a daybook for july

Over the many years I've been blogging, I've done variations of this daybook sort of post, sometimes monthly, other times seasonally. It is one of my favorite posts to read from others and a very enjoyable one to write as well. So, alas, here I am, bringing it back to my little cozy corner. I hope you enjoy! ♥

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outside my window

Deep summertime is well and truly here. Lush, rich, vibrant, deep green is literally everywhere I look outside. The grass, the trees. the bushes and shrubs, the herbs in our garden. Green and more green...I'm not complaining, though, as deep summer green is one of my favorite colors. And one of the only things I actually like about summer. Ha! Pops of pink peek through in our garden thanks to my mom's Mother's Day hydrangea, along with hues of bright orange coming from our daylilies, which are both thriving. Oh, and the basil! It's growing like crazy! Needless to say, we're enjoying lots of basil in our meals...my goodness, the scent. Blissful! Lightning bugs in the evenings and squirrels running in the trees in the morning and lots of rain, which makes me so happy, and weather so hot and humid you feel incredibly gross and sticky just going to get the mail. Ah, summertime.

i am thinking

Of autumn and cooler weather and crisp temps and cozy clothing...am I ashamed to admit this? Absolutely not! {{winks}} Seriously, though, my "autumn fever" has set in and I am looking forward to being able to go outside without getting attacked by countless mosquitoes and dripping with sweat after just five minutes.

i am thankful for

My mom, sister, and our fur babies. Our home and little corner of the world. Home cooking and getting to make meals for my dear family. Rain and cloudy days and air conditioning. Iced tea and berry bread pudding and music that makes me feel alive.

from the kitchen

My mom recently made Susan Branch's bread pudding from her Summer Book. She exchanged the sugar (1 cup, I think) to just 1/4 cup honey...all that sugar honestly gets ridiculous. It was beyond delicious, especially with whipped cream. Bread pudding and fruity desserts have never been something I crave or would choose when given a choice. Until now. This recipe is addictive! I also made, for the first time ever, a tomato pie. This is an old, traditional Southern dish that I've never made before. A few years ago, my sister mentioned it and then we forgot about it again...this past week, we remembered, I made it, we ate it, and we loved it. So summery and once again, I got to use my garden-fresh basil. {{smiles}}

i am creating

Still crocheting granny squares, sewing quilt blocks, started a new book journal. Little, ordinary things that aren't so little or ordinary.

i am wearing

Black-ish/dark navy-ish legging-capris with a colorful floral print, a black cami under a hot pink tank with lace details, hair up in a clip (too dang hot to wear it down), and my favorite pair of sandals.

in my cup

A new-to-us herbal tea flavor from Yogi Tea called "berry cherry". Make it iced and add a splash (or two!) of half and half, and take a sip...ah, perfection.

i am reading

I've been really struggling with reading lately, but I just finished Gladys Taber's Stillmeadow Album this week. It's a photo album of sorts showcasing Taber's home, Stillmeadow, along with some of her reflection on her home and life there. It was absolutely delightful, as is everything I've read from her so far. She's a true favorite of mine, a kindred spirit sort of writer. I'm so thankful for her words.

i am listening to

Lots of Celtic/Irish music and 90s-2000s country favorites (I have a playlist that I like as I'm quite picky) and other songs that were the soundtrack of my childhood and teen years. My most played songs right now are: Irresistible (One Direction); Beautiful Soul (Jesse McCartney); That's the Way (Jo Dee Messina); Will Ye Go, Lassie, Go (Celtic Thunder); Sunday in the South (Shenandoah with Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan); and Hometown Girl (Josh Turner).

i am watching

I recently purchased a boxed set of the first 10 seasons of Vera. So I'm slowly making my way through them for a rewatch. I haven't watched the first few seasons in probably 3 years or so, so I forget lots of the storylines. Fun!

i am hoping

That the second half of summer isn't too hot. To return to my crocheting and quilting projects, as well as to get back into reading...I miss all of these things.

i am hearing

The sound of the air conditioner kicking on, cats running and playing with each other, crickets outside (even though the windows, their song is quite loud), my playlist in the background.

around the house

Organizing bookshelves and our pantry; tidying up craft supplies, watering plants each evening when it's hasn't rained.

one of my favorite things

At the moment, my favorite thing is iced creamy tea...which I mentioned above. So many flavor options and oh so refreshing!

word collecting

A beautiful thing is never perfect. (Unknown)

How many things does this apply to? I can't begin to number them, but how true it is.

