60: Happy Friday Links

I hope you feel inspired by this week's links which include stunning photography, 2 minimalist YouTubers I enjoy and information about this year's city of culture. 

Walking the Wales Coast Path - Pembrokeshire - Martin's Haven to Broad Haven by Rachael at Our Beautiful Adventure Photography

Better than a vision board! by Lefie

9 weird benefits of minimalism 1 year in by Gabe Bult

3 more things I won't make time for anymore by Courtney Carver via Be More with Less

What is UK City of Culture? Coventry is this year's city of culture and this link explains exactly what it is and if you explore the site you can find out what's on

I hope you have a good weekend wherever you are and whatever you're doing x x x

59: Happy Friday Links and a Chat

Welcome to Happy Friday Links whether you're a regular reader or new here. I love putting together links to interest and inspire you. I choose articles and videos about simplicity, minimalism, plant-based recipes, style on a budget, small space living and more.

This week has flown by and has been a bitty one with appointments and errands. I've had a long overdue dental check up and an eye test. My new glasses will be ready in 2 weeks and I'm very excited because for the first time I'll also have prescription sunglasses. The highlight of my week was a catch-up with a lovely friend I first met at The Minimalists tour in 2014. A beautiful friendship and all because of minimalism and this blog.

The photo above was taken on Thursday morning when Tim had his second covid vaccine at Lichfield Cathedral. I'd bought a coffee which I'd planned to drink outside while I waited for Tim but I was invited into the cathedral by the welcoming volunteers (yes even with my coffee). I couldn't resist having a chance to see how it was organised and I was impressed by the friendliness and efficiency of 'Team Cathedral' (this name was printed on the back of the high vis jackets worn by the volunteers). Tim had his second dose of Pfizer and fortunately apart from arm ache has had no after effects. It was such a great venue for vaccinations. Surely those high ceilings must help with ventilation. Above all there was a palpable sense of peace, community and spirituality. Onto this week's links which I've enjoyed and I hope you do too.

This is The Classic Short Haircut Making a Big Comeback for Summer by Hannah Coates via Vogue. I love the photo of Lea Seydoux wearing a mask looking chic. How very 2021.

Filter More Out by Tynan. According to Tynan, "... people don't spend enough time figuring what they shouldn't be paying attention to." 

How to Declutter Your Closet and Stay Stylish with a Minimalist Wardrobe by Elisa Llera. This is a new YouTube channel and one which probably soon grow because it's so good. Those earrings.

Linda McCartney's Expands into Dairy Alternatives with Plant Milk Range via Vegan Food & Living. This is great news.

15 More Creative Ideas for Food Scraps via The Zero-Waste Chef. Eat the entire apple, save that bean broth and other ways to reduce food waste.

Growing, Harvesting and Crafting with Lavender via Seasalt Stories. I'm definitely going to plant more lavender this year and love these ideas - roasting potatoes with lavender intrigues me.

From Confusion to Clarity by Hilary Jacobs Hendel. In this blog post Hilary helps us understand and recognise our emotions and how to use this insight when we have difficult decisions to make. 

Have a relaxing read and enjoy your weekend. Please feel free to leave a comment below. We'll catch up soon x x x

58: Happy Friday Links and a Chat

I love this time of year and May is just flying by. It's a month to savour the wonder of nature. Those bright blue skies, the much needed heavy downpours of rain, the feel of sun on your face even though there's a biting cold wind, shops full of summer plants, eating seasonal asparagus and walking past trees brimming with delicate blossom. I have friends with May birthdays and it's also my niece's birthday later this month and I'm seriously envious. My niece was born in the middle of a May heatwave and the sensation of sunshine combined with joy as I held her for the first time and then celebrated her birth in a country pub afterwards with my brother is a cherished memory. It was 24 years ago but I remember like it was yesterday. 

I hope you've had a good week. I feel like the bank holiday has slowed me down and I've not been very productive but I've made plans for next week to get back on track. An appointment for the dentists and an eye test are booked and I'm going to start a much needed redecoration of our bedroom. I still have plans for changing our tiny garden but the bench we've ordered is going to take a few weeks to arrive so that job can wait. 

