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?

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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Currently on Lockdown : November 2020

It's been over a year since I last wrote a 'Currently' post to share what I've been getting up to and enjoying lately, so I think it's time for a long over due catch up. 

Reading

I've read for at least an hour every day so far this year, but I haven't read as much as I would've liked because I keep getting distracted by Animal Crossing. The addiction is real! I've just finished my twenty-seventh book of the year so far, which really isn't that bad at all, and have been reading a lot of psychological thrillers over the last few months. Some of them weren't anything special, but I really enjoyed The Minders and What Lies Between Us by John Marrs, No One Home by Tim Weaver, and Come Back For Me by Heidi Perks. 

I also loved The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, about a young woman with depression who takes her own life and gets to try out all the lives she could've lived in a library between life and death. While the writing style is quite simple, it's full of powerful messages about life that you can't always see for yourself when you're struggling with depression, and I think it could help a lot of people battling depression and suicidal thoughts. I wish I could've read this when I was at my lowest in my late teens. 

Other books I've really enjoyed this year include the new Hunger Games prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (although, I now hate Snow even more); Q by Christina Dalcher; Dear Edward by Ann Neapolitano, and The Caraval series by Stephanie Garber (which has become one of my favourite book series of all time). 

If you'd like to keep up with what I'm reading, you can find me on Goodreads here.

Watching

I've been so restless lately, I've been finding it really hard to get in to anything new. I started watching Away, and The Rain on Netflix, but got bored after a few episodes and haven't gone back to either yet. I've mostly just been enjoying Neighbours and Home and Away, and watching true crime documentaries. I finally got around to watching a fascinating Ted Bundy documentary on Amazon Prime, and have watched a few on Netflix about serial killers and unexplained missing person's / murder cases. I also enjoyed watching the mini series 'Des' about the serial killer Dennis Nilsen, who I didn't know much about before it. Even for a serial killer, what he did was fucked up. A few months ago, I also rewatched all six seasons of Lost twice, and finally got around to watching Anne with an E, which I loved.

As for movies, I've mostly been rewatching old favourites, but I recently watched Lion, which broke my heart; The Secret, which wasn't anything special but lovely for a rainy Sunday morning; and the new Little Women film, which I actually found quite disappointing. Am I the only one who thought it was mediocre compared to the 1994 and BBC versions? I mean, it was okay and it's grown on me since the first time I watched it, but I thought the actors who played Jo, Beth, and Meg didn't do the characters justice; they were really bland. Give me the Winona Ryder version any day! (If you haven't seen that version, it's lovely, and a great Christmas film, too).

Listening

I haven't been listening to much of anything new lately, except for two albums from opposite ends of my musical tastes- Ronan Keating's Twenty Twenty album, and Linkin Park's 20th anniversary rerelease of their debut album, Hybrid Theory. The fact that Hybrid Theory is 20 years old makes me feel so old. I was still in secondary school studying for my GCSEs when it was originally released in 2000, and it's hard to believe so many years have passed. (I refuse to believe I'm getting old). It was an incredible album then, and it still holds up all these years later. I've been returning to it time and time again for twenty years, but had to get the anniversary edition, which included Reanimation and a bunch of b-sides, rarities, and demos to download. There are some brilliant tracks in the mix, and it's so good to hear Chester's voice on 'new' music again- as well as have an excuse to blast out old favourites like In The End, Crawling, A Place For My Head, and Runaway.

Stitching

Between arthritis issues and Animal Crossing, I haven't done a lot of cross stitching this year, but I've just returned to a Christmas cross stitch I began last year and never finished. I'm stitching the Deck the Halls wall hanging from Satsuma Street, which is a really colourful Scandinavian-style cross stitch, and a little different to the more traditional designs you usually see at Christmas time in England. It's a beautiful design, and so fun and colourful. I need to put the effort in to get it finished in time to hang up in December, which should be doable as I haven't got loads left to stitch now. I think I'm about 3/5ths of the way through. I'll be sure to blog the finished wall hanging once I'm done- hopefully some time in December.