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What's happening in your corner of the world? 

a hodgepodge of ordinary joys

hodgepodge - 

a collection of things; jumble

If there was ever a word to describe my taste in things, whether it be music, what I watch or read, what I enjoy eating, what my hobbies and interests are, it would definitely be hodgepodge. The world, both online and in real life, likes to lump people together in boxes and place labels on everyone and everything. Everything must be so set and categorized. Lots of people give themselves to one thing in life...for example, reading; that's all they do for enjoyment. I'm just not a set or one and done in the area of interests and in-the-box sort of person. I'm a hodgepodgey sort of gal, and I'm not ashamed of it. I don't follow one aesthetic or style or way of doing anything in my life...I like to gather what I've learned or what I like about something and make it my own in some way. I don't want to live in a way that looks exactly like others. I don't want my home to look like someone else's. I have many interests and enjoy variety of hobbies. I believe in being a wildflower sort of person...embracing my uniqueness and thinking for my own self and in letting my interests and hobbies be wild and free to bloom as they will.

 And today's post is a hodgepodge of the ordinary joys that make me who I am. In a world where everyone and their cousin loves to gripe on and on about what they don't like, I find it's much more beneficial and lifegiving to celebrate the things I love. And these are just a few of them...

~ Reading ~

It’s no secret that reading is one of my dearest loves. Novel and lifegiving memoirs are my two favorite sorts of books to read...domestic fiction, cozy mysteries, middle grade family stories and mysteries, small town stories with a cast of characters, stories with magical elements, stories that put a heavy emphasis on the things I hold dear and believe to be of utmost importance, such as family, home, simple living, old-fashioned values, etc. And for me, it’s got to be physical books. I'm old-fashioned when it comes to things like that. {{winks}}

~ Crocheting ~

Shortly before Christmastime, I taught myself how to crochet granny squares. I'm currently working on my first afghan, which I believe will call for 140 granny squares, if my measurements are correct. I've got about 40 done so far, and I enjoy making a few here and there in the evenings. I've chosen four colors: lilac, sage, mustard, and blush. To me these say "autumn" and "spring", which are my two favorite color schemes, and I'm very pleased with how they're turning out so far.

~ Walks in the neighborhood ~

I'm a walker. It's my preferred choice for exercise and movement, and it's also good for my mental health. Our neighborhood is a lovely place to take daily walks, as it is quiet and has sidewalks. And as a major plus, we've got tons of nature, so my walks are full of lots of trees, birdsong, butterflies and bees flying about, squirrels in the grass, and lots of green. 

~ Learning to quilt ~

Another creative endeavor I've begun this year is working on my very first quilt. I've been so inspired and learned a ton from YouTube over the last 18 months. I've chosen the St. Louis 16 Patch for my first quilt, as I've learned it's an easy quilt block for beginners. I'm going for an autumnal and spring color theme with lots of florals and I'm happily embracing a very scrappy, imperfect, but fun approach to quilting. 

~ Decorating with collected treasures ~

Hometending is very dear to me. I love making our home into a cozy haven that we just love to be. Home is our favorite place, so it might as well be as cozy, comforting, and enjoyable as we can make it. I love thrifting for home decorations and little treasures to add to our shelves, cupboards, walls, coffee table, etc. There's something to warm and homey about a collected home, as opposed to a home that is so mainstream with pieces that are mass-produced at stores like Hobby Lobby. I find the quality to be better, the prices to be much more affordable, and the styles much more suited to our taste. And it's fun getting to go on what feels like a grown-up treasure hunt at the thrift store!

