A Court of Thorns and Roses Litjoy Crate Book Tin Review

Hands up: who loves A Court of Thorns and Roses?

Am I the only one with my hand in the air, or are you also a fan of the magical faerie world of courts, handsome High Lords, and ripped, brooding fae warriors with bat wings? 

If you are, you're going to love what I have to show you today. Also, let's fangirl together.

Unlike Feyre, I don't have any soup to serve you while we do, but feast your eyes on this beautiful, officially-licensed A Court of Thorns book tin from Litjoy Crate. It's probably the most frivolous thing I've bought in years, but Cauldron boil me, I just couldn't resist it.

This paperback-sized book tin features an incredible design by the artist RosieThorns88, which has been inspired by the iconic stained-glass art from Beauty and the Beast. I fell in love with this artwork before I'd even read the series because it is just that pretty, and finally made a purchase when I was half way through A Court of Mist and Fury. I regret nothing. 

This gorgeous tin-turned-piece-of-art depicts Feyre, Tamlin, and Rhysand on her wedding day in A Court of Mist and Fury, with the High Lords' beast-forms behind them. 

In the background, wind curling vines of thorns, and pink and purple roses, with the Cauldron near the top, cleverly designed to look like another giant rose. And the fun part? If you look closely, you'll find lots of little Easter eggs from the books mixed in to the picture, like a Where's Wally? challenge for grown-ups. There's the Night Court mountains and the Spring Court manor on either side, plus the Book and the Cauldron, Feyre's bow and arrow, a wedding shoe, the Ouroboros, Lucien's fox mask, the Weaver's spinning wheel, Rhys' bowl of soup, the ring, a bone and chisel (representing the Bone Carver), a necklace (perhaps the one Varian gave Amren?), a dagger (representing the third trial Under the Mountain), and what looks like the Veritas orb. I can't work out if the sticks above the wolf's head are Tamlin's horns, or something else entirely. (Any ideas?). The image is then bordered with stained glass windows in pretty shades of purple, pink, and blue, designed to look like a night sky through black iron windows, and this is repeated over most of the book tin.

The spine of the book tin is arched, and features a simplified design of the snarl of thorns and roses, with the rose-shaped Cauldron and Book at the top.

The edges feature stained-glass windows in decadent dark shades of purple, pink, and blue. The colours are to die for.

On the back of the tin, there's a (cheesy) quote from  Feyre in A Court of Mist and Fury. 'I was his and he was mine, and we were the beginning and middle and end. We were a song that had been sung from the very first ember of light in the world.' It's printed in a cool, fairytale-style font in ombre purple and pink, and takes the form of another stained glass window, with lots of thorns and roses curling into it.

And if you open the tin, you'll find that the inner door is decorated with another quote from ACOMAF- one of my favourites: 'He thinks he'll be remembered as the villain in the story. But I forgot to tell him that the villain is usually the person who locks up the maiden and throws away the key. He was the one who let me out.' If there's a better quote for a fairytale book tin, I'd like to hear it.

The good thing about this tin is that it's not just a pretty piece of book merch to display with your books- it's functional, too. Okay, with a storage area of 20cm high x 10cm wide x 5cm deep, you're not going to be able to store anything big in it, but it is useful for keeping little things like keepsakes, money, stationery, sewing supplies, or an emergency chocolate stash safe from prying hands. (I'd definitely recommend using it for the latter. Everyone needs an emergency chocolate stash).

It's also fantastic quality, sturdy, and well-made from high-quality tin-plate. 

It even comes in its own presentation box, featuring the same design in slightly more vivid colours, so it makes a lovely gift for any ACOTAR fan. The box is far too pretty to throw away, so I've currently got both on display on my bookshelves.

With its gorgeous design, attention to detail, and great quality, it's well worth the $22 it retails for. 

Shipping from America to the UK was also fairly reasonable, which I was really surprised about. It was $7 for shipping, with $5.80 taxes, and I didn't get any custom charges. I think delivery cost varies depending on what or how much you order, though, so that's something to be aware of.

