HAPPY THOUGHTS

Last week was a challenging week. I generally manage to stay pretty zen about the stresses in my life, and I try pretty hard to not obsess or dwell on stuff that gets me down, but I've been totally rubbish at that lately. Work suddenly stepped up a notch and is Busy and Hard, and I'm feeling the pressure of the millions of things I've got to get done before the next Festival rolls around. Aah!

So here's an effort to remember that life doesn't just revolve around work, and there's lots of nice things to be happy about! I remember reading about how making a note of things you were grateful for actually contributed to feeling better in your life, and that's what my happy thoughts series is all about.

These are three of the things that are cheering me up right now...

1. Riley

Riley cat is coming to visit!

If you're a long-time reader you might recognise this furry face - he's my very lovely, fluffy cat, who due to life-happenings, now lives with my ex's parents. For the last few years I've been Riley's holiday home, and it is such a treat to get to hang out with him (even if he covers my flat in cat hairs). Riley's here for the next week and I am so excited for purring cat times!

2. Stardew Valley

Help me, I am OBSESSED. My very nice boyfriend downloaded Stardew Valley for me (which has resulted in me taking ownership of his Switch) and honestly it is the only thing I want to do with my time. I only want to tend my tiny adorable farm, and look after adorable animals, and harvest adorable crops. When I'm not playing it, I'm reading the Stardew Valley reddit, or thinking about my planting strategy.

I am a 32 year old woman! This is not how I thought actual grown ups behaved! But I don't care, it's so much fun, and if you ever enjoyed Harvest Moon or Animal Crossing or SimFarm, you have to give it a go.

3. Queer Eye

If you haven't watched Queer Eye on Netflix yet, girrrrrl what are you doing with your life? I was not prepared for the pure emotion of this show - it's taken all the fun of a makeover show, but added amazing emotional depth and maturity and PURE JOY. It's a spin off from the original show, but this time they battle toxic masculinity and encourage positive self-reflection, and it's so pure and joyful and emotional - I was sobbing in the first 20 minutes of the first episode. It's so good!

I was delighted to discover that Jonathan, the show's groomer and definitely the best one, also has a podcast: Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness. He's just a lovely person to listen too, and I am super into the variety of really interesting subjects he covers - he's got pirates! AI! Politics! Gender identity! Fashion! Sort-of everything! And it's earnest and funny and interesting.

So, it's a new week. I'm going to put my energy into the nice moments, and do my best to not over-analyse or dwell on the stressy stuff (and if I do, I'll just rewatch Queer Eye until I have some perspective and feel better again!).

HAPPY THOUGHTS

Hello! It's been a while, hasn't it? I didn't mean to disappear from my blog for an ENTIRE MONTH, but life got in the way. Generally when things get a bit busy and tough/stressful/tiring, the first thing I do is ignore my laptop, and it always feels a bit hard trying to restart and wondering where I got the time or energy to blog from.

But it's been good busy! Here's what I've been up to...

1. Edinburgh International Science Festival is go (almost!)

The Science Festival starts THIS WEEK (aaaah!), and it has been an extremely busy few months getting everything ready. I've had a never-ending to do list (which has been pretty stressful), but I'm getting there, and I'm so excited to see it all in action. We launch on Thursday with our opening party, Science Festival Lates, then it's straight into two weeks of robots, food, space parties, experiments, theatre, super clever people, and living pretty much exclusively on noodles and wine.

If you're near Edinburgh you should definitely come along, it is so much fun! I've picked out a few of my favourite events here, and you can also use our new SciSpy app if you're on your phone (it's loads of fun). 


2. Holidays

To get a bit of head space between the Festival programme launching and the Festival actually happening, Joshua & I went off on a mini adventure to Mallorca. We stayed in the most beautiful town called Valldemossa, which is so so different from the brits-abroad vibe I've always associated with the island. It was the perfect island holiday, with amazing food, mountains to climb, sunny balconies, and beautiful scenery. I'll write up a trip to Valldemossa post very soon!