~ Collecting teacups and mugs ~

My teacup and mug collection began in the winter of 2015, and it has grown so much since then. I was obsessed with teacups for a long time there, but now I'm more of a mug girl. Teacups are a bit daintier and fancy than I tend to care for...mugs, for me, are more down-to-earth, homey, cozy, comforting, and feel good in my hands when they're full of a warming drink. I tend to go for seasonal designs most of the time, but I do love more general styles, too, which for me includes lots of florals and nature designs.

~ Perusing my collection of old cookbooks ~

I've been collecting cookbooks since I was 8 years old. As a young girl, I spent my TV time watching the Food Network when everyone else my age watched Cartoon Network. (Not that there's anything wrong with that! It just wasn't me.) My collection is huge, I admit. But I find great pleasure in simply taking a few down from the shelf at a time and flipping through them. Most of my collection is quite dated, from several of my favorite publications that my mom collected as I grew up. It's also fun picking new recipes to try...and just to get inspiration from as well.

~ Collecting books ~

I will also admit here that I have a quite large book collection. Nearly all of my books are used, as that is what I personally prefer. And probably three-fourths of them I got for less than a few dollars each. Our community library, as well as the big city library each have massive book sales each April. You can fill a box for $12, and do you know how many books you can fit in a big box?!?! {{smiles}} I also frequent little free libraries around where I live every few months. And, of course, I do shop at local used bookstores and Abe Books online. I really, really prefer used books so much over new ones...I love how they already feel broken in and well-loved. It's like a perfectly worn in pair of jeans. I also do not like for my books to remain in perfect condition. That honestly annoys me...a perfect looking book or book collection. I like a hodgepodge, mixy/matchy, obviously well-loved book collection. I like for my books to look read and used and enjoyed. So, yes, my book spines are broken, and pages are creased and sometimes the corners are folded over or pages written on. And I think my shelves show that quite well.

~ Watching favorite shows ~

I'm of the belief that watching TV shows and movies that one finds comforting to be one of the best hobbies out there. My favorite shows include police/crime dramas and cozy mysteries, Gilmore Girls, The Middle, Home Improvement, and I just began watching Friends for the first time. It's especially wonderful when you pair a favorite show or movie with a board game or crafty project or even while you clean. That's one of the coziest things to me! 

~ Holistic wellness & Natural living ~

I've been a student of holistic and natural wellness since my late teens. It's a topic that I could talk about for ages...and then some. I enjoy studying herbalism, ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine, somatic healing, holistic nutrition, homeopathy, yoga, aromatherapy, etc. For me, these things are not only beneficial and informative to learn about, but also very inspiring and lifegiving and hopeful.

 ~ Coziness. Comfort. H O M E. ~

Home is the nicest word there is, as Laura Ingalls said. And I heartily agree. There's no place like home, says Dorthy Gale. How I echo those words. Home is truly my most favorite place to be. I seriously do not understand people who do not like being at home or who can't be at home for any length of time. For me, home is where it is at. I have many thoughts, beliefs, convictions, values, and deeply rooted feelings about home. I believe home to be the most important place on earth. Simply put.

~ Watching favorite movies ~

Just as with TV shows, movie watching, particularly rewatching is among my favorite hobbies. I know some people can't stand rewatching the same things over and over again, but I love it. {{smiles}} A few of my top favorites are: Julie and Julia, Under the Tuscan Sun, Little Women (1994), Miss Potter, Letters to Juliet, and many of the Hallmark Mystery series.

~ Commonplacing ~

I've been keeping a commonplace book since 2015. I know they've gotten rather trendy and popular thanks to some "influencers", but some of us kept these types of journals way before then. It's my favorite way to keep my favorite quotes together, and a fun way to look back on what speaks to you at different times in your life. I like keeping mine very casual and not fancy at all, using simple composition notebooks instead of designer journals...very unlike the ones popularized by certain "influencers".