As I mentioned yesterday I've completed my 30 day alcohol detox and will be celebrating tonight with a mock gin and tonic and some home made vegan brownies. The alcohol detox continues for another 30 days and then it will be reviewed again.

I've found some enjoyable links this week to inspire simplicity and peace. Minimalism is by no means dead and it's wonderful to keep discovering new minimalist channels on YouTube. New minimalist blogs are harder to find but I think that's because a lot of the new minimalists are young people who favour YouTube as a media. 

Minimalism, for me, is a quest; it's not a quick and easy process and although I've been trying out minimalism for almost 10 years now it's not easy to stick to and I've had many setbacks. Every setback so far results in overwhelm and that's when I reach for my minimalist toolkit to repair the damage. I'll let you know in future posts how my minimalist reset is going. 

How to stop jealousy and comparison - a monk's approach by Nick Keomahavong. I'm going to work on Nick's wise words, "... become your own refuge."

The truth about a minimalist wardrobe by the ever so wise, stylish and entertaining Emily Wheatley.

Manifesting your post covid life now by Jessica Rose. This is food for thought. After months of hunkering down, what do you want to add into your life as we take baby steps out of lockdown? Jessica Rose also has a YouTube channel. 

What real (not greenwashing) circulatory in fashion looks like by Verena at My Green Closet. A very thorough read about lightening the fashion industry's footprint.

The three circles of energy - a special insight into mentorship skills by Patsy Rodenburg via moving-ahead org. This looks like a heavy read but it's worth it and it's short! I hope you find your 'second circle'.

Have a lovely weekend and we'll catch up soon x x x

57: Happy Friday Links

Hello and welcome. It's bank holiday weekend here in the U.K. and also the start of May tomorrow. May and June are my favourite months of the year and especially this year as we have more lockdown restrictions being eased later this month. The blossom has been gorgeous this week hasn't it although it's been very chilly, especially at night. 

Unfortunately, Mum's care home has had another positive case of Covid so all visits are off until 24th May. On a more cheery note she's moving soon into a newly refurbished room. I chose it out of several rooms which were all slightly different on a virtual tour. It's much better than her previous room as it's sunny, has a full length window with a nice view and is decorated in lilac and purple colours. Her current bedroom is decorated in rust and terracotta shades and doesn't seem very feminine. I'll leave some photos after my links of the ginger cat which, pre Covid, was a regular visitor to the care home and Mum's bed. He matched perfectly! He's now gone to live with one of the members of staff as he didn't seem to have a permanent address. Who knows with cats! 

I've been buying some pretty second-hand bedding, pictures and accessories for her new room which I'll share with you soon. I think it will be a much calmer environment for her. 

I've got lots of gardening to do this weekend at home and at the community garden. We're also trying to catch up with Line of Duty after starting to watch it from the beginning during lockdown 3. We finished series 5 last night so just series 6 to go. So gripping...

I hope you have a good weekend whatever you're doing. Enjoy the links and please feel free to comment.

What stage of change are you at? by Janey Lee Grace via The Sober Club. This article is interesting whether or not you're on a low/no alcohol challenge.

Stretching: 3 best quick stretches when you don't have time via Stylist. I keep meaning to do some yoga again. I think this might ease me in.

Pink Supermoon from Glastonbury Tor by Michelle Cowbourne via Instagram also see more of her stunning photography on her website 

Asda: George brand to sell second-hand clothing in shops via BBC News. This is exciting and shows that second-hand clothes shopping is becoming more acceptable and mainstream. 

How to in the garden: Composting guide for beginners via Style Curator. I think this breaks down composting in an easy to understand way (excuse the pun). 

Body Loving Goodness by Sarah Maxwell via The Wealden Times. Sarah Maxwell stresses the importance of learning to take care of yourself. I love the body positive affirmation she gives at the end of the article. I've written it on a sticky note above my desk to remind myself. 

Enjoy x x x

56: Happy Friday Links

So how are you? I'm so ready for the weekend with nothing actually planned which suits me fine. Last weekend we had a meet-up in my mother-in-law's garden and I resisted the rose wine and stuck with my posh lemonade instead. Not easy...  but I'm now on day 18 of my 30 day alcohol detox so going strong. Here are some links that I've found interesting this week.

