I’m yet to meet anyone who likes January, however we’re stuck with it for 31 days so we might as well make the most of it.
The first month of the year is currently being made more bearable by a few of my favourite things.
- Drinking smoothies seems to have become the new gym membership; lots of people have jumped on the bandwagon but how long will it last? I’ve been putting my nutribullet to good use since last spring and have been shaking up my recipes recently. There’s lots of ideas in our smoothie post from the archives too.
- All of a sudden it’s got absolutely freezing. Time to pump up the central heating, light the fire and get the electric blanket out. I wrote about my love affair of my blanket last year and last night I used it for the first time this year. Mine is a dirt cheap one from Amazon with dual controls.
- As we recently moved house we’ve had to wait an age to get internet access. As a freelancer it’s made working a real pain. I’ve been working in various places; from garden centres to my mother-in-law’s house so it was great to finally get WiFi earlier this week. We’ve made up for lost time by hammering the Netflix subscription. We’re very very late to the Luther party but we’re gripped by the gruesome crime drama. On Thursday we started on Making A Murderer and we’re already hooked too.
- The unfamiliar smell of a new home has led me to light dozens and dozens of candles. I snapped up a lot from the TK Maxx sale and treated myself to a hugely reduced Cowshed candle for £14.99.
- I’ve been pouring over paint charts and Pinterest plotting how to decorate the new pad. I’ve very slowly been measuring every room and alcove in my gorgeous Smythson notebook (a gift from my lovely sister) so I have the dimensions to hand on any impromptu shopping trips.
- With all the moving and christmas upheaval and the splitting of my time between Northampton and my family in Sheffield I have really neglected my winter capsule wardrobe. As a result I’m still wearing all my Autumn garb but Asos better watch out as I’m building a basket. I need some chunky knitwear to beat the chill so do let me know if you’ve been buying any thick knits.
How are you getting through January? Any finds you’d love to share to make it through the month?
I absolutely love January and what it represents – a whole new year in front of us with no way of knowing what will unfold x
Siobhan, that’s such a lovely way to put it. You are so right x
I really like this January so far! We are having lovely winter weather: Really cold with clear/clean air and sunshine. I’m also patiently awaiting the birth of our first born (being 5 days past the due date!)
Now that you remind me, I am also still looking for some lovely knitwear so I’ll check out Asos later!
Oooh Anja, this is such an exciting time for you. Best of luck in the next few days. Hoping the new arrival happens very soon x
Weill the little man likes to make us wait. Unless he doesn’t get a move on this night, I am being induced tomorrow one week after being due. Wish me luck!
We have been totally gripped by Making a Murderer too. I saw that another series of The Good Wife is due to start on More 4 so I’m hoping that will be over the next week or two. You’ve inspired me to get back on to the smoothies and I’m now off to look on Asos. Happy Weekend!
Love the Good Wife too – need to get back in to it as we’ve missed the last few series. Happy Weekend too! x
Nice post 🙂
I don’t have the same affliction for January because it’s my birthday this month so I’ve always had something to look forward to! Even though its not until next week I’m having a girls lunch today 🙂 There’s no such thing as a dry January in my world!
I hear you on the candles and blankets. I gut a fab one from Sainsburys of all places a couple of months ago and I got a This Works candle I’m waiting to put to use.
Telly wise we’ve been watching Blindspot and just started Blacklist on box sets which is recommend!
It’s so nice to *meet* all these people who love January. Maybe I was being too harsh. I just wish it would stop raining!
Have a fab birthday and have an ace time today x
Thanks 🙂 Currently sat getting new hair first!
Lynn would you recommend a ‘This Works’ candle? We have the deep sleep spray which is amazing so wondering whether to invest in the This Works candle too..
We have the baby version of that Lolly – anything is worth a try ??
Have you tried it yet?
They smell amazing and there were loads on discount at TK Maxx (what a store) I can’t remember what one I have. Will check and let you know. I too love their deep sleep spray and was lucky enough to win an In Transit set via Twitter!
