Katie

It’s already the 21st of January. Usually, this month drags it’s tired little arse and feels like it lasts forever and a day. 

Not this January. I actually can’t believe we’re already 21 days in, where in the hell has it gone? 

I started 2019 determined to have a good year, you know, when you’re watching the fireworks and you just feel full of hope and promise, a brand new, blank paged year. 2018 ended pretty damn well, and it made the transition into another year that little bit easier. 

I’m still riding that positivity wave now, despite the odd wobble here and there. 

What I’ve noticed (what we’ve ALL noticed I’m sure!) is January becomes the month of don’t. Don’t eat that, don’t do this, don’t carry on with what you’re doing. It’s all about the deprivation and I am not here for that. 

January is already the most depressing month of the year. Christmas seems like an age ago, Summer is nowhere near in sight and we’re all desperately clinging on until pay day. Why the flip do we want to make it harder on ourselves? 

Answers on postcards please. 

Instead of focussing on the negatives in my life, leaving me feeling like a big fat failure before I’ve even done anything, I’ve decided to make a list of things I want to achieve this year, attainable (I hope?) happy rewarding goals that make my 2019 feel as good as possible. 

I’m really getting into manifestation and the power of positive thinking – this coming from the original Negative Nancy is saying something – I’ve read so many books about putting what you want out there in the universe that I am starting to see how that works, and I’m feeling it. 

So, with that in mind, I thought I’d write down some of my goals for the year, it helps me to write things down (in many different formats, so I’ll be blogging, journalling, texting the old BF and telling the husband a million times a week, just to make sure) 

Make The Cash 

No beating around the bush here. Like the Rolling Stones said, I want money.

There’s no point pretending that life is all about flowers and candy floss, to live the life you want, you need to make the cash.

I’ve spent a good few years of my life looking for the “career” – that one job that you settle into and stay there until retirement. But, strike a light, I’ve finally realised that isn’t the life for me. I’m better off with my fingers in a few different pies, and, as long as I get my balancing act right, I’m able to give each of them my full attention. 

I have the IRL job, I have my blog and I have my newest baby, La Lune London which I am all kind of crazy for. Between them, I get the best of all worlds. Regular work, 3 days a week, a creative outlet and the chance to shop, curate and style a brand. I am literally in heaven. 

Now, the rest of the year is going to be about building the blog & La Lune London up to be the best they can be and living my best life babes. 

Self Care

Self Care is all about doing what you want to do, and saying a happy ‘fuck off’ to anyone who wants to make you feel crap about it.

Hot baths. Yoga classes. Eating the chocolate even though you had a piece of bread that day. Burning the expensive candles – even just BUYING the expensive candles! Eating out, having a day off, not wearing make up, whatever it is YOU want to do to make yourself feel good. Do it. Do it and enjoy it! 

Enjoying Being UN-Busy

I’m really good at being lazy & I don’t even try and hide it anymore. I am quite happy being at home, on the sofa with my favourite people. Of course, I can go to the party, but you can bet your arse I’ll be leaving when I want, get home before the ‘too drunk’ stage kicks in, and be in time for a cup of tea. 

I don’t care if being busy is seen as a badge of honour. It’s not for me. I am, of course, busy. With two kids, two dogs, 3 jobs, a husband, friends and a family there are loads of things to do, but I’m not going to make myself out to be some kind of high flying world leader. And if you’re not one of those either, stop acting like you are.

So if you’re the kind of person who likes to make others feel less about themselves because you think you win the busy award, then get yourself on your bike and toodle off thanks. 

Stop The Diet Bullshit

Oh my god I could write a book on this. I cannot tell you how sick to death I am of hearing about the newest diet, the latest star to lose 3 stone, or the best way to cook something fat free and remove all of it’s flavour. 

DIETS DON’T WORK!

If they did, there would only be one and everyone would be a size whatever they want. 