~ Journaling ~

I don't know what some would call the kind of journaling I like to do...but for me, it's simply creative journaling or scrappy journaling. I love stickers, washi tape, scraps of paper I collect from random things, etc. It's a way to have fun and be creative without thinking too much. I find it very peaceful.

~ Storybooks ~

So, yes, I collect storybooks. I believe storybooks are for every age group, and I honestly find so much inspiration in the illustrations as well as the stories themselves. My collection is completely used and well loved, and thoroughly enjoyed, too. I love reading them now, and hope to share them with my future children one day. The one in the picture above is from our family collection from my sister's and my childhood. It was, and still is, a true favorite of ours!

~ Cooking ~

Cooking has been a love of mine since I was very young helping my mom by pulling up a chair to stand on. Nowadays, I love not following recipes, not measuring anything, and just having a sort of free-for-all when I cook. It's the most fun! Especially when I play a CD in the kitchen, too!

~ Nightly teatime ~

One thing I'm trying to incorporate into my daily rhythms is a nightly teatime. I've done this on and off through the years, and I'm trying to get back into the habit of it. We have a wide variety of teas to choose from, and of course, tea must be enjoyed out of a pretty mug, in my opinion. ♥

There is a large measure of joy in ordinary moments.

~ Susan Gale Wicks ~

What are some of your ordinary joys? Do share with me in the comments!

 Do we have any in common? Let me know below!

a creative journey of refining my wardrobe to reflect...me

Good afternoon, readers. I'm back today with a bit of a different sort of post, but one that's about a creative journey I'm on. I hope you enjoy my rambly musings...

I shared these thoughts a bit on Instagram earlier this week, but wanted to chat about it here, too…and to hear if you’re on a similar creative journey with your wardrobe.

As I get a bit older, I find myself wanting to refine my wardrobe to feel and look more like “me”. I feel I’m at an age and place in life where I know myself and my preferences, likes/dislikes, etc. quite well. I know more of what makes me feel like myself, what I feel comfortable in, and my wardrobe needs a bit of tweaking. 

I’m not going for a specific aesthetic or one style. I don’t believe in that sort of thing. I’m just going for what feels like me…and my personal taste tends to be simple, casual, comfy, and cozy. And I quite like it that way. I’m going about this tweaking very gently. Not my personal tastes, but rather how I make my clothing fit my personal taste. Simply making mental notes and even taking pictures of outfits that I wear that feel like me. I’m using Pinterest to inspire me in using pieces I already have, and I’m finding this to be quite a fun creative journey, too. I’m styling and pairing things up differently than I have before and also keeping my eyes out at thrift stores for specific pieces I may want to add. 

I do not believe that in order to create a wardrobe that one truly loves you have to spend lots of money, buy specific brands or expensive clothing, or completely unhaul your closet and drawers. That goes completely against my values and beliefs. Instead, I believe in seeing this as a creative journey, as with making a house a home, for example, and using what I have, putting my imagination to use when getting dressed, shopping wisely, and utilizing thrift stores, which is where I prefer to get most of my clothing anyway.

I do believe in creating a wardrobe that makes you feel like yourself, that sparks joy, and makes you happy, and that makes you feel comfortable in what you wear. However, I don’t believe in trends, aesthetics, limiting oneself to one style, etc.

While I want to refine my entire wardrobe, for all the seasons, I do believe this will be much mor fun and easier during the autumn and winter months, as I much prefer the clothing during that time of year, as well as I just feel way more like myself during the autumn and wintertime anyway. Summertime clothing simply means keeping as cool as possible for me...and early spring is a favorite time as well, before it gets too warm or hot.