I’d also recommend This Works candles; scented candles can be so hit and miss and I really hate it when you get a disappointing one that doesn’t smell much of anything – however I’ve had a few This Works ones from TKMaxx and they are worth it 🙂
Also Sainsbury’s reed diffusers are the best – they have some on sale for a bargain £3.50 at the moment!
Katie x
Another January fan here too! Admittedly, all this rain is not helping matters, but I love the fresh start and the fresh year ahead. I enjoy all the sofa time, the blankets and the candles. I enjoy the sleep! I also enjoy…continued prosecco and red wine. Totally baffled as to why anyone would do Dry January. That’s my main tip for enjoying January 😉 x
Ha ha Sian. There seem to be a lot less people doing Dry January this year. We still have so much booze left from Chrimbo it’s a shame to just leave it sitting there 😉
Thanks I’m always looking for new Netflix recommendations! I’ll be checking out Making a Murderer later!
Look forward to seeing more pics of your new home ☺️ X
Thanks Trinny. Lots more to come soon x
We watched Making a Murderer in two nights it was so gripping and massively infuriating. Think the rest of our January is about to become quite hectic, I’m off to be induced on Monday! Sorry to everyone else but once we’re home it can rain/snow/gale as much as it likes, you’ll find me under a big blanket with the fire roaring, eating my body weight in much missed pâté, snuggling on the sofa with my baby and my love and watching all the saved up Netflix boxsets we’ve managed to restrain ourselves from watching so far. (Well that’s the dream anyway)
Oh Jo – how exciting! Best of luck tomorrow and enjoy the first of many baby snuggles x
I’m also embracing this rainy January morning with a coffee in a pretty Anthropologie mug and some Smythson stationery. I use the pretty notebook for ‘happy to do lists’…so far it’s got organising dinner with friends we missed in December, lots of holiday googling and picking photos for our album from our wedding this summer. I’ve just added series recording Luther and checking out the RMS smoothie post! There’s something so liberating about justifiably still being in PJs past noon and having an empty weekend in the diary…
Sounds like a heavenly way to spend the day Katherine x
Rob has to work over Christmas so we were pretty good with food and drink over the Christmas period so we’re using January as an excuse to work our way through the wine and chocolate instead. It’s actually pretty therapeutic when others are all detoxing! I watched the first making a murderer on my own and wasn’t that bothered but Rob loves it and got me hooked a couple of episodes later. I also joined a craft club this week and managed to sew a tote bag in less than two hours! January has not been too bad so far.
We need to see this tote bag Claire! x
I also love January – its my birthday too and Spring will be on its way soon.
Must get on the Making a Murderer band wagon as its all I hear about – feel like I’m really missing out.
Also have no idea why anyone would do Dry January, its just another month like all the others to be enjoyed #everythinginmoderation
Happy Birthday Grainne x
I bagged myself a couple of bargain priced comfy knits in H and M yesterday. At £15 a pop I didn’t even have to feel guilty for January shopping!
http://m2.hm.com/m/en_gb/productpage.0303770007.html
In powder though it now seems to have sold out online and this one
http://m2.hm.com/m/en_gb/productpage.0354724007.html
Looks like there are lots of other nice jumpers on their website too!
Ooh lovely Emma. Must get myself over to H&M pronto!
I love January, the cosines, the not having to worry about Christmas, the planning! We just booked our tickets for Wilderness in August, already very excited about festival season, we’re planning a new kitchen, we just bought a beautiful French Bulldog puppy, Ted who is the best medicine for a tiresome winters afternoon, especially when he curls up for some cuddles by the wood burner. My Esta Aroma diffuser is making me smile, it makes the house smell like a spa and I am very into my UP3 fitness band, I’m a spin addict. Oh and I have just discovered Guinness Porter. Gorgeous!
You’ve got a great year ahead planned Kelly. Also love the name Ted for a dog! x