If it's captured your heart, you can find it on the Litjoy Crate website here. 

And if you love the tin but have no use for it, you might be happy to hear that the design also features on book sleeves, and a window-cling (the latter only in the members-only Lunacorns' store). I'm hoping for a restock on the blanket they used to do, too.

Litjoy Crate also stock a great selection of other Sarah J. Maas products that'll likely tempt you if you're love her books. Just don't blame me if you want to buy it all!

Are you an ACOTAR fan? Which book and character are your favourites?

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Currently | April 2023                                                                                        

Currently | April 2023

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

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

Let's start with some books:

Reading

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Watching

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

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

Listening

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

Playing

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

Stitching

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

Painting

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

Loving

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

Liking

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

Enjoying

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

Seeing

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

Needing

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

Wanting

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

Wishing

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

Buying

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

Eating

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

Drinking

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

Well, that's been my life lately.

What have you been enjoying recently?

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That Time I Got Pick Pocketed in London

That Time I Got Pick-Pocketed in London

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It might make a difference.

Have you ever been pick-pocketed on your travels?

What I Got For Christmas 2022

I know Christmas has been and gone (how was it over a month ago already?!), but today, I'm going to show you some of the presents my family and friends gave me for Christmas. I always enjoy these kind of posts on other blogs, and thought you guys might do, too.

I was gifted some amazing presents for Christmas, and while I didn't get masses of gifts now I'm old and turning in to an isolated crazy cat lady (without the cats) my social circle is small from being housebound, I felt like I was really spoiled this Christmas.

Perhaps the biggest surprise on Christmas Day was that I received not one, but two Loungefly backpacks! I was so shocked. My parents gave me the Disney Princess Books backpack- a white and baby blue mini backpack with a stack of fairytale books on the front, and a print of various characters reading books all over it. There's Sebastian, Flit, Jacques, Lumiere, Pascal, Abu and all manner of cute sidekicks being bookworms, and it's awesome.

The other backpack I was given was the Robin Hood Forest mini backpack, this time from my sister and brother-in-law. It's amazing and I love it so much. It's khaki-green with Robin Hood and the little bunnies and turtle embroidered on the front, and Robin's wanted-poster embossed on the back. I particularly love the embroidered detailing, and the fact it features Skippy and his sisters, and Toby, the turtle. Why are they not on more things? If anyone would like me to do proper reviews of these backpacks, just let me know.

If you thought I was done with showing you cool Loungefly things, you were wrong. I was also gifted the Robin Hood Classic Books zip around wallet, from my younger sister. It's a green and yellow wallet with a storybook aesthetic, and it's gorgeous. It has Robin on the front standing in front of a garland of greenery, and on the back- without a doubt the best part of the design- is Maid Marian playing badminton with Lady Klucky. I'm obsessed. I now own six pieces of Loungefly- three bags, three wallets, all gifts- and the hilarious thing is, five of them are Robin Hood themed! And I'm not even sorry. It's been one of my favourite Disney films since I was little, and it's so rare to find merchandise for it, so Loungefly's designs are a dream.

I was so pleased to be given a few books for Christmas- paperbacks of Forging Silver in to Stars by Brigid Kemmerer and Artemis by Andy Weir off my wish list from my parents, and a beautiful leatherbound Barnes and Noble edition of Stephen King's Three Novels. It includes Carrie, The Shining, and Salem's Lot, and has metallic silver edges. I then treated myself to the collector's edition of A Court of Thorns and Roses with my Christmas money, and it's without a doubt one of the most beautiful books I've ever owned. I finished reading it a few days ago and I absolutely adored it. I might still be a little obsessed with Lucien and Tamlin...

Another book I was gifted was this awesome storybook of The Muppet Christmas Carol. It's an illustrated kids book telling a shortened version of the movie, and it's so cute. It's been one of mine and my sisters' favourite Christmas films since I was seven, so my younger sister bought copies for both myself and our older sister. I love it.

