What Makes You Happy?

It's been a tough day round here... work has been 'trying', my housemate has been bordering on useless and I quit my job.  Everything is a little bit emotional and skewy to say the least!  But instead of going to bed feeling down in the dumps, I thought it would be nice to think about the top 10 things that make me smile instead :)  So here we go...


1. Lilycat
She's such a cutie!  I think she gets annoyed with me constantly taking photos and singing to her, but that's just how I roll.

Hehe, see what I mean?!

2. Spring

It's starting to get sunny (although still freezing cold at night), the daffodils are poking their heads out and my broccoli is almost 10 feet tall already (I may be exaggerating a little...).  Spring always makes me excited and happy!

3. Baking

In my afternoon break between work duties, I went home and made bread.  Just the smell is enough to make everything feel that little more homely and lovely.  Hmm, might nip downstairs for some toast and jam!

4. Hats

Something about wearing a hat really makes me feel better!  Here's my favourite one from last week...

5. Making things

I go through phases of productivity when it comes to making things, and this is definitely a productive phase.  At the weekend, I changed a too-small dress into a most lovely blouse (must get photos!).  And I'll hopefully be starting on my dress tomorrow for a dance at the end of the month.

6. Audio books

Hehe, I'm such a nerd!  I find listening to people talk really relaxing, so audio books are a mainstay in my life... at the moment, I'm listening to 'The Seven Dials' by Agatha Christie (and read by the beautiful Emilia Fox).  Next up is a double bill of Raymond Chandler!  Highly recommend Audible for anyone who nerds it up like I do :)

7. South Riding

This is a 3-part series that's just finished on the BBC.  I've yet to catch up on the last episode, but so far it's been fab.  It's all about a 'radical' headmistress in the 1930s.  Some of the outfits are just beautiful.

I want this suit! [image and more info from here]

And this hat! [image from here]

8. Ginger wine and apple juice

All the hard work from the last week or so has put me a little bit under the weather, and my voice is always the first thing to go.  Ginger wine and apple juice makes my throat feel so much better, and is just so tasty.

9. A film noir video game?

I like playing video games... sometimes.  It doesn't enthrall me the way a lot of things do, but when I like a game, boy do I like it!  I've just seen this is about to be released, and am already preparing for what could be a good few weeks of hermit-like behaviour...

10. Curling up in bed with a cup of tea, the kitten and an episode of Foyle's war

Which is exactly what I'm going to do now :)

What makes you happy when you've had a bad day?

Jen xxxx

Peachy Keen 15.02.11

Hello lovelies!


Well, I've had a rather super Tuesday.  Most of the day was spent being highly productive with my uni work (yay!) and I've had a fab evening cooking up a storm.  Because the next two days are 12-hour workdays, I try to do lots of cooking on a Tuesday so I've got lots of easy things to heat up.  On the menu today was satay vegetable cous cous, leek, potato and honey camembert soup and asparagus pizza. Yummy!


I was feeling a bit casual today, so here's what I wore to hit the books.

My high waisted jeans are such a go-to item of clothing when I'm feeling lazy!  While I was taking photos, Lilycat was meowing on the side, so I figured she wanted her moment in the limelight :)  Does anyone else have to pull all their hair off the face when they're concentrating?  I can't think if there's fringe in my eyes!

And onto what's been gracing my screen this week (when I've not been writing essays lol)...

I loved this story about a couple who have used the same Valentine's card for 70 years. Cuteness ahoy!

This animation from 1936 is amazing.  And also kind of adorable.  Rainbow dance!

Not sure if I've mentioned it before, but I still love climbing trees. Think it's a Robin Hood thing. This treehouse is just the coolest thing ever.

Charade is one of my favourite blogs ever.  And I love the post Megan wrote for Yes and Yes.  Everyone needs a bit of luxury.  My luxuries would have to be a glass of Prosecco, some big band on the stereo and an Agatha Christie novel :)  What's your favourite treat?

Last but by no means least... I want this dress!!!

Hope you're all having a lovely start to the week!  It's early but I'm going to hit the hay with a cup of tea, and maybe check out one of the films in my film noir collection.

Jen xxxx

Peachy Keen 08.02.11

Hello lovelies! Are you having a good start to the week? Mine's been mostly filled with essay work, boo, but in a week's time it'll all be done (for now!) and the fun can start again...

Otter love! Just because we all need some cuteness sometimes :)

So what's been happening in my world of the internet this week?

I've been planning lots of things to do and read once my work's out the way.  And Persephone books is definitely responsible for my to-read list growing!  I'm tempted to try the 6 month subscription... it's a vintage reading geek's paradise :)

I love the film noir genre.  There's a super box set sitting on my table, again waiting for me to finish my work.  Radio 4 has this interesting background piece on some of the big names in film noir; I've not listened to any of the shows, but I want to!

This article on book collecting is a bit like my 'ghost of Christmas yet to come'.  Yep, I really am a book geek... the bookshelves on my landing are arranged my colour and then alphabetically, the ones in my room are all my favourites (still two book cases' worth) and are organised into genres :)  Secret librarian fantasies maybe?

I found this super interesting.  I spend a lot of time worrying that I'm not achieving enough, and reading this article was exactly what I needed.

I'm not an online game person, but Winterbells is just adorable. Bunny in the snow!

And finally...

Katy Carr! I'm learning to play this on my ukulele at the moment :)

Just in case the otters didn't fulfill your daily cute quota...

And now it's time for me to catch up on Lark Rise to Candleford!

Jen xxxx