Jo Whiley on gardening, radio and her campaign for Covid jabs looking amazing in her gorgeous garden and so grounded too.

10 ways clutter brings us down by Hannah Bullivant. Hannah says, "I DO believe all of us can take steps to make our homes feel lovelier, more like us, and work more practically too."

Gardening for wildlife with Kate Bradbury I saw Kate on Gardener's World last week and was inspired to learn more and decided it's time to be less tidy!

"I'm fine" - Learning to Live with Depression Jake Tyler's Ted Talk. I heard Jake on Zoe Ball's breakfast show recently so decided to look him up. This Ted Talk is amusing as well as insightful. He has a book out too.

Farinata with balsamic onions and asparagus a recipe by Meera Sodha via The Guardian. Tim made this last week and it lasted several lunches. He said it was easy and it tasted yummy. The batter can be made a few hours in advance if you forget to do it overnight like we did. 

Well that's it my lovelies. Have a great weekend and I'll leave you with some pictures of Tim's farinata xo

55: Happy Friday Links

Hello again, how are you? It's been quite a week here in the U.K. with some easing of restrictions, such as non-essential retail opening. I've not done anything different this week apart from visit one charity shop as I needed to return a dress I bought just before Christmas (it seemed to be about 3 sizes too small even before Christmas, haha.) After getting my refund I had a thorough sift through the rails. And no, I didn't leave empty handed. I'd love to share a few of my thrifted items with you and outfits that I'll make from them. Let me know if you're interested.

Today is my Mum and her twin sister's birthday (83). Unfortunately, 2 positive cases have been confirmed in her care home (she has Alzheimer's and vascular dementia) and so today's visit has been cancelled. No more visits are anticipated until the middle of May. I'm so disappointed for everyone: for Mum, other residents, their families and the staff who work there. It's depressing to just park at the care home, drop off gifts in the porch and drive away again without seeing a soul. At least I can visit my aunty and I'm pleased that babies and young children are now allowed to visit family in care homes.

I hope you've had a good week. If you've had a bit of a wonky week like me, these links might perk you up. 

Alvin Wayne's 800sq Ft New York City Apartment via Apartment Therapy on YouTube. Alvin is an entertaining host and I totally agree about surrounding yourself with things that you love. 

5 Ways to Optimise Your WFH Setup & Stay Productive by Christina at Style Apotheca. Great advice from Christina who says, "Do your best to keep work at work and out of your pocket."

Health Benefits of Indoor Plants via Bibico. I think I might move a few succulents and an orchid into our bedroom.

3 Tips When Health Messes With Your Goals on Catherine's YouTube channel, The Life Tidy. I recently discovered this channel and I'm really enjoying her minimalist journey.

Me and my 'she shed': women on the joys of their garden retreats by Nell Card via The Guardian. I love Angela's lilac shed. 

A Guide to travelling as a Vegan, or with Dietary Requirements is a beautiful and informative resource from www.loveholidays.com and is a great read regardless of when you're planning to travel again. It includes eye-opening stats, helpful phrases for ordering vegan food abroad and recommendations for vegan-friendly travel apps and websites.  

Did you see the sweet photo of the late Prince Philip and 7 of his great-grandchildren? It made me smile.

Enjoy and have a great weekend xo

54: Happy Friday Links

Well it's Friday again, woo hoo! This gorgeous swirl of daffodils are part of a local walk that has become our default stroll. They're on a route which we take when we really don't feel like leaving the house and just want to tick 'daily walk' off the list. I usually feel better for a blast around the block even if it's cold or involves a hail storm like this Tuesday. And if the walk seems like a chore, at least I have the satisfaction of banking some steps and an excuse for an afternoon sojourn on the sofa. 

Don't get me wrong, this particular walk is lovely and includes our neighbourhood park but we choose it out of habit and not for the scenery. Lately, there's been new sights we've noticed like these daffodils that were planted last autumn which we've been eagerly waiting to fully open and this week we've seen people having picnics and a children's football team training after a long break. All signs of new life that have reinvigorated my pandemic dampened spirits. 