As far as my wardrobe goes, I do not embrace, nor do I believe in minimalism, so you won't find me "curating a capsule wardrobe" here. However, I do find that I love making different pieces work for different seasons. That is a fun, creative aspect of my wardrobe for me. I do keep a seasonal wardrobe: spring/summer and autumn/winter, with quite a few pieces that are year-round. I am a thrift shopper and have been for the last three years. However, I also own many clothes purchased from your typical chain stores, as I see nothing wrong with filling in with bits here and there that you are specifically looking for and can't find whilst thrifting. But I will say that I am quite obsessed with thrifting and get especially excited when I come across that perfect piece that fits my taste, which has happened a handful of times. (And other clothing pieces I don't thrift out of preference.) I also have clothing in my wardrobe and drawers that I've had for over a decade...they're not expensive pieces; I just like to take care of my clothing and make it last. 

I do consider my wardrobe to be a collection of pieces that have sparked joy at different times through the years, and now I'm simply wanting to refine those pieces into something that suits my tastes. Some will get donated, some will get paired up with something else, and others will simply remain as they are. It's all part of the creative journey for me...nothing serious or life-altering. Obviously, it's just clothing. But I do believe you can have fun with what you wear and in making your wardrobe to be more "you"...or in this case, "me".

I’d be curious if you have done a similar thing with your wardrobe, or are on such a journey, too. And if you’d like me to share more about this as I go about my little rambly wardrobe tweaking. Would posts on these things I shared about here interest you? Topics such as my wardrobe refining journey, thrifting, using clothing pieces in different seasons, etc. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

what started my lore

I saw this tag thing going around on Instagram this week and it looked so fun. The whole point is to simply share the movies and shows that formed or shaped you in some way growing up. Every single one of these movies and shows were part of my growing up years from the time I was a toddler through my elementary school-aged years. They stayed with me through my teenage years and now, well into my adulthood, they are still engraved on my heart. And many of them, I still love...the others I am waiting with hope to one day share with my own children. The only exception to this is Anne of Green Gables, as I didn't discover this movie series (or the books) until a few months after I turned twenty. I include it, though, because it was very impactful on me through my twenties...and had I known about it as a young girl, I just know it would have been a favorite of mine.

Being born in the mid-90s and a child of the late 90s-2000s, I think that shows in my list here. I've always leaned towards movies and shows with a heavy emphasis on wonder, imagination, and creativity as well a deep-rootedness in home and family, legacy and story and tradition. I lean towards things that promote "old-fashioned" morals and family values as well as show the impact such a seemingly simple life has. Along with that, I love things that touch the heart in some way and share meaningful messages even through a fun storyline and characters.

It would be so fun if you shared your list with me in a comment. And brownie points to anyone who can name as many of these as you can in a comment...and no cheating! Don't go searching Google for the answers. {{winks}}

finding "me" in the bookish world

As I’ve read nearly all fiction books these last few years, which has been immensely healthier for my mind, it has taken some time to truly find what sorts of stories and books I enjoy. After lots of trying this and trying that, it has only been in the last couple of years that I have found “me” in the bookish world. And here’s what I’ve learned…

Being a hobbit at heart, I love cozy and comforting stories best of all. I am particularly fond of wholesome, lifegiving stories of family and home, domesticity, village or small-town life, and slice-of-life vignettes. I also enjoy historical fiction stories taking place during and after WW2. Magical realism, middle-grade, women’s fiction, clean romance, cozy mysteries, and specific classics are also among my favorite genres. Finally, I find immense delight in soaking up inspiration and wisdom from memoirs and diaries written by folks who I feel add beauty and wonder to my world. When I read a book, I ultimately want to be reminded of the goodness in the world and of being alive to the beauty of the world. When I find stories like that, I am as happy as can be.

I believe in reading in alignment with my morals and values, which, yes, can make it harder to find good books, especially when everything and everyone can seem to have taken a sharp left. But for the authors who have written and continue to write wholesome books with morals and decency and those upright, “old-fashioned” values, and for the stories that have found their way into my life, I am thankful.