Despite knowing this, I have been sucked into the whole “maybe I should try this diet….” routine again already this year. URGH. Slap me round the face with a syn free cheesecake will you? Surprise surprise, I was miserable, my chin broke out and all I could think about was food. 

Shocker. 

Not everyone is made to be a size 10 or will lose weight following a diet. And not everyone wants to hear about what you had to eat this week. And, by constantly hearing about others being on a diet, it can trigger a whole load of issues for some people. If being a size 16 is the worst thing about someone, then I reckon they’re doing pretty good. Life is too short to be worrying about how many syns or points something has. If you want it, eat it. 

I will not go on another diet this year. If anyone hears me saying otherwise, please sort me out. I will, however, be reading up on intuitive eating and sorting my own issues out.  

All About The Mini Break

We haven’t had a proper holiday since 2016. URGH. What with work, moving house, and the fact that we’re not made of cash, holidays have gone on the back burner for the past THREE FRIGGING YEARS. No more! We’ve got two planned already, and we’re looking at a third one later in the year. It doesn’t have to be expensive, it doesn’t have to be fabulous and it doesn’t have to be abroad. All it needs to be is an adventure. 

Because I’m Happy

2019 has all the hallmarks of a good year. I don’t have any great expectations, I’m just going with it, wherever that may be. All I am interested in is being happy and having a good time. There’s always that “now I’ve said it, I’m gonna jinx it” vibe but not this year! I am putting happy out into the universe and I am expecting Happy to come right on back to me! 

(and that first blog of 2019 turned into a bit of an essay didn’t it……..!) 

So that’s me. The top things I’ve learned this year. There are probably a million other things, smaller, bigger, things that will occur to me once I’ve pressed publish. 

Tomorrow we’ll be seeing in the new year with a glass of something cold – Aperol for me, some nibbles and the TV. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be. Living my dream. 

It’s become a bit of a family tradition to start off our festivities at Hever Castle. This year was our third visit and it’s just as special as the first. 

Hever Castle is just gorgeous on it’s own, but when it’s filled with lights & Christmas it is even more incredible! We arrived just as it was getting dark so the tree lined walk down towards the lake felt like a real winter wonderland. 

The lake joined in this year too, with a huge light show happening across it. I could have sat and watched it for hours with a cup of mulled wine and a mince pie! 

Even though we’ve been in the castle many times before, it never gets boring. The history is just amazing, walking around the rooms, seeing the furniture, paintings and artefacts that were actually around in the days of Henry VII and his wives – I love it! 

This year we were greeted with said mince pies, mulled wine, mulled apple and even hot chocolate. Which felt very decadent, walking around the castle drinking! I imagine it’s how Anne Boleyn felt….

The theme this year was Dickens, and the Christmas Carol story. The walk around the grounds meant we met lots of characters from the story, and, being interactive, we got to speak to a few as well! The walk is always so beautifully laid out, they think of everything, with the characters taking their roles very seriously, no matter who they’re speaking to, adult or child. 

After the walk we had the chance to meet the big man himself, Father Christmas! We found the grotto hidden away down the walkway, with candy canes galore and once inside we were treated to a hot chocolate with marshmallows and cream – it’s obviously freezing in the grotto! 

FC’s chief elf met us, and, luckily, found Charlie’s name on the good list, which meant we were allowed in. Charlie was able to draw a picture for Father Christmas, for him to put up in the grotto. 

You know sometimes when you visit Father Christmas and you come away feeling a little, shall we say, deflated? Not at Hever. He was, for want of a better word, magical. Charlie was in his element and came away feeling very proud that Santa had complimented him on his manners and how polite he was. He left with a board game for us all to play! 

Once we left the grotto we headed back to the lake, via the Huskies that were visiting, just to take in the views one last time. 

We all adore visiting Hever Castle for the Twilight Christmas – it signals the start of the magic for us, adults, teenagers and little kids alike. There is nothing quite like it, and I think it’s going to be a tradition for a long time to come. 