Today, whilst walking, a friendly woman stopped us to ask if we'd heard the news about Prince Phillip's death and whilst it was sad news it was still nice to have a chat. Over the last year I've been grateful for the care and thought people are putting into their gardens and nearby open spaces, their window displays or just taking time to smile, say hello or exchange a few words as we walk our walks. 

Thanks so much for reading my last post. It was great to hear from some of you as well. I hope you enjoy these links which may just give you an extra boost this weekend.

Why we need to be present to enjoy our lives, not just productive by Rochi Zalani via Tiny Buddha

8 ingredient Twix Biscuits via Mrs Hollingsworth's

How to inspire and encourage yourself everyday by Sandra Pawula at Always Well Within

A moving tribute to actor Paul Ritter by Tamsin Greig via The Guardian

Pet Friendly House Plants by Sophie at A Considered Life

Ethical Shopping - Where I Actually Buy My Clothes by Rachael at Our Beautiful Adventure Photography

Tiny Living on my Narrowboat - How I Make the Most of Small Spaces by Olivia at Living on a Shoestring

Enjoy, stay safe and well xo

53. Happy Friday Links

I'm delighted to be able to share some fresh links and inspiration this Friday. Enjoy!

• The Gardeners Cottage - Ageless Style via The Vintage Contessa. Janet is such an inspiration in her style and sassy attitude to ageing. It's devastatingly sad to read that life is so tough for her and her family right now.
• Even with the sultry temperatures in the UK this week, I wouldn't mind a retreat here: A Romantic Hide-Away in Bali. It's the simplicity and rustic vibe set against the exotic poolside planting that makes me linger over these photos.
• Eating for a Longer Healthier Life by Tricia Cusden over at Look Fabulous Forever. A very interesting article which references the book, 'The Telemere Effect'. This book explains the science of ageing and how lifestyle choices, including diet, can help to reverse it. Tricia reflects on how this book helped her overcome her sugar cravings and write her own book about graceful and 'empowered' ageing. So, that's two more books on my TBR (to be read) list. The cake in the photo is raw vegan carrot cake made with natural sugars - delicious!
• What's Your Domestic Super-Power? by Margo at Thrift at Home (do read the comments as well). Mine is keeping the house well-stocked with loo rolls and making endless cups of tea throughout the day!
• How Minimalism Can Make You More Productive from Matt D'Avella - another YouTuber I find inspiring, entertaining and cheerfully light in his minimalist approach.
• I kept all my plastic for a year - the 4,490 items helped me to rethink via The Guardian. The Everyday Plastic project started by Daniel Webb demonstrates how difficult it is to recycle plastic and how easy it is to be swayed into buying products we don't need because we have been conditioned to find packaging attractive. I agree with him that there's an, "...epidemic of overproduction and overconsumption", and that making even small reductions in plastic consumption will help reduce plastic pollution and retrain our consumer habits. Small steps.
• I love Penzance in Cornwall and its iconic Jubilee Pool. I can't wait for it to be opened all year-round.

Thank you for welcoming me back! 

Happy Friday!

52. Happy Friday Links

Hello and welcome to my long overdue Friday feast of links. I hope you find something inspiring, uplifting or entertaining here. Please take a seat and enjoy!

• It's never too late to learn a new language or three! From the lovely Rachel Khoo, Plogging and Speaking Swenglish.
• How to meditate at home via Contemporary Life. These photos make meditation look so appealing!
• A week of thrifted minimalist outfits via The Good Trade. I like Emilie's relaxed style and wouldn't mind borrowing her denim jacket! Her personal website is worth a look too.
• A cartoon guide. How to Become the Best Version of Yourself by John P. Weiss via Medium.
• What a waste of time. This post skilfully crafted by Carmen is most definitely NOT a waste of time. She's one of the wonders of YouTube that I was referring to in my last post.
• The Women's Prize for Fiction 2018 Longlist via Savidge Reads. There are a few books I recognise here and plenty of new authors and books to investigate. Do you know Simon's YouTube channel? He's my favourite 'BookTuber' after discovering BookTubers as a 'thing' last year.
• When People Think You're Crazy by Tynan. "Even if we all live to be 1000, life would be too short to be dictated by other people."
• A very thorough guide by Faith at Much More With Less: What is Kakeibo, the Japenese art of saving money?
• A great 5 minute breathing technique for focus and de-stressing from the amazing eighteen year old Jade over at UnJaded Jade. Jade's mum talks us through some breathing exercises useful for when you need a quick calming fix (and you don't need to be a student). 
• Spring in Sweden Benita is on YouTube! Her blog ended over four years ago but can still be read here.

