Movies, Meals & Muddling Through Life – October

Well it has been a while since I last wrote one of these posts..too long. I was really enjoying writing them and having a sort of diary entry of what had been going on in my life that month. Sometimes though life kind of takes over and the last three months have been a whirlwind of work and press trips and family time.

And if I’m honest, lately I haven’t been finding life all that easy.

We all get times like this, these dips in your mood and the times where the smallest thing can seem a little overwhelming. Sometimes this is caused by life changes and other times it just happens.  And that is how things have been lately for me. I am ok, I am managing just fine but sometimes you have to take some small steps back to make big steps going forward. The difference in these days now than these kind of days two years ago is that I am kinder to myself. I see them for what they are, acknowledge that I need to take a break and more often than not at these times I crave time alone. Just to think and be without needing an excuse to do so. And that is ok.

Some nights a candle and some music in the bath is all I need. Other times a long walk or a coffee in a coffee shop by myself. Alone time is important.

Anyway I have been busy these past three months and it would be impossible to tell you everything that has been going on but here are some things of the things I’ve watched, read, loved and enjoyed:

Movies

I have watched a few movies, not a lot really and mostly old ones that I have seen before. In fact I haven’t watched a new film in a while or visited the cinema which is most unlike me. Any recommendations? The last film I watched and enjoyed was Wonder Woman, she is my new girl crush.. I need the outfit even if I have no occasion on which to wear it.  I am hoping to watch the new Thor sometime soon and I know that some point I am going to be dragged to see My Little Pony.

TV

On TV, well Netflix I have recently watched Master Of None, American Vandal, Better Call Saul and also Designated Survivor which is my not so secret guilty pleasure. I have also watched Gunpowder the BBC drama created by and starring Kit Harrington, it was odd to watch him play a different role after loving him so much as Jon Snow but I thought it was a great 3 part drama and well worth a watch. Just a warning though, there are some fairly graphic torture scenes.

I must admit to re watching Gossip Girl too. I know..I know. It is just one of those easy things to watch whilst also doing something else like ironing etc.

Books

I have read a bit lately but as with movies I am mostly re reading rather than trying something new. Tell me what books you are enjoying, I need inspiration. I have been browsing cookbooks more than real books and one of my current faves is Veggie Desserts & Cakes from my blogger friend Kate Hackworthy.

Music

This last month or so I have really been enjoying Plain White T’s, Kodaline, Joshua Radin and Incubus. I have also rediscovered some old classics such as as REO Speedwagon , Billy Joel and Foreigner. John Legend is still always among my playlists but I am listening to a wider variety of music these days and as always music is a big part of my day. I’d like to plan some concerts in for next year as I miss that feeling of excitement waiting on the band to come on stage and the incredible high as you leave.

Food

I have enjoyed some incredible food over the Summer and early Autumn months. I have eaten food created by some of the best chefs in the world at Copenhagen Cooking Festival as well as enjoyed the best meal of my life ( so far ) at Sea by Kiin Kiin in Copenhagen.

I have created some recipes I am proud of and plenty of others which were just ok. I was sent a whopping chunk of Comte Cheese for a recipe post lately and I have been totally indulging in it…

Fitness & Exercise

My fitness levels are pretty good right now. I am still attending my classes and walking as much as I can. I am at a weight and shape that I am happy with and whilst I still have some way to go to feel as fit as I’d like I am getting there.

What Else?

So much. Too much to tell you it all. I have spent time in Ireland, Copenhagen, London and West Wales. I have eaten and drunk and walked and explored. Made new friends, learned new things and discovered lots about myself. I have pushed myself further with work but also moved my desk upstairs to allow me to switch off and focus on family life when I am downstairs. It has meant less work gets done but hopefully the work that is done is of a higher quality and I feel life is more balanced. I am also starting to realise that my day job ( I work half the month in an office in an customer service role ) is  only as bad as I allow it to be, it pays the mortgage and allows me to write this blog without the pressure of needing it to pay the bills which is a good thing.

I am hoping to have lots of new recipes coming up soon, the ideas are there and hopefully procrastination won’t win too many of my hours. Damn you Buzzfeed.