We were invited along to the Hever Castle preview this year, but all views are mine! 

Italy is a great option for getting out of the country, even if it just for a short break such as a 3 day weekend. The food is wonderful, the people are friendly, and the climate is all around comfortable. It draws millions of visitors, all in the pursuit of “La Dolce Vita”.

For your next Italian mini break, here are three ideas of where to go:

Sicily

Sicily is not just any island. It has beautiful beaches, a volcano, Greek temples and other UNESCO World Heritage sites. The food is incredible, the people are friendly and it is a wonderful place to spend a holiday. Getting there is not difficult, as there are two main international airports and budget airlines such as Ryan Air fly there. To make your trip that much more special, you can check out the luxury villas in Sicily for rent on websites like Wishsicily that list all of the ones available. At a villa, you will have the privacy and space that helps shift to holiday mode and surprisingly, they can actually save you money from their base price as well as the money you can save just by having a meal or some snacks made in your own kitchen.

Umbria

Umbria is a special region in the heart of Italy. It is often overlooked as it is so close to Tuscany, but it is a place that will keep you wanting to come back. It is green with gorgeous countryside and historic cities such as Perugia, Assisi and smaller villages scattered throughout the region. You can happily spend 3 days in Umbria eating and drinking your way through the region, visiting the Basilica di San Francesco in Assisi and stopping off in whichever village appeals to you.

Veneto

The most famous part of the region of Veneto is understandably the city of Venice. With the canals, colorful homes and Piazza San Marco, Venice is a magical city that is unlike any other place in the world. If you have already been or want to avoid heavy tourism during your mini break, there are plenty of other cities and sites to see in the region as well. For example, you could spend one day popping over to visit the islands of Murano and Burano. For another day and with just a quick train-ride from Venice, you can visit the charming and well-kept city of Verona.

These are only three of the many options that Italy has to offer for a mini break. If you want a trip to the mountains, the Dolomites are gorgeous to visit. If you want pure seaside, there is always the Amalfi Coast (that is especially convenient to get to from Rome and Naples). If you prefer lakes, Lake Garda and Lake Como are beautiful. One of my favourite parts about Italy is that the landscapes, cuisines and even cultures shift as you go from region to region. So whatever you may dream up for your holiday, there is a good chance that Italy offers it, plus the special characteristics that make it a destination in Italy.

Thank F**k it’s Friday. 

That’s all I can say. It’s been a long week! Anyone else feel like last Friday was at least 2 weeks ago? Just me? 

My weeks tend to run to the same familiar pattern. 

Monday: Day Off (ha! oh how we laugh at this term) 

Tues//Wed//Thurs: Kids, work, kids, dinner, kids, sofa. 

Friday: Day off to plan all of the relaxing things we’re going to be doing at the weekend.

Like clearing the garden of a gazillion leaves, serious question, do they actually mulsh (that’s a word right?) down into nothing and magically feed the grass or do we have to pick them all up? There are a LOT of leaves. Clean the car. Go to football. And squash. Take the teenager to a shopping centre. Food shop. Dog walks. Washing that doesn’t get done during the week because the days zoom by and before you know it the basket is overflowing and no one has clean socks. 

Except me, I don’t wear socks. 

See. Re-lax-ing. 

We might even throw a little bit of DIY in there somewhere, there are always things to do, in the garden, especially, I’m led to believe, in the lead up to winter. Apparently you should be ticking things off your list like clearing the gutters, finding companies like Drainage Services UK and all sorts. 

I’m not really that kind of DIY’er though. I’m more than happy to leave that to T and I’ll concentrate on things like where to put the Christmas tree, what colour tinsel (I hate tinsel but I have a plan) will go round the banisters and how many fairy lights do you need for outside. These are the kind of projects I’m down for. 

Don’t get me wrong, I love a list. I really do. But wouldn’t it be nice if that list was more of a “get hair & nails done” and less of “we need to order another recycling bin”. 