3. I got a new job! 

And finally, my big news is that I got a new job! Come May, I'll be leaving the world of science and turning my attention to film, in my new role of Development Manager at the Centre for the Moving Image. The CMI run the Edinburgh Filmhouse, the Belmont Filmhouse AND the Edinburgh International Film Festival so I am super excited and can't wait to get going.

It feels really surreal that this will be my last Science Festival though, I love it there and I work with so many wonderful people, I'll be sad to leave them. Still, it means I've got a really exciting summer ahead (if a bit exhausting). Bring it on!

HAPPY THOUGHTS

Tis the season to be jolly, tra la la la la! Here's some things that have been making me very happy lately!

1. My birthday party

My birthday isn't actual until Tuesday, but as much as I like having a birthday near Christmas (aka the perfect excuse for an entire week of celebrations), it can be tricky trying to gather all your pals to party when most people are heading out of town to see family. This year, as it's my 30th birthday (whaaaat), I decided to solve the problem with a super early party, and it was SO much fun.

I love a theme, so I had a Ginger Party, where everyone was asked to dress as their favourite redhead. My pals were ace and made so much effort - I had Amelia Earhart, Dana Scully, Tintin, Chucky, the princess from Brave, Shirley Manson, Galileo and more, it was ace! I thought I might as well doll up properly as it was my birthday so I went as Jessica Rabbit (and found the perfect dress from Boohoo too!).

2. Secret adventures

To keep my birthday fun going, this weekend Joshua is taking me on a secret adventure and I'm so excited! I've never been on a secret trip before. I have no idea where we are going or what we are doing, but I know we are taking books and wine, so it sounds pretty perfect to me.

Last year we went away to the beautiful Roulotte Retreat and it was absolutely brilliant. It's so nice to go away for a mini adventure before Christmas - this is a new tradition that I hope lasts for a long time!

3. Christmas decorations

The drama with my new flat thankfully seems to be at an end, which means I'm back to loving life here. I've decorated for Christmas and it's SO cosy and lovely, it makes me so happy! I bought a real Christmas tree from Ikea (as part of their very ace buy-a-£25-tree-get-a-£20-voucher deal), and it fits perfectly in my living room - it's nice to have a bit more space!

I've got a few paper honeycomb balls strung up (that had originally been put up for my friend's birthday, but I don't want to take them down), more fairylights, AND a brand new super fuzzy rug. I realise that doesn't actually count as a Christmas decoration, but it's made my flat feel so cosy!

I've now got some presents sitting under the tree, and I can't wait to watch Christmassy movies next to the tree. Bring it on!

HAPPY THOUGHTS

It's time for a happy thoughts update! Here are the things that are making me smile...

1. Summer meadow flowers

I was sent this absolutely beautiful bunch from the very kind people at Blossoming Gifts online flowers, and I love it! It's their summer meadow bouquet which contains blue veronica, lilac eustoma, avalanche roses and daisy-like tanacetum single vegmo... I'm not great with flower names, but I know these ones were just gorgeous.

I feel like I'm always banging on about how much I love fresh flowers, but it's so true - they just make such a difference to your home, and as vices go, I reckon a flower addiction ain't too bad. I particularly like the look of the under £20 cheap flowers range - how cute is this cinder rose bouquet?

If you fancy getting yourself a flower delivery, then you can also get 33% off at Blossoming Gifts, with the discount code BGIFT33.

2. I ran my first 10k!

I DID IT! I can't quite believe that I did it, but I completed my Race for Life and it didn't kill me. In fact, I actually even had quite a nice time - what has happened to me?!

I ran for the first time just over three months ago, and it was exhausting trying to keep going for just one minute. Since then I've tried to run three times a week (although realistically, at points it was only once a week), and somehow, bit by bit, I've turned into a runner who can do a 10k race in 67 minutes - slow by most runner standards, but an achievement I'm so chuffed with.

