wearing a pink flamingo motif vest top and raspberry heart print PJ bottoms; they're so comfy!

Worrying

about my heart which is still racing away eight months on. I still don't know why it's happening or what's causing it, but I'm becoming more and more sure that electronics are to blame. I'm struggling to go near my laptop, phone, Kindle, TVs, even the sockets for any length of time because I can feel the electrical energy coming off them all, and my body keeps picking it up and buzzing like pins and needles from the static electricity. The longer I spend on electronics, the faster my heart gets, so I'm having to limit the amount of time I spend on them, which isn't ideal when you're a blogger (it's the reason I've not blogged a lot lately), but my heart becomes steadier the longer I stay off them. It's been happening for about two or three months now, although I'd been having these issues with my laptop for most of the year. It probably sounds absolutely bizarre and you're wondering if I've lost the plot- I'm feeling like maybe I have- but I think I may be on to something here. I asked my doctor if it could be the cause, but she's never heard of this happening before so she's unconvinced, but hasn't ruled it out. My heart is apparently healthy, my bloods and blood pressure are normal, I've cut out caffeine and stopped taking the medication I thought was to blame, so I'm running out of other explanations, and I just have a gut feeling that I'm right. Have you ever experienced any issues with electrical energy from gadgets before or is it just me?

Before I go, I just want to say 'thank you' for all of your kind comments after I experienced Paypal / eBay fraud last month. I thought you might like to know I managed to get everything refunded thanks to Paypal and the three very understanding eBay sellers, but unfortunately, I still have to pay the fees for going over my planned overdraft limit because of it- which I can't afford because I haven't got any money coming in. I spent 45 minutes on the phone to the bank being passed from person to person, but they didn't give a shit, and wouldn't help. I consider myself lucky to have got the transactions refunded, but the overdraft fees are still a headache I don't need. Still, it could've been worse and I could've been out of pocket for all of it... so I'm grateful for that... and hopeful karma will get the thieving twat in the end! 

So, that is what I've been up to lately. What's been going on in your life?

What are you currently enjoying?