I hope you enjoy these links. I felt a real sense of community from reading the comments left on my last post. Thank you for your support and views - it makes me very happy. I have more links up my sleeve so see you (same time, same place) next week - if not before xo

51. Happy Friday Links

Finding my blogging feet and back with some wonderful reads and resources to inspire simplicity, mindfulness and living well on less.

• Ariana from Paris To Go creates cute outfits from her minimalist wardrobe and check out her gorgeous DIY copper clothes rack. I love her non-attachment to clothes and her confidence in owning less.
• A smart family with an amazing tiny home complete with garden, pond and tree house. I admire so much about their attitude, discipline and style. Thank you Exploring Alternatives.  
• From The Pool, an interesting article by Ella Risbridger about If God Made Jam, a poem by Sarah Lindsay.
• 5 minimalist New Years Resolutions from The 5 Minute Minimalist (at last some snappy, straight forward talking minimalism on the internet). 
• Kale is currently my favourite veg and so this kale and black bean salad from Aine at Pea Soup really appeals to me (although I might simplify/substitute some of the ingredients). 
• I know... another wardrobe link... but hear me out. I've chosen this one because who can't identify with issues such as needing comfortable clothes and dealing with their body shape changing. Forever Wardrobe Part 2 from Janet at Gardener's Cottage gives hope and inspiration. 
• From Leo Babauta, the master of mindfulness and habit changing, One Simple Shift to Turn Life Into an Adventure.

And that's all for now. Enjoy these reads and your weekend too xo

50. Happy Friday Links

Back on track with my blogging and thrilled to bring you some delightful links. 

• Short Blonde Hair Care by This Mom's Gonna Snap. I'm on the same page as Jaana when it comes to loving short cropped hair but I think I can learn from her how to vary how I wear it.
• How To Help a Friend in Crisis by Katherine Willis Pershey via The Art of Simple
• Wow! This place is awesome - huge but simple and Jasper Conran is so amusing. Check out In Residence: Jasper Conran via NOWNESS.
• Interesting... by Cal Newport: Are You Using Social Media or Being Used By It? 
• How to Stop Overthinking and Overcome Anxiety Now by Katherine Hurst via The Law of Attraction
• Creating Abundance Through Minimalism by A Small Wardrobe. I'm not sure if I've mentioned this blog before but it's probably my favourite minimalist blog right now. It's pretty hardcore minimalism but authentic and joyful - if that makes sense!
• Perfect half-term reading from Nigel Slater

It feels great to post here again. From today I'm on holiday for ten days for my half-term break so I'll be squeezing a little blogging back into my routine. Sorry I went AWOL after my last post - after an extended summer holiday I've been working hard at supply teaching. It's going well and the great thing is I have no school work to do in the holidays anymore! 

Enjoy the links xo

49. Happy Friday Links

Hello! I'm so pleased to be able to bring you this week's links. Relax and enjoy.

• On Discipline from Minimalist Meditations (a new blog started in January 2017). Written by Jessica Dang, whose other blog Minimal Student really inspired me to downsize, this is a wonderful essay to motivate you when the minimalist path gets tough.
• A critical look at moderation, Reconsidering Moderation, from Minimal Wellness.
• Mum happened to catch Songs of Praise from Tenby, which featured a trip to Caldey island and an interview with one of the Cistercian monks. It felt like I was back there...
• This post from Sarah of My New Roots is much more than a recipe post and is well worth a read if you're a vegetarian and/or interested in nutrition and well-being.
• How I love the Indie Projects and now they've introduced us to Florence and the Morgans, see more on this video from Explorer Buddies. Great outdoor adventures and small space living from the UK. 
• I love this Vancouver house from Small House Bliss, in particular the use of wood. I smiled when I saw the location of the washing machine and drier and knew Kirstie would approve.