When I crossed the starting line and was immediately confronted by a massive hill, I was filled with FEAR (because running up hills is the worst), and it took me a while to settle into my pace. But when I did, it suddenly felt quite easy, and running the last two k was really fun - my parents and Joshua had come out to support me, everyone was cheering, and I got loads of high fives.

Now I'm looking for another 10k to sign up for later in the year, as I really want to keep up running, but I know I need a race to give me the fear to actually go out and do it!

3. I'm going on holiday

Photo: Fairytale photos of Croatia

I'm so excited! This weekend I fly off to adventure on Croatia, and I can't wait. We're staying on the island of Hvar in an apartment with steps down to the sea (amazing!), then going to Split for a couple of days, to explore Diocletian's Palace, and channel my inner Daenerys Targaryen at Game of Thrones locations.

I've never been to Croatia before, and I am in desperate need of a sunny adventure, so bring it on!

HAPPY THOUGHTS

It's been ages since I've done a happy thoughts post, so here's a wee update on the things that are making me smile.

1. Holidays!

Holidaying in Scotland earlier this year - we found the best ice creams on Mull!

By the time you read this I'll be in London, hanging out with my very best girl. I try to pop down and visit her as often as I can, but this is the first time in ages that we've had almost a week to hang out (and I've not had to work!). I'm planning to visit WAH nails, maybe go to the Harry Potter Studio tour (if it hasn't totally sold out), force Steph to listen to loads of Taylor Swift, and just catch up with my pal!

THEN I fly out to Portugal to meet my favourite Australian boy for a week of sunshine, staying in the most beautiful Airbnb apartment, eating loads of fish, drinking loads of wine, wandering along beaches and lazying about. Perfect!

2. Hallowe'en

Glittery pumpkins from Pinterest

Happy Hallowe'en everyone! I'm typing this on Tuesday so I'm not exactly sure what my plans are, but I know it'll involve dressing up, dancing, and feeling suitably spooky!

I have had loads of fun doing Halloween tutorials this year - if you are still stuck for a costume or makeup idea, then take a look at my how to page for inspiration. I had planned to do a witchy look, but then got sick with the world's worst cold (booo!), but at least I've got ideas for next year already!

Whatever you're doing, have fun, and I'll speak to you when I'm back!

Happy thoughts

Hello! I've not really been paying much attention to my blog lately (sorry blog). I don't really have a reason for it either, other than utter laziness. I have been reading a lot, spending a lot of time hiding under a duvet (it's sooo cold), and playing a surprising amount of board games.

I have also been liking the following things...

1. I'm going on holiday in two weeks! 

Photo: Chris Sorensen

THIS IS SO EXCITING. After waiting what feels like an absolute age, my Sri Lanka trip is almost here and I just can't wait! We've planned out our (rough) route around the island and will get the chance to do a little bit of everything - including a visit to an elephant orphanage (amazing). 

The weather in Sri Lanka is about 25 degrees higher than that of Edinburgh, so it's going to be super weird going from duffel coats/scarves/hats/gloves/multiple layers of tights to shorts and t-shirts! I reckon I can handle it though.

2. Winter

Photo: Colin Bell Photography

As I'm going to be in tropical climes over Christmas & New Year, I am trying to pack as much WINTER FUN into my time left in town before I go.

On the cards are... a wander around Edinburgh's Christmas markets (plus a go on the Star Flyer - which looks terrifying, but brilliant), a super early fake Christmas dinner with my family, a trip to see the Lion King at the Playhouse (not really Christmassy to be fair, but I love musicals), ice-skating, a Christmas meal out with pals AND at least one occasion of wearing a Santa hat. Achievable.


3. The Edinburgh Experiment

Science!

Last week I went along to the Edinburgh Experiment - a night held at Summerhall for Edinburgh Google City Experts. The night was science-themed (my entire life is science-themed, these days) and had gramophone DJs, scientific cocktails, amazing experimental food by Jelly + Gin, and hands-on science demonstrated by my lovely pals from work.

