A New Year and a New Start

Happy New Year! I didn't mean to take such a large break from blogging (and social media in general) but boy, was it just the ticket.

And as you can see, I've given this space a wee makeover. Coding and I are not the best of friends (I much prefer playing with paper) so I'm very happy with how it's turned out. I started with a theme from Creative Market (a new fave) and started tweaking until I was happy.

I've spent the last few weeks reading (this and this), enjoying the sun (hello sunburn, opps!), finishing up little projects around the house and filling up my brand new sketchbook. I started Lisa Congdon's Sketchbook Explorations class and it has me so inspired! I haven't made any resolutions this year but I am determined to fill this sketchbook before next year.

I'm taking Ali Edwards' One Little Word class again. I really only got through the first few months last year so this year I'd really like to try to get a bit more out of it. I've picked my word, and even though I'm not 100% sold on it, I'm just jumping right in. More on that to come.

So I'm back, happier, more relaxed and ready to make 2015 the best year yet!

A lot of silence and a few layouts

It's been quiet around here, winter is biting and the only place I really enjoy being is in front of the fire. Which makes it hard to do anything except read books (like this, this and this) and watch far too much TV (this is my current favourite).

I took a few days off to relax and create and enjoy some daylight, the results of which has been a lot of card-marking and a few layouts...

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Watching the mornings get darker and darker, enjoying the last moments of summer, not being the only one who is sad about all the rain, relishing the light when I can, finding ways to sparkle in the dark.

Turning my Winter Woes into Winter Whoa's!

Daylight Savings comes into effect here this weekend and it brings with it the inevitable winter blues. I always struggle with the cold and the darkness of winter, already dreaming about next summer and waiting for the days to start lightening again.

So instead of wishing the time away, I'm going to attempt to enjoy this season as much as possible. Here's a list of things I can look forward to:

• Eating dinner by candlelight.
• Turning on our twinkle lights in the evenings.
• Spending the afternoon reading by the fire.
• Hot baths after work.
• Getting outside on bright, clear, frosty days.
• Sleeping in while it rains outside.
• Delicious hearty meals (and puddings).
• Rushing in from the cold and having my glasses steam up!

So far it's a short list but I'm hoping to add to it as I go. Anything I missed?

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Lots of rain. Repotting. Stretching. Enjoying the sun while we can. Stopping to smell the roses.

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Pretty flowers, twinkle lights, cute dogs, yummy snacks, fresh coat, place settings. Things are good.

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Sparkly light, chocolate milk, sunshine, naps and fresh flowers. Summer is coming.

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Despite feeling quite the opposite today, when I look at these photos it really does seem that life is pretty colourful around here.

Life. It has a funny way of knocking you on your ass at the most unexpected times. One day you are happily motoring through life and the next you've run straight into a brick wall. Change sucks, it happens to everyone and you always get through it eventually (but it feels totally rotten when you're in the middle of the transition).
Here are five things that help me get through tough times.

Often it feels like bad news comes out of the blue. It can be a shock to see your life and plans suddenly turned upside down. Tempting as it is to dive in and start trying to fix the problems, you will be able to think clearer and smarter if you take some time to process what has happened.

We are all guilty of expecting too much from ourselves. During times of stress it is even more important to be kind to ourselves. That might mean treating yourself to a nice bath, taking a long, unhurried walk or it might be as simple as letting the laundry pile up while you take a nap. It also means not making yourself feel guilty for feeling sad or angry, but accepting yourself and how you feel right now.

In times of change, you can often feel out-of-control and uneasy. To feel more pro-active and in-control it can help to have a plan. Re-examine your budget, make a to-do list or come up with a Plan B. Going through your options can help you to see the possibilities and positive options that you do have available to you.

It is easy to try to shoulder the burden alone but you shouldn't have to. Asking for help is hard, but you will be surprised and grateful for how many people in your life will be more than willing to lend a hand. Talking things over with a friend, having someone cook you a meal, letting someone else take care of you or a quiet, reassuring hug will help you feel less alone and more supported.

The most important thing is to try to keep a positive outlook. Things are hard but they will always get better and you will be stronger because of it. Use a journal to list all the good things in your life, fill a Pinterest board or your Facebook page with positive quotes, surround yourself with caring and positive people. Even spending a few hours watching a funny movie or reading a hilarious book can help you to feel better.

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PS Don't forget my giveaway down below!

Sneaks of sunshine, lazy Sundays, crafty organisation, fresh flowers and baking.

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... doors are opening, flowers are blooming, things feel like they are defrosting. New growth is everywhere and things are lightening up. I am SO ready for this season.