10 Things That Made Me Happy This Month #11

2/1/2018

I'm not sure why, but I feel a bit nervous, writing this post. It's been over a month since I did my last blog post, which isn't too long in the grand scheme of things, but it's decent amount of time, yano! My 2018 goal for my blog is for me to focus on quality not quantity and I want to ensure the posts I am putting out there, are the posts that I truly love writing.

I had a look back through my 2017 content, and ensured that I picked out posts that sparked joy with me. My 10 things I loved each month posts, really stuck out to me. I love that it is like a mini overview of each month, and snippets of things I enjoyed that month, that I can look back on. So, as you have probably already guessed from the title, this is a series that I would like to continue into 2018! I hope you're pleased with that too, ha! Here is my first "10 things that made me happy" of the year!

One: Richard and I's 5 year anniversary.
Our anniversary falls on the 9th Jan, not the most ideal time, as you can imagine, money is always pretty tight after Christmas. This year we decided to keep it really low-key, but it actually worked out better. We had some Gin & Tonic's and together we cooked a lovely meal. We even set the table up cute: see below. Rich got me some beautiful flowers.

Two: Tom Dixon
You might have heard of the designer Tom Dixon, they does beautiful interior accessories and it's safe to say I'm totally OBSESSED. Lots of metallics (Golds). I just wish his designs were a little easier on my bank balance. At the moment I have a candle, diffuser (pictured in the top photo of this blog post) and a hand wash, but my wish list is much longer! You can see the designs here.

Three: Audiable
I feel like every man and his dog has been listening to Audio books this month, but I'd be lying if I didn't include this in my post! I downloaded the Audiable app and listened to my first book "you do you" by Sarah Knight, It's a motivational, funny and easy to listen to book, and I love that I had some light hearted entertainment whilst I was cleaning the house, or listening in my car on the way to work!

Four: A Weekend In Leeds
At the start of Jan we headed for a weekend in Leeds. Once again staying at one of my fave hotels, the Doubletree by Hilton. We drank cocktails at the alchemist (the ones with the cool icey mist) and did an escape room which was hilarious!

Five: SODA STREAM
If you know me well, then you'll know my favourite drink is Elderflower Coridal and Soda (and lots of ice!!). Because of this, we go through SO many bottles of soda in my house, like an embarrassing amount! Not only do I feel bad on the environment doing this because I use so many plastic bottles, but it also adds up! Soooo.... Drumroll.... Please welcome SODA STREAM! This has to be my favourite find of the month and I've been using it NON stop. All it takes is some tap water, and 10 seconds of your time, and ta daaa you have soda water! If you are a soda drinker, it's a life changer, trust me! I also like that the machine itself is aesthetically pleasing and is fairly small so doesn't take up much room on the counter! Find out more and pick one up here.

Six: Taking down the Christmas Decs
To be honest I am VERY surprised I am writing this one, because in all honestly I was almost crying at the thought of taking my decorations down. But to be honest when we actually did it (5thJan I think it was!) I really liked it! We gave the house a really good clean and everything was nice and fresh!

Seven: Sunday Roasts
I think I've managed a Sunday roast every weekend in January, and I'm seriously not complaining. In fact I don't why they're limited to Sunday's in my house... I want them every night. It's all gravy baby.

Eight: Calligraphy Course!
On the 31st Jan I did a Calligraphy Workshop in a little cafe near where I live. It was such a lovely evening, and I have fallen totally in love with calligraphy! It's harder than it looks let me tell you! Maybe once I've practised a few more times, I will share some of my "designs" ha!

Nine: Instagram Story's!
Another FAVE that I can't believe I am writing. Guys I know I am months behind, but I have finally love my love of Snapchat (no one posts on there anymore, so I didn't really have a choice!) I love watching peoples Insta Storys! Probably my favourites being Carrie from @wishwishwish, but I can't imagine how many hours hers must take her! They're beautiful! Who are your faves to watch?

Ten: Foxdenton - Matha's Marvellous Jumping Juice
This DIVINE drink is what we have been drinking in my household through-out Christmas and obviously finishing the reminders in January (Dry Jan Who!?). it is a mix of Foxdenton's Plum Gin, London Dry 48% and a mix of spices redolent of spiced poached apples and pears. YUM. It sounds good right? Wait until you taste it! You can find out more here, and if you're a gin lover it might be worth checking out the full range. I've got my eye on the Gin Taster set!