Summerhall is such a brilliant venue - it used to be an old vet school, and it is just SO quirky and cool. This event was held in the Small Animal Hospital, a super atmospheric space which has rows of empty cages, old steel gurneys and cracked tiles. I wouldn't want to be in there alone at night, but it was a cool place to be, gin-in-hand!

Happy thoughts

Every now and again I forget about blogging about set topics, & instead, just have a ramble about things that are nice in my life. The last few weeks at work have been MANIC with one deadline after another, the nights are cold, and I've just paid for my hotel in the Maldives (hooray), so am counting down to payday with dull ferocity.

So thank goodness for the little things in life...

1. Tiny plants

Oh tiny plants, you are the BEST.

I am a big fan of any type of plant to be fair, but currently I am particularly obsessed with the tiniest of cacti and succulents. A few weeks ago I made up a terrarium using cacti from Dobbie's, a jar from Ikea (which was a surprisingly good find, I reckon - it was really cheap & has a super nice shape!), and a mix of cacti soil & fishtank sand to make a deserty scene. It was fairly painful to put together (the tall cacti is SO PRICKLY) but I think it's worth it... and I actually made a pal do the painful bits for me.

On my desk at work I've got a wee collection of greenery (topped off with a passive-aggressive flag), but distressingly my plants have started dying. The green succulent in the top right photo suddenly went all black & rotten from the roots up, and hasn't responded well to my efforts of succulent emergency rescue. Poor wee plants! If anyone has any tips for dealing with cacti rot, please let me know!


2. Neil Gaiman being a bit wonderful
 

Image: lifehack

I adore Neil Gaiman. Adore him. I've been a big fan of his books since first discovering Stardust as a youth, and I always try and go to his talks at the Edinburgh Book Festival. He's the sort of author that is EXACTLY how you hope he will be in person... he's funny, and he's smart, and he was lovely when he met my book-loving niece (who had never been to a book event before) this summer.

Quite often he says things that are very clever and make a lot of sense, other times he says things that are ridiculously inspiring, and every now and again he says things that make you pause and realise the importance of daydreaming.

If you haven't ever read anything by him (what! who are you?) get thee to a bookshop, stat.


3. Movies

Image: Neon Circus

I have a Cineworld Unlimited card which is amazing - I pay about £15 a month for unlimited movies (plus money off food & drink & whatnot), which means I go to the cinema a lot. I'd really recommend getting one if there's a Cineworld near you & watch more than one film a month... and if you use the code RAF-69AA-41VU-28SN-16XK then both you & I get a month's membership free! (Promise this isn't a sponsored post - the card is totally worth the money).

I really love the cinema though - I worked in one when I was at uni (and I honestly think it's the perfect student job!) and got hooked on free films and watching almost anything that was on.

In the last week or so I've been to see Captain Phillips (which, bloody hell, was super tense) and Sunshine on Leith (which I heart SO MUCH). I'm a sucker for musicals, so I knew I'd love Sunshine on Leith, but ahhh, it was so good. It's set in Edinburgh (obviously) and it was lovely to see my hometown look so beautiful!

Happy thoughts

So, you may have noticed that I've been a bit rubbish at blogging recently. Well, life sort of took over & things are a-changing. I'm recently single after a split from my long-term boyfriend (who's popped up on here a few times) and it felt really weird not acknowledging it online as this is such a personal blog! Anyway - it was obviously weird and very sad, but Craig remains one of the nicest people I know, and therefore, this has been a really positive (and mutual!) decision. So now we're in the process of selling the house and wrapping up bits and pieces... and then it's onwards, and onto my next adventure!

Whilst it has been a surprisingly easy process, it's always nice to have a fun distraction every now and again, and the last few months have definitely needed them! So here's what's been making me smile recently.