Along with finding "my books" in the grand world of books that suit me, I have learned that characters and setting and writing style are three *hugely* important aspects of books for me. If a book is lacking in any one of these categories, more than likely, I'm not going to enjoy it. While not every single book I read hits it out of the park on these aspects, I know that a book must have at least some sort of emphasis on these things for me to love it. Many readers are drawn heavily to the plot, and for me, that is definitely secondary to the characters, setting, and overall writing style. I'd love to hear what you are drawn to in stories. {{smiles}}

I have shared many of these sorts of books here over the last few years. You can always find my thoughts and ramblings on them in the cottage library. And, of course, I will continue to share my favorites as they make their way to me...as well as sharing ones that I've loved for some time, too. So, yes. Lots of bookish posts coming your way to look forward to. {{smiles}}

What are your favorite books that would fit into what I’ve just described? I’d love to know which stories have made their way into your heart forever.

my most favorite stories of 2024 ♥

Happy New Year!

It's been a minute since I last posted, and I had fully intended on sharing more Christmas themed posts in December. And I know fully well that I did not post the book club gathering for December as well. Please forgive me. We had some personal things going on that needed our full attention which were quite stressful. I was barely hanging on by a thread for most of that time and just didn't have the capacity to write or share posts. Sometimes life happens and needs tending to, and that's why I've been away for a while.

But I am back today with a short and sweet post sharing my top five favorite stories from last year. These are books that I am literally still thinking about often even though I read them in the first seven months of 2024. They are the books that captured my heart. {{smiles}} 

And I do intend on starting my book club back up again in February. More on that in a few days.

So, pour a cup of something warm and soothing, curl up under a soft blanket, and enjoy this little bookish recap of 2024...

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My 2024 Favorite Stories:

Ivy Lane was such a feel-good, hopeful, comforting read. I absolutely loved the characters and their little found family. This was a book that filled my soul to overflowing and just made me smile, and is what I would definitely call a "healing book". This was my very first book by Cathy Bramley, but it spurred me on to order a pile of her backlist because I just loved this one so much.

 The Telephone Box Library was a book that I couldn't put down. It had all the elements I love: quirky characters, a gorgeous English village setting, cozy vibes, multi-generational friendship, a bit of history and mystery, and a sweet and gentle romance. This book was totally different than I was expecting, yet everything I wanted and needed at the time; I was so sad when it ended. It was my perfect cup of tea in book form!

 A Place to Hang the Moon was recommended to me by my sister. She kept after me about this book and how much she just knew I would love it. And she was right! This is by far, hands down, one of the sweetest stories I've ever read. It's one of those books that makes you believe in the goodness of the world and that it still exists, and I love (and need!) those types of stories. I wish there were a hundred more books like this one because I'd have to read them all.

 Love and Other Great Expectations was quite the exception to my reading because I hardly ever read YA books. Aside from the stunningly gorgeous settings around the UK and the fun scavenger hunt aspect to the story, the thing that stands out the most to me is the main male character, Luke. He was such a breath of fresh air for a male character, and I really, really think more authors need to write more male characters like him. Just sayin'.

 Lost Lake is by a favorite author of mine. I'm working my way through her books and only have two left...and this one was such a enthralling, engaging, enchanting story. Sarah Addison Allen writes in a way that feels magical. Her storytelling skills are so amazing, and how she invites you into the story through her descriptions of the setting and such, you feel like you are actually there. This book was just a pure delight to read.