One of my other childhood favourite films was Pocahontas- it's still one of my favourite Disney movies to this day- and apparently my sister was paying attention, as another present she gave me was the Pocahontas Funko Pop. I love that she even comes with Meeko and Flit- two of the best sidekicks in the history of sidekicks.

I also unwrapped the cutest Primark Exclusive Care Bears 40th anniversary Funko of Friend Bear from one of my lovely friends. It's light orange with flowers on her stomach, and so bright and cheerful. It makes me smile. 

She also gave me a fun holographic Animal Crossing New Horizons notebook- satisfying two of my addictions at once- although, sadly, I haven't been able to capture it well. Holographic things are apparently a nightmare to photograph.

My little sister got me this cool tankard-like mug with reindeer legs from Shop Disney. If you can't tell by the quote, it's based on the mug of cocoa from The Santa Clause movie. Another of our childhood favourites.

This Vendula London Seaside Souvenirs Clipper purse wasn't technically a Christmas present, but my older sister Marie gave me it about a week before Christmas, so I'm adding it in here just the same. She picked it up on sale for me pretty cheaply when she was shopping for purses herself, for no reason other than it matches my Vendula Seaside Souvenirs backpack. It was so thoughtful of her. It has spaces for cards and a compartment for coins, and the seaside design is gorgeous.

My parents gave me a little pair of gold hoops, with tiny stars on them. I'll admit, they're not the kind of jewellery I tend to wear, and I don't know enough about classic jewellery to tell you anything else about them, but they are really cute.

One of my Aunties gifted me this pretty jasper gemstone bracelet with a lotus flower charm from Lilymoonstone on Etsy. I love the teal of the beads, and how they look like the ocean or little worlds. They come in other colours and gemstones, too. I know one of my sisters got a purple amethyst one. 

Another of my lovely friends sent me some chocolate, along with this amazing winter-themed acrylic brooch featuring an ice skate, a snowflake, and a mitten. It's so cute, and perfect for accessorising my winter outfits.

And I also got a selection box and a few boxes of chocolates from various family members. They didn't all survive long enough to sit for photos, but they are remembered fondly. May they rest in peace.

What was the best present you got for Christmas / another holiday you recently celebrated?

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What I Got For My Birthday 2022

Goals For 2023

I'm a little late to the party as I've been a little under the weather lately, but I'm back with my annual list of goals for the year ahead.

I don't set myself big New Year's resolutions that I'm unlikely to ever achieve- who wants to feel like a failure?- but I do like to challenge myself with lots of smaller goals to aim towards and keep myself on my toes. They're nothing too exciting or interesting, but I thought I'd share my list anyway, in an attempt to motivate myself and make myself accountable.

So, here are my goals for 2023:

Read at least 40 books

I've set myself a new Goodreads reading challenge for 2023, and hope to read at least 40 books this year. I've played it safe with the number to make it achievable, but I'm hoping to read even more, and would at least like to beat last year's tally of 46, if I can. I'm already on my third book of the year, so I'm off to a strong start.

Collect lots of pretty books

Beautiful books are a real weakness of mine, and after recently discovering book subscription companies like Owlcrate, Fairyloot, and Illumicrate, who sell the most stunning books, I'm eager to continue indulging my passion, and collect the prettiest editions for as many new book purchases as possible. I just treated myself to the Illumicrate editions of Ninth House and Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo and I'm so excited.

Do lots more cross stitching

I barely did any cross stitching last year, but I want to find my mojo, and sew a lot more regularly this year. I just need to find some patterns I like. I've been so uninspired lately.

Make an embroidery

I'd also like to finish an embroidery. I bought a kit from Cotton Clara in 2020 that I still haven't made, so I think it's been neglected long enough. Time to get stitching.