1. Animal Crossing

I saw that the newest version of Animal Crossing was coming out, and without much (any) thought, I pretty much immediately stalked ebay, just so I could buy a Nintendo 3DS and play it. I love Animal Crossing, and have spent MONTHS of my life playing it, it's just so good! I've only owned it for a week and already am having conversations with my (real-life) friends about things that I've done in my (ac) village. Don't judge me.

2. PALS (and photobooths)

I know summer has arrived when the Edinburgh Film Festival Party is on, and the photobooth is almost always my favourite part! Here are some of my very favourite people & I recreating famous movie scenes.. Can you guess them? (Perhaps don't even try, let me continue to pretend that we're all amazing actors..). 

I took a week off work this month and filled it with pals, sunshine, parties and adventure, and it was perfect. There's nothing like surrounding yourself with wonderful people and times to feel good!

3. Riley

Look at this ridiculous guy. How could he not cheer you up? One of Riley's favourite ways to lie is on his back with his paws up in the air, but he HATES getting his tummy touched, so this is a deceptively dangerous position. This was how he lay one afternoon in the garden, just watching the birds (who all must think he's a bit of an idiot).

Happy thoughts

 I think I'm going to try & write more happy thoughts posts this year - I try to keep most of my blog posts quite focused on whatever I'm chatting about, so it's nice to have a break and just ramble every now and again!

I'm now almost three weeks into my new job & it's going very well so far (hooray!). The people are lovely, it's an amazing charity & I am excited for the festival  to start (which is only two weeks away - I will blog about this properly soon!). However, I'm still in the taking-in-new-information-best-behaviour-all-the-time stage, and it's knackering!

As I'm spending most nights flopped on the sofa, being massively unproductive, I thought I'd chat about my current favourite tv shows...

1. Game of Thrones

CLEARLY not a scene from the show, but in fact the most amazing decapitated Ned Stark cake pops you will ever see.

I love Game of Thrones! I'm a massive fantasy fan, but didn't actually read any of the books before the TV show started (I was more of a Lord of the Rings / Wheel of Time girl). Since being hooked from the first episode, I have powered through the books & am tempted to re-read them this year (if I can handle the emotional journey, sob!).

A couple of weeks ago I went to a special screening event at the Glasgow Film Festival which was brilliant! Rory McCann (who plays the Hound) was there & was hilarious.. and also managed to dodge some massively weird fan questions with very good humour!

The new series starts in the UK on April 1st... it's going to be ace!


2. The Vampire Diaries

There's a love triangle - can you tell?

I LOVE THIS SHOW. Mainly because it is aimed at teenagers and I am really still a teenager at heart. I first started watching it because it has Boone from Lost in it (Lost, I miss you! Come back!), but I am now well and truly hooked. It really is the most ridiculous thing on tv though. Possibly even more so than True Blood.

My pal's friend was one of the vampires on the show, and I did my best to try and get him to bring me back something (anything!) from the set... sadly an unsuccessful mission. He did send in a special message for my List leaving card though - & I think he thinks I'm an absolute nutter (oh well!).


3. 30 Rock

I am such a latecomer to 30 Rock - only started watching it last year, but was instantly hooked & have powered through episodes. I think I'm still a season or so behind, and am tempted to buy the box set and have a massive marathon viewing one weekend.

Before I started watching it I was once told that I was "very Liz Lemon" - which confused me then, but makes me happy now. I love her!

& they are my favourites! I'm also massively hooked on anything with singing, teenage drama, or something spooky. I keep trying to convince myself that because I don't watch soaps I have quite a refined taste in tv (ha ha), but I think that argument is well & truly shot now...

Happy thoughts

Aw, it has been TOO long since I last did a happy thoughts post, so I thought I'd bring them back. Here's three things that have made my life that wee bit happier recently.

1. It's my birthday week!

Last year's birthday face - I got a Sheriff badge! 

I'm one of those people who, given the excuse, will make a celebration last as long as possible. It's my birthday on SATURDAY (hiya!) so this week is officially my birthday week & I will make sure everyone knows it! I'm not sure exactly what my birthday plans are, but as long as I see my pals & family I'm a happy girl.

