• Roger and all of us July 2015
    Loss

    Widowhood, My Chapter One

    For a while now I’ve been trying to write a book. My motivation is going, I’m questioning whether it’s something I can do and whether it would help me or hold me back. I chatted to my son about it last night and he just…

  • Chair and flowers
    Interiors, Life

    Why I kind of like January

    It’s not often I court controversy (well, not that often) but this next statement might upset a few of you. Let me tell you a secret – I kind of like January. Perhaps it’s my dislike of December that makes me love January all the…

  • Me and Mine living room kneeling
    Me and Mine

    Me and Mine – A Portrait for December 2017

    Another year over and a busy December full of ups and downs for me. It’s such a busy month for everyone and I struggle with the run-up to Christmas and all its nostalgia and ‘happy happy’ vibes. I used to love this time of year…

  • Christmas shelf
    Family, Loss

    Loss, love and lights on our third Christmas

    Three years in and you’d think I’d be practiced at this wouldn’t you? Although it’s only just shy of two and a half years since my husband died, this is the third Christmas without him and I still feel the loss just as much as…

  • Three cocktails Rainbeaubelle
    Food

    Winter Cocktails To Try This Christmas

    Christmas party season is here which I reckon means cocktail hour can be any hour you like – for the next few weeks, anyway. I mean I love a glass of Sauvignon or a gin and tonic, but it’s nice to have a change and…

  • Julia and Sabine personal training Ilkley
    Life

    My personal training diary part one

    This is going to sound really showbiz, but a month ago I started personal training sessions and I think I’m ready to let you know how I’m getting on. I’ve been a casual runner for about 10 years, going out 2-3 times a week when…

  • Living room different angle
    Interiors

    Living room style | A little update

    I haven’t done many interiors posts lately, probably because I haven’t made many changes to my home after the initial moving in stage. Ok, so I realise it has been more than a year since I moved but these things take time, don’t they? This…

  • House of Koko at The Hepworth Cafe
    Food, Outings

    The Hepworth Cafe | Art and Avocados

    The Hepworth has been a destination for art lovers in Yorkshire since it opened in 2011, and now the cafe has had a makeover it’s hoping to put itself on the map for food as well as for sculpture. The Hepworth Cafe in Wakefield was…

  • Pumpkin cake and soup
    Food

    Pumpkins | the ultimate autumn comfort food

    Pumpkins are for carving, I know, but what if like me you just never got round to it? We bought three pretty big pumpkins a week before Halloween and although the kids made a great job of decorating theirs, mine stayed uncut and on the…

  • Apple bobbing in the woods
    Family, Me and Mine

    Me and Mine – A Portrait for October 2017

    I’m not sure these photos show my best look but you know, seeing as it’s halloween I’ll forego any idea that I’m any good at creative make-up and just go for it! We’ve had loads of opportunities for a Me and Mine portrait this month;…

  • Love sign in lights
    Family, Life, Loss

    Widowed, single and dating

    You may have guessed (well it’s pretty obvious as I write about being widowed) but I’m single. I’ve dated a bit but so far nothing serious has happened and I think I’m ok with that. I’m in a period of major change and adjustment and…

  • Cocoons at the Midland Hotel Spa Manchester
    Beauty, Outings

    A spa day at The Midland Hotel with Spaseekers

    On my constant quest for escapism and relaxation, I was more than happy to try out the spa at the Midland Hotel in Manchester last weekend. Would I like to go for afternoon tea with friends, followed by time in the newly-refurbished spa, they asked?…

  • Bright flowers August
    Life

    A wildflower diary from summer to autumn

    There’s a patch of land near where I live which most of the year looks pretty unloved; but in the summer, it blooms. It’s been scattered with wildflower seeds and to watch it flourish has been so lovely. I started taking photos of it in…

  • Me and Mine September
    Me and Mine

    Me and Mine – A Portrait for September

    September has been a month of new beginnings, new routines and making plans. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t relieved to start this month; I mean I loved the summer holidays and we did so much – fitting in a few holidays, a…