But we really do need another recycling bin…..

Actually, that’s a lie. I have met a leopard print which I absolutely hated, it was a weird colour combination which had way too much dark brown going on, but that’s beside the point. 

It’s basically a neutral. 

I can’t tell you exactly when I became ‘a bit mad about leopard print’ as my 9 year old tells me. I know it’s come on with age, and roughly around the same time I started mix matching my interiors and making things clash. 

My quarter life crisis (yes, that’s a thing) clearly has pattern, texture and colour as it’s thing. And I’m more than happy to accommodate that. 

I have a uniform, for work and for days off. It almost always involves skinny jeans, a v neck top of some kind and either trainers, boots or sandals. Throw on a oversized coat in winter (still lusting after the coat of dreams from M&S) or a camo shacket in spring and I am good.to.go. 

I’ve tried switching it up but it just doesn’t feel comfortable, and when you’re almost 6ft tall with red hair, you stand out anyway, regardless of what you’re wearing. The last thing you want it to be completely uncomfortable about what you’re wearing and fiddling with clothing. 

Plain clothes maybe, but always good accessories. I love shoes, leopard print shoes especially (hence the title of this post, uh huh, ya get me?) My battered old faithful Stan Smiths have a little touch of leopard print on the back. My converse are furry leopard print. And don’t even get me started on my bargain £12 leopard print boots from Primarni. 

Winner winner chicken dinner. 

I am obsessed. Some people like to have blow dried hair, or matching undies to feel like they’re nailing life. I like to have a little bit of print on me. Just somewhere. It’s not so much my security blanket, just it makes me feel more ‘me’ – even when I’m pretending to be a grown up. 

I always like to have a little scroll through shopping sites while I’m waiting for one child or another to finish their social lives, so, in the interest of keeping leopard print alive, here are a few of my favourites at the moment. You’re welcome. 

1. Office Aruba Leopard Print Boots // 2. Aldo Mules // 3. Aldo Mules // 4. Aldo Mules // 5. Aldo Mules // 6. Aldo Mules

title image source

Now we’re fully in my favourite season, I’m finding myself in the kitchen more and more. I adore cooking, I am by no means an expert – you won’t find me claiming to be a chef – but I’m pretty up to speed on eating, and I know what tastes good. 

Banana bread is a huge favourite in my house, even with the teenager who absolutely detests bananas with a passion. She won’t touch anything that is remotely banana based, but give her a wedge of this and she is happy. 

If it’s a bit chilly outside, or, more likely wet, this takes less than an hour and a half to make and lasts a good few days. Unless you have a family who like to have several slices a day.

If, and it’s a big if, this loaf makes it through a whole day, I like to put some in the kids lunchboxes – slightly (not much I’d imagine) healthier than a shop bought bar or cake, but definitely more full of love. And, I know what’s gone into it. 

It stays moist (I hate that word more than the teenager hates bananas) for a good couple of days, and doesn’t taste any less delicious when it’s cold. You could even slather on a dollop of peanut butter if you’re feeling really fancy. 

Print Recipe

Banana Bread

Serve this warm with butter, or wrap some up for packed lunches!

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time1 hr

Total Time1 hr 10 mins

Course: Snack

Servings: 6 People

Ingredients

• 75 g soft butter
• 4 ripe bananas
• 200 g soft brown sugar
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda/baking soda
• 1 pinch salt
• 170 g flour (plain)

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 180˚ and grease a 9 x 5 x 3 inch bread tin with leftover butter from the ingredients. 
• Mash the bananas into a pulp and mix in the butter, sugar, egg and vanilla extract. 
• Add the bicarbonate of soda & salt, then mix in the flour last. 
• Pour mixture into the prepared tin. Gently tap the tin on the work surface to make it even and get rid of any bubbles. 
• Bake for 1 hour, remove & cool slightly. Serve in slices with a little butter.