I quite often get comments along the lines of "oh, it must be weird having your birthday so close to Christmas..." but I actually really, really love it! My family have always made a big deal of keeping my birthday & Christmas totally separate and it's such a FUN time of year - everyone is in a good mood. Including me. Hooray!

2. The Hobbit

INCREDIBLE Hobbit Hill cake by Katrina Kippen

We went to see The Hobbit last week and I really loved it! I'm a huge fan of Lord of the Rings, and was a little apprehensive about it (would it have the same magic? how on earth could they stretch it out to three films? what is HFR? etc) but it really was everything I wanted in a Hobbit film & I'd highly recommend it!

We watched the high frame rate version (which means you see 48 frames per second, rather than the usual 24) and it was really strange at first! I kept thinking it was like watching a TV show, which was really bizarre (although my helpful friend Murray pointed out that this is because TV films at a higher frame rate - I wasn't just going mental). It takes a while to get used to, but all of the fantastical & 3D scenes look BEAUTIFUL. Go and get lost in Middle Earth for a couple of hours, you won't regret it!

3. NASA

I love NASA so much. I have said it before & I will say it again, but I wish I was an astronaut! Or had a mind that was a little more science/maths friendly, so I could work with them!

The students at NASA's Johnson Space Centre have made a Gangnam-style (I know, I know) parody video.... but it's actually really good! Love you, NASA.

Happy thoughts

Hooray for February, holidays this week, boyfriends who go on special trips for chocolate mousse on Sunday nights, two months until new house, rubbish films and all of this.

1. New blog design

This weekend I gave my blog a brand new look to fit in with my AMAZING new header, designed by my pal Lucy. I gave her a really rubbish brief (which basically could be condensed into 'I like pastels') so she's done an amazing job. It's my face! Ha. I was also able to try out a few of the html tricks I've been learning - check out my recent comments box at the very bottom of the blog, it's ace!

Lucy's currently working on opening up an etsy shop that'll be filled with jewellery & prints - I shall post about it when it's up!

2. Valentines Day

Tattoo-style cookies made (by me) in 2010

I'm a sucker for Valentine's Day. I know that it's not to everyone's taste and there's always a bit of moaning about how commercial it is, but I'm a big romantic and love that it's a day about being in love! (plus it's easy and very thoughtful to make presents rather than buy them - have a look at these heart cupcakes for inspiration).

This year Craig & I are going through to see Glasgow to see the loves of my life, Brand New. I'm so excited! It's funny, I've listened to Brand New since I was sixteen (mental) and I still love them. That's ten years! Woah. Anyway, I'm looking forward to dancing and singing and cocktails. Lovely.

3. Pinterest

If you've not started using Pinterest yet, prepare to be addicted! I joined a wee while ago, then had weird login-issues, but I'm back and making up for lost time! It's absolutely perfect for future-house planning, as well as keeping track of things I'd like to make and buy. Everything you pin is linked to the original source (so helpful) so I've started keeping a board of prints I'd like to buy from etsy (easier than trying to sort through loads of favourites).

My pinterest name is eversojuliet - if you'd like an invite to the site then please comment with your email address and I'll see what I can do!

Lovely stuff.

p.s. there's one more week to enter my Models Own giveaway!

Happy thoughts

It's been a crazy week already! I started back at work last Wednesday and we went straight into a project that needed loads of enthusiasm and energy - no sluggish days allowed. It's been quite exhausting but we made it through (phew!), and these things have been helping me beat the January (and being busy!) blues....

1. Hello Kindle

I had been swithering for absolutely AGES about kindles - when they first came out I dismissed them in a "pshaw, original books or nothing" way, but then Craig bought one last year & I started borrowing it to read books he recommended.  I have to admit I was seduced by just how light and convenient it is - and you never run out of books! I got an amazon voucher for Christmas (thanks mum & dad!) and continued to swither for a week or so, then caved and bought it.

