This month I’m loving…
We’ve made it to the end of January. Whoop whoop! Days are getting longer (apparently) and I’ve already spotted the bulbs I planted last month peeking through the dark soil which is beyond thrilling! Soon we’ll have bright yellow daffodils and tulips and be on our way to brighter days. But without wanting to wish the month away, welcome to my new monthly post titled, ‘This month I’m loving…’
Quite simply it is a round up of all the things I’ve been loving this month. And I’d love for you to share with me what you are loving right now as one thing I’ve noticed about this lovely community, is we tend to be into similar stuff! So let’s dive in…
This month I’m loving…
reading:
Fearless by Trinny Woodall.
This is so much more than a beauty book – it feels like a insightful chat with a trusted friend. Trinny is tackling life, confidence and self-belief as well our wardrobes in a bold and beautiful way which I am totally here for!
I remember Trinny fondly from What Not To Wear and I’m fascinated by how she’s remodelled herself as a lifestyle guru. She’s a real trail blazer for women over 50 using the digital media to further her business ambitions and inspire and empower women to be the best versions of themselves. Her podcast interview with Diary of a CEO is well worth a listen too.
WATCHING:
Traitors! We got hooked on season one, but season two has smashed it out the park! It feels like it has had a much bigger budget for production with lush drone shots of the Scottish Highlands to drool over. I’m sure their tourist industry will see an uptick! There are so many twists and turns in we have loved following the Traitors pick off the faithfuls one by one. No spoilers here but the final had us all shouting at the TV!
The castle interiors could do with a style update though, don’t you think? The plastic flowers around the breakfast table and velour armchairs give me naff wedding venue vibes. Only me?
However Claudia’s outfits are a whole different conversation. Her woollen wardrobe is definitely stealing the show. Kate from Wears My Money has a great breakdown of Claudia’s outfits here.
SHOPPING:
Boden have always been my go-to for colour and while the rest of the high street goes all navy and grey marl this time of year, I can rely on Johnnie B to deliver the dopamine. This January they have launched their new collection and have some gorgeous knitwear. I’ve treated myself to this beautiful rainbow jumper. I love the wavy stripes and pretty stitch detailing. It looks super cute with a ruffle collar and jeans and then of course my signature AirMax rainbow trainers!
EATING:
Pickles! We love big pickles and cornichons in our house and I saw this jar on Instagram recently and I was completely influenced and immediately ordered one from Amazon. I confess it has been a game changer. You can also use it for olives too for an easy mess-free way to grab a healthy snack! I’m slightly obsessed with keeping my new fridge well organised but the jars are the worst. And the boys love opening a new jar before the old one is finished.
It’s all over TikTok but here’s a reel I saw that shows it in use.
Planning:
With half term coming up I’ve been making plans to treat Arthur to a trip away and it’s a place I’ve never been to, Rome! Arthur has started a new school recently which is never easy, and I think some quality time together dining out on pizza will be just the ticket! Arthur is not a lover a museums and art galleries but we both love looking at architecture and interiors so I’m hoping Rome will deliver in spades. I haven’t booked the hotel or BnB yet so if you have any recommendations send them my way. Mid week flights on Easyjet are really affordable this time of year, and I don’t want to splurge on the hotel to keep it as a low budget getaway. BUT it has to be beautiful, and preferably not beige. I often book the destination based on the hotel so this is an odd way around for me to do it! Having said that my preliminary searches have not disappointed, although the prices are rather eye watering!
FOLLOWING:
@nancybirtwhistle over on Instagram. First of all, the woman is a social media machine, posting great content daily to her 576,000 followers so I’m not alone in adoring her useful tips and no nonsense Yorkshire gumption!
There is nothing this woman can’t do with a heap of washing soda and green bleach! From her recipe for mushroom soup that she’s had on a scrap of paper for 40 years, to her ‘Pure Magic’ toilet cleaner I’m slightly obsessed. She’s also got a new book out called ‘Clean and Green’. It’s nothing new but we need Nancy’s old fashioned approach to saving money and the planet like never before!
LISTENING:
Conversations of Inspiration with Holly Tucker.
Holly has been a long term supporter of creative women in business, and she makes an excellent podcast because she’s a wonderful and insightful interviewer.
You can listen to the stories of fellow creatives, entrepreneurs and thinkers, but like all good podcasts, it’s getting to know people and their personal stories that I love the most.
ENJOYING:
Getting together with my best girlfriends and going to our local Beach Box sauna. It’s absolute heaven, a circle of converted horse boxes that are now cedar clad wood fired saunas, complete with campfire and cold plunge baths. There is something magical about going this time of year as the sauna is right on Brighton Beach so you are in the elements, listening to the waves crashing on the beach.
We tend to go in the evening when the saunas gently glow and we can sweat it out! Check it out if you have a local Nomadic style sauna where you live…I can highly recommend it!
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comments
Sophie, you are such an inspiration! Your energy seems boundless and infectious. I live across the pond and can feel it even here in these Northwest winter doldrums. I cannot keep up with all of your wondrous ideas but find joy in reading your blog, posts, and watching your lovely design programs over and over. You have more creativity and pure life in your pinkie than I have in my entire being! It’s okay though, I can live with my faults. With the bit of energy I do have I plan to build a garden this year and fluff out my snug. Yes, I’ve converted an extra bedroom in my house to my own personal space with no chair for my husband. It’s where I watch your programs and Monty Don, and all things British mysteries while I crochet or stitch away the evenings. I’ve always been in love with color and my new snug is where it’s allowed to explode! Thank you for the superb ideas and bits of inspiration I can borrow! Hope you get to sit down and rest occasionally to enjoy your own lovely personal space! All good blessings to you and yours!