Learn to crochet and make the Hello Kitty / Pusheen plushie

I've been saying for years that's I want to learn to crochet, and still haven't, but I'm hoping 2023 will be the year. I bought a cute kit last year- a Hello Kitty doll dressed up like Pusheen- which I'd hoped would encourage me to get started, but as a novice, learning how to start using video tutorials was harder than I expected, and I've realised I need someone to show me the ropes first. I'm hoping I can get my Mum to teach me the basics, and then attempt to crochet the doll as my first crochet project.

Get out of the house more

Aside from a week's holiday to Cornwall in September, I can count on two hands how many times I left the house for any reason last year (including my medical appointments, which have fizzled out since Covid), and let's be honest, that's not much of a life. I've been finding the isolation and lack of excitement in my life hard lately, so I'm eager to try to push myself more, and do my best to leave the house more often this year

Go to at least one concert

I haven't got any concerts booked as yet, but I'm itching for some live music, and hope I get to go to at least one this year. Going a year without a gig is just wrong.

Take a cinema trip

It's been about a decade since I last went to the cinema because it became too painful with my spinal pain, and it's one of those little things I really miss doing in life. I always used to go at least once a month. I'd love to try to go see a new film at least once this year, and see how I cope with it now, even if it leaves me in agony. 

Sight-see around Dorset

When I was looking up tour buses for my last holiday to Cornwall, I discovered there's one in Dorset called the Jurassic Coaster that travels along the south coast from Poole to Weymouth, taking you through places like Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, and Dorchester in between. I haven't seen a lot of Dorset since I was little, so I'd love to spend a day doing a bit of sight-seeing there in the summer. It's only a two hour drive to Poole from where I live, and the Jurassic Coaster seems like an easy, inexpensive way to explore without  being too physically demanding. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a bit of summer sight-seeing.

Take a holiday

I'm not sure if a holiday is on the cards for me this year or not, but I'd very much like to take one, and get away from it all for a week.

Go to Longleat Safari Park

I'd still love to visit Longleat safari park this spring/ summer, particularly because they have koalas and wombats now, and I've never seen either animal in real life before.

Visit confetti, lavender, and sunflower fields

I was hoping to visit some local flower fields last year, but it never happened due to car issues in the summer, so I'm going to aim to visit some this year, too. I'd love to go visit local sunflower, lavender, and confetti fields, if only to see a sea of colour, and take some pretty photos. The confetti fields are fields of flowers grown for wedding confetti, near Pershore in Worcestershire, and they sound lovely.

Visit the bluebell woods

In the spring, I would also like to go to a local bluebell woods when they flower and carpet the woods in a seemingly endless sea of violet. It always looks so pretty. I did technically go to see them last year, but we arrived too late to see them flowering.

Buy a new camera

I desperately need to save up for a new camera, after breaking my bridge camera in September. (The lens has jammed, and I'm told it's unfixable). I've had to fall back on using an ancient point and shoot camera with a scratched lens or my seriously out-of-date phone for my blog and Instagram photos, and the quality of my photos makes me want to cry. I won't be able to afford anything fancy, but I want to at least find one with similar specs to my old one. Best get saving.

Decorate my bedroom

My bedroom hasn't been painted in about a decade and desperately needs a refresh, so here's hoping 2023 is the year. I'm sick to death of looking at blue walls, and fancy going with white or cream to brighten things up a bit and make all my colourful possessions stand out better.

Continue operation clear-out

Having recently tackled my bookshelves and under my bed, I want to continue my long-over-due mission to spring clean everything. Next on my list are my wardrobe and the hallway cupboard, which I've been using as an extra wardrobe, and currently looks like a junk closet from a cartoon. If I can clear out both this year, I'll be happy.

Build my wardrobe back up

I also really want to start building my wardrobe back up this year. A lot of my clothes no longer fit me, as I've gone up a dress size over the last few years from living housebound, and as someone who loves clothes, it's depressing. I feel horrible in everything, so I haven't bothered to shop for new clothes much, but it's about time I did. I'm beginning to look like a street urchin.

And those are some of my little goals for the year ahead.

Have you set yourself any goals or resolutions for 2023?

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