Lately: Leeds, Bettys and Festivities

Like most folk I know, I’m ready for 2016 to end. Although I would never wish away super precious time, I would just like to get busy putting it to rest. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver sums it up perfectly…defo worth a watch if you’re in the FU 2016 camp (don’t miss the last 10 minutes!).

So what do we do whilst we stumble through the remaining weeks? We get busy. Before we know it the holidays will be here and I’ll be pulling my hair out wondering how to get everything done by Christmas Eve.  If I start writing those lists now, accompanied by a sherry or two, I *might* stand a chance.

As for Christmas, I’m actually looking forward to it more than ever. Besides all the nonsense there has been so many small delights and victories in 2016. From witnessing our town slowly get back on its feet after the Boxing Day floods to visiting family in Australia; watching Polly grow into the BEST dog ever and being on the brink of passing my minimum skills for Roller Derby. I’ve got a lot to be thankful for.

Then there’s those small joys that brighten the greyest of days; the perfect cup of coffee, buying yourself a bunch of flowers or watching the release of the Beauty and the Beast trailer. Oh and I’m silly excited for Fantastic Beasts to screen at the cinema! More positive delights…

I was invited to the new Victoria Gate in Leeds, home to Anthropologie, & Other Stories and COS. I’m so pleased to have these shops close to home and I can’t wait to go back before Christmas to pick up some stocking fillers. I lived in Leeds 7 years ago and it has changed so much, and definitely for the better. Rather than being an imitation of other cities, I feel it’s finally coming into its own.

New delights. Cable knit jumpers are the best and I’m a big fan of this grey one I picked up from Primark. Then, whilst having a sort in the office I found a forgotten pencil-case filled with washi tape. I love finding old treasures. A reminder to tidy more.

I haven’t been to many blogging events for a while as they always seem to clash with work or Roller Derby. But I got lucky this month and was invited to an afternoon of festivities at Bettys. It was lovely to take a break (with a few glasses of champagne), chat with fellow bloggers and take inspiration from their festive table settings. Plus we had the opportunity to try their much coveted Lady Betty Afternoon tea. Let’s all just take a moment and gawp at their Gingerbread showstopper, shall we?

Walking. It’s been my saviour this year; in getting fitter, processing thoughts, getting to know Polly more, and keeping my brain in check. I can’t wait for the holidays so we can go exploring every day. I don’t mind snow, but if the rain could hold off, that would be grand.

As for the coming few weeks, I’ll be mainly focusing on Roller Derby, celebrating the OH’s birthday and getting the house (and my brain) in some kind of order. December is going to be a busy one so if I can make some effort now in sorting the house, I can enjoy it at its best come December.

What have you been up to lately?