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What were your top five favorite reads from 2024? I'd love to hear what you loved about these stories that captured your heart!

my november diary, pumpkins, & a festive + cozy outfit

{I have learned that I LOVE short stories for Christmas reading delight.}

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noticing nature

This autumn we, sadly, have had some of the littlest color we've had in a few years. Where I live the leaves don't turn all kinds of crazy gorgeous colors...they mostly just turn brown and get all crinkly. But some years we do get some stunning color. It just seems as though this year that won't be the case. All is well, though. Nature has her ebbs and flows, and this is just one of those years with less color. We've had some wonderfully delightful rainy days, though, which brings me endless joy. Our front porch is full of pumpkins...we got half of them for just 99 cents on sale! Soon it will be time to begin raking the leaves as we get quite a yard full...perhaps several yards full, as neighbors' leaves tend to blow our direction. And not to forget, it's finally starting to feel like autumn around here. I've worn sweaters and sweatshirts literally just a few times (less than a handful) so far this year, so I'm ready for all the chilly and cold weather. {{smiles}} We had a really chilly Thanksgiving (so, so, so happy about that!), and it's finally time to bring out my winter coat. Ah...cold weather is finally making an appearance!

what i'm listening to

As soon as mid-November arrived, I began listening to my Christmas playlist (see link on the sidebar), and it's been utterly delightful listening to all my old favorites again. I'm very, very picky about my Christmas music, and I pretty much only like songs that feel and sound traditional, classic, and nostalgic. I have very few modern Christmas songs that I enjoy...so no, you won't find me listening to any Mariah Carey or Ariana Grande. Give me all the Johnny Mathis, Andy Williams, Perry Como, Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, and Frank Sinatra. I also love the Choir of King's College and the Christmas music they have as I find it beyond gorgeous. I've also been listening to some of my favorite music by One Direction and Celtic Thunder, whom we happily saw in concert this autumn. 

bookish ramblings

The tail end of summer and early part of autumn brought along with it quite a miserable reading slump for me. I believe it was due to having read some crummy books (hello to you, Despereaux) shortly before that. I also had quite a hard time finding a book to help get me over that slump. Finally, though, I did read a couple really lovely novels...and now I'm well into my Christmas reading pile. So far, I'm enjoying several of the American Girl Christmas stories, a Susan Branch Christmas book, and a super short but sweet story by Jan Karon. Currently, I've got a book of short stories going, along with a book with 3 novellas in it, and another American Girl Christmas story. So lots of festive reading for me right now! 

what i'm watching

My mom, sister, and I are currently watching the final episodes of Blue Bloods every Friday night, which is both fun and melancholic seeing as how this is the final season of a show we all dearly love. I'm also watching the newest season of Shetland each week, and we just finished the first season of the PBS Masterpiece series, The Marlow Murder Club, based on the book series by Robert Thorogood. It wasn't as good as the book as there were some bits left out and whatnot, but it was still very enjoyable and of course, the setting was gorgeous. Finally, I'm watching some Christmas movies here and there...and working on a HUGE list of all my favorites to share with you soon.

what i'm wearing

Christmas sweatshirts and leggings and boots. This has become my typical outfit for this time of year, and I'm not one bit unhappy about it. It's absolutely perfect! ♥

in my mug

Spearmint tea or my nourishing hot cacao...both seem to be my obsessions as of late. And they absolutely must be drunk from festive Christmasy mugs at this time of year. {{smiles}}

creative joys

Last month, I made an Advent calendar gingerbread house for us to enjoy this month. We enjoy dark chocolate, and it seems to be nearly impossible to find storebought Advent calendars with dark chocolate, so I made us our own. And it was completely free...other than purchasing the chocolates, but we found those for a great deal. I'll share pictures of it soon. I've also been making some journals by using old books and I'm a bit obsessed with this whole process as it is so much fun! I've also got a few simple sewing projects I'd like to work on soon...so many ideas!

joyful anticipations

Decorating for Christmas. Holiday baking. Attending a performance of Dicken's A Christmas Carol. Christmas Eve by the twinkly lights of the tree. Christmas Day and our traditional meal and dessert. Driving around to see the lights whilst listening to festive music and drinking hot chocolate. Maybe some snow this winter...pretty please. Watching the Christmas movies I grew up with. Wearing our Christmas sweatshirts...I found us the cutest sweatshirts this year; I'm so excited! Wrapping gifts and filling stockings. Eating the chocolate from our Advent calendar. Cozy Christmas comforts.