I really love it. I was actually expecting to feel a little more shame as a staunch book lover, but I'm just going to embrace it (although I am quite jealous of modern literature students - so many of the classics are free, and they'll never have to suffer the genuine pain of carrying SO MANY heavy books around). Currently I'm reading The Passage by Justin Cronin. It's a bit mental.

2. Sweet treats

Look at all that sugar. Just look at it.

Shh. I know it 'tis the season to be healthy and all, but I won this amazing box of Hotel Chocolat Turkish Delight in a competition over at Katiecakes, and it couldn't have come at a better time. I love turkish delight so much - it reminds me of being little and watching the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (I think I actually forced myself to like it when I was wee because it appeared in the film - ha!). I wouldn't normally buy myself such an indulgent treat so this is lovely (thanks Katie!).

3. Writing!

Hi. I look like this when I am writing. But less red (also, oh, look! I have a webcam now!).

After failing nanowrimo last year (house hunting took over my life in November!), I'm making more of an effort to write at least a few times a week. I'm working on a book (it feels so grown up calling it that!) that is slowly (and sometimes frustratingly) getting a plot in shape, so I'm determined to battle my way through the story and then attempt to edit it! This has been an unexpected benefit of blogging - even if I am just wittering on about nail polish or posting photos of my cat, at least I'm getting into the habit of writing something regularly.

So on top of trying to blog every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (which is going well so far!), I'm also going to try and do something book-related (writing, editing or planning) five times a week. We shall see how it goes, but fingers crossed!

Happy thoughts

 Such a busy, busy week! I feel like I am still trying to catch up on work things since returning from holiday (which feels like years ago, sob), & there's loads of exciting ARRG business to be working on, AND I'm trying to keep up with nanowrimo (difficult start, but I am getting there, finally!).

So, here are the things that are keeping me calm and happy in the midst of all of this madness!

1. Perfecting polka dots

It's taken me a bit of practice since my first attempt, but I am finally learning how to do even and neat polka dots! I really really like them, and they are fast becoming my go to polish (which makes a nice change from the leopard print trap I was in!). I am currently wearing purple and blue varnish with white polka dots.. which makes me feel a little like I'm thirteen years old, but ah, it's fine.

The best thing I've learned is to do the dots in rows (rather than just randomly wherever) and using a nail art pen (like the one I am giving away here) really helps keep the dots the same size.

 2. Christmas treats!

 

I do feel a little dirty saying this, so let me explain. I'm not ready for Christmas lights/presents in shops/tinsel or any of that nonsense. But I do enjoy the gradual way it creeps in as shops and cafes launch their Christmas menus. What can I say... I like treats! In particular, hello there.  Mmmmm. Be still my heart.

3. Endor

I tend to get a bit obsessed with a band, and listen to them pretty much on repeat (I thought I'd grow out of it after my teenage years, but no luck). Currently I'm on an Endor kick, and I love love love them. When I'm writing (for nanowrimo) I tend to prefer something a little quieter, and they fit the bill perfectly.

They are playing in Edinburgh at the Electric Circus next Thursday (November 10th) & tickets can be bought here. Give them a wee listen.

(On a different note, I have been listening to this song loads recently, and just realised how much it reminds me of the Spill Canvas!).

p.s. I'll be picking a winner of my giveaway tonight - good luck to everyone that's entered already (and thanks for entering!). Have a good weekend.

Happy thoughts

This week has been so lovely! Bank holiday days off, lots of chilling, a wee spot of shopping and catching up on much needed sleep. Ahh. Here's some of the things that have made it nice.

1. Auld Reekie Roller Girls

 

SO many exciting things are happening for ARRG! If you head over to WFTDA (Women's Flat Track Derby Association) you'll see that ARRG are now an official member league! So exciting. This is something that ARRG have worked really hard for (as a newer member I haven't contributed at all, but at least I can join the celebrations and be proud!). We're the second European league, after the mighty London Roller Girls, to join so this is a big deal.