Playing

I'm still addicted to Animal Crossing New Horizons, and have played it every day since it was released in March. I've lost far too many hours to it this year... more than I care to admit, but it's helped me cope with lockdown and Covid life, so it's not necessarily a bad thing. I love playing on it every day- it's so cute and relaxing. Lately, I've been enjoying collecting the Halloween and Mush furniture, making my island look all autumnal, and working on a haunted house. I've also knocked down half of my island because I hate it and have decided to redo my island instead of restarting the game from scratch, so it's currently a big hot mess. I'm trying to make it pretty and colourful and a little bit fairy-core, and can't wait to make it festive for Christmas, too. Who else is addicted to Animal Crossing?

Buying

I've been concentrating on Christmas shopping lately and think I'm about half way there now. I've found some great gifts I can't wait to give to my family next month. (How is Christmas next month already)?? I've also bought a few treats for myself along the way, including Erstwilder brooches (naturally), the OPI Advent calendar, my first Papergang stationery box, and some of The Body Shop's festive products. I'm hoping to blog about all of them soon.

Wanting

About 8395890201 resin brooches, some new books, a cure for the Corona Virus, things to go back to how they were, a good Christmas with my family, and for Trump to do the world a favour and fuck off, 

Needing

I really need some new black ankle boots, some ballet pumps, new underwear, some new dresses, a hair cut, an eye test and new glasses, Christmas gift wrapping supplies, a holiday, some pain-free days, more hours in the day, a good concert, a good night's sleep, and to get out of this house before the walls close in on me.

Face covering from Lady Vintage

Wishing

The pandemic could be over, and the world could go back to normal. The news about the Pfizer vaccine does sound promising, though, so maybe immunity is on the horizon, and things will start improving for us in 2021. Fingers crossed.

Eating

One of the few positives of the pandemic is that things have become more accessible for people stuck at home, and things I would normally miss out on are now available for home delivery. I've enjoyed taking advantage of this and have treated my family to a box of baked goods a few times since the first lockdown in March to make lockdown / Covid life a little more bearable. I treated us to a box of Krispy Kremes over Halloween, and earlier in the year, we ordered treats from Millie's Cookies, Ben's Cookies, and Doughnut Time, which were always the best ideas. Cookies and doughnuts make any day better- especially during Covid times. Fact. It's all about the little things in life right now. 

I also recently discovered Cadbury Chocolate Orange buttons and holy crap, they're amazing! 

Celebrating

Biden winning the presidency and Trump losing with all the grace and dignity of a toddler throwing a tantrum because his toys were taken away. His reaction to losing has been so entertaining, I'm just sorry I didn't have popcorn. I've never been so invested in another country's election before, but I'm so relieved that Biden won and we won't have to endure another four years of Trump talking crap and causing devastation wherever he goes. It's great to have a female vice president- and a woman of colour at that- in the White House for the first time, too. The future actually feels hopeful for the first time in a while. Now we just need to get rid of Boris and the Tories and the UK might stand a chance, too.

Loving

I've loved finally getting to leave the house again recently after barely leaving the house all year (I think last week's trip to the doctor's brings me up to six breaks from confinement in 2020!). It's been great to get back out in to the real world, and seeing how pretty The Cotswolds is looking this autumn. 

Enjoying

Over the last year or two, we've been getting almost daily visits from grey squirrels in our garden. At first, I would just spot them running along our fence line, but recently, I've seen them foraging on the grass, and scurrying closer to the house to steal berries from next door's trees. There's at least two of them, and I think we now have a dray in the tree at the bottom of our garden. I've not been to investigate, but my Mum keeps finding abandoned walnuts on the ground beneath it. I haven't been able to go out much this year, so I've been enjoying watching them from my bedroom window, and trying to snap a photo or two before they're gone again. I recently snapped this photo through my  window of one of them helping itself to a seed pod / nut from my next door neighbour's garden after it climbed across from ours. It's not great quality as it was taken through glass and zoomed in, but you get the idea.

Looking

forward to spending Christmas with my family, and forgetting about the Corona Virus for a couple of days. I'm so ready for fairy lights and cheerful decorations, Christmas movies, listening to festive tunes, indulging in some good food, and a house full of Christmas cheer. I just hope we'll be allowed to mix households again after the national lockdown so my sister and brother-in-law will be able to join us for Christmas Day. I'm keeping everything crossed.

Well, that's what I've been up to lately. What about you? How are you coping with lockdown / virus life?

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?

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