Not only that, but we have home teams for the first time, with the home season kicking off next January!

AND I'll be returning to skating on Sunday! I'm very happy about this, with a healthy dose of being a bit terrified as I haven't skated in eight weeks. I'm hoping it all comes flooding back.

2. Charity shop finds

So happy to get this book! The Crimson Petal and the White is one of my favourite books, and I've wanted to pick this up for ages (but have always been a bit too skint when I spotted it in book shops!). I saw Michel Faber talk at the book festival and I loved it, so this is very well timed. Ta, charity shop.

My friend Niki also picked up a spur of the moment well thought out smoking jacket. It's velvet and very sharp.

3. Being healthy!

My holiday is fast approaching  (32 days!) so I am really looking forward to eating loads of tasty, healthy food and getting back to derby training after the excess of August! Today's lunch is a salad from the Edinburgh Larder and it is really lovely.

Have a lovely weekend all. If you are in London then go to this!

Happy thoughts

Well, I'm having a ridiculously busy and stressful day, it is absolutely chucking it down with rain in Edinburgh & the UK news is incredibly worrying.

Stepping out of that difficult little bubble, here are some things that are keeping me happy.

1 - Edinburgh Fringe Festival!

It is taking all of my money and robbing me of sleep/roller derby/seeing my cat, but I love the festival so much. It doesn't matter that it is raining, or that I have no money, or that I'm horrendously unfit by the end of it (sorry ARRG, I'll be back soon), it's the largest arts festival in the world and it's on my doorstep!

I'm keeping a wee running tally of the shows I've seen... since Monday I've also been to Hannibal Buress (very enjoyable and BRILLIANTLY named show, the Hannibal Montanable Experience) & Pajama Men (who were really funny - highly recommended!).

2 - Magic shows

 

Since going to four shows in one week at the brilliant Edinburgh Magic Festival I've been hooked on magic. Luckily it's a good time for it - there are loads of magic shows in August that I want to see (Piff the Magic Dragon, Barry and Stuart, Ali Cook, James Galea and Morgan & West). Loads!

I even sit next to a wannabe magician at work (we call him Judini) so I may demand he does some card tricks to cheer me up! (That's not taking advantage of my staff.. is it?).

3 - Friends

 

Just brilliant.

Happy thoughts

It is a beautiful summer day, the sun is actually out in Scotland and I have a horrible EVIL cold keeping me indoors. So, to cheer myself up, here's a list of things that are making me happy at the moment!

1 - T in the Park

Nine Inch Nails in 2009 - so so SO good

One of the perks from working at a magazine are press tickets to T in the Park! I only just got confirmation that I can go and it's next weekend! Fingers crossed the weather stays sunny (and that my cold disappears!!). I've not had a chance to properly go through the line up, but at a glance I am most excited about the following: Jimmy Eat World, Fun Lovin Criminals, BEYONCE, Weezer and Bright Eyes.

Next week is sign-off at work (so mega busy and a bit stressful) so this is going to be a lovely treat at the end of a manic week!

2 - Holiday planning

Waiheke harbour, New Zealand

After last year's epic Hong Kong/New Zealand/Hawaii trip, Craig & I made a pact to not go on any holidays in 2011 to try and save some money. Well, we've made it to July and he has already been on TWO holidays (a cycling trip across Europe and a surf trip up North)! This has made me faaaar too jealous, so I've twisted his arm and we're thinking of going somewhere at the end of the year.

There is actually too much choice - it has to be sunny and (relatively) cheap, but other than that, we could go anywhere! I am struggling to choose, although I am doing my best to find a great deal to Orlando, just so that I have an excuse to go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!


3 -  Craig

I have been so moany and pathetic all week, and Craig has been an utter superstar - keeping me fuelled with lemsip and tea, making me dinner (and breakfast in bed), finding films for me to watch, and generally just being lovely. What a hero. ❤

p.s. I also like my new hairband.

Okay, I'm going back to hide under a duvet and feel sorry for myself.