Keeping the links down to six this week as I'm in the process of helping our youngest son pack for uni (he's off on Saturday). He's so calm and being very moderate in the amount of possessions he's taking, which is helping. 
Have a great weekend xo

48. Happy Friday Links

How are you? I'm settling back in after breaking my blogging silence yesterday. Thanks so much for visiting here and for your kind comments. Relax and enjoy my latest round-up of links.

• I'm so pleased that Meg Wolfe is back over at The Minimalist Woman. There are several interesting posts to read since she "rebooted" her blog in January. If you haven't got time to browse her site, I'd recommend reading the post, The Existential Minimalist. I'm very interested in her suggestion that "our very existence is a rebellion against the snares of consumerism."
• What if All I Want is A Mediocre Life? by Krista O'Reilly-Davi Digua at A Life In Progress. This post went viral last year but it's worth reading if (like me) you missed it the first time.
• Building a Capsule Wardrobe on a Budget via Jodi Goldman. I like her rule of 3 and her recognition that shoes and bags are important in creating a totally different look.
• Great advice on how to shop well at thrift stores or charity shops by Vareena Erin from The Green Closet, via treehugger.
• Another option for ethical clothes shopping is eBay. I enjoyed these 5 good tips from Mel Wiggins.  
• A timely reminder of how transient our belongings and homes are: Simplifying After Tragedy Strikes over at Becoming Minimalist by guest writer, Sandy Krepps. The comments are very thought-provoking too.  
• I discovered via Julie's blog, lovely grey day, that Leo Babatua from Zen Habits has started to post occasionally on his other site mnmlist.com. His minimalist site resonates calm and there are some great new posts to read such as just two pieces of bread. Julie has a great blogroll by the way.
• I love Gay Cioffi's style, as seen on A Cup of Jo.
• This video, remember why by Amanda Sandlin, is beautiful.
• Pasta e Ceci, from Eat Like a Girl, looks yummy and it's easy to adapt to a vegetarian dish. You'll need to scroll right down the page to find the recipe!

Be happy xo

47. Happy Friday Links

I don't know about you, but I'm really enjoying spring and this late Easter with its lengthening daylight hours. Everything feels fresh and new - like January again (only brighter and cheerier) - as if we've been given another chance to form new habits and retry our to-do lists of self-improvement. I didn't succeed with any new year resolutions, but I could do with a second chance... how about you? Roll-over January, April's temperature's rising (God bless you, Chuck Berry). So, let's start afresh with a few links to inspire small steps (or strides) along the simplicity path this Easter. Have a lovely weekend xo

• Tynan always motivates me and I was delighted with his latest post, Living an Aligned Life
• This Zero Waste Starter Kit seems manageable (don't forget to press translate)
• Do You Have Too Much Stuff? a minimalist checklist
• Less is More: A Brief Introduction to Minimalism via Sutton + Grove
• I'd like to read Fumio Sasaki's new book but this Guardian article is a start, Goodbye things, hello minimalism: can living with less make you happier?
• I love this Paris microflat via Kirsten Dirksen
• Helpful advice from Fox in Flats if you're in need of some new shorts like me 
• Mind Over Matter: Kat's Tips for Healthy Thinking via Thought

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46. Happy Friday Links

A few links to inspire you this weekend. I hope you have a lovely weekend.

• Simple tips to help you with streamlining your wardrobe from Courtney Carver.
• The Subjectivity of Time by Colin Wright.
• Plan a Date by Chantelle at Fat Mum Slim.
• Some interesting thoughts on mindfulness and money via Headspace.
• Refreshing honesty from Fearne Cotton on dealing with depression. She mentions being influenced by Gerad Kite's 'inner pendulum'. I found Kite's book Everything You Need You Have heavy-going but I'm tempted to read Fearne's book, Happy: Finding Joy in Every Day and Letting Go of Perfect.
• Sweet Potato Noodles with Satay Sauce via Rosalilium. Time to dust off that spiraliser.
• 50 (yes 50) ways to minimise food waste by Can't Swing a Cat. I like the idea of sharing dishes at restaurants and sharing cake is one of my favourite regular habits. 
• Finally, meet Dawn and her tiny house. Such a cool woman with interesting views on living a life with more freedom. Thank you Exploring Alternatives.

I've been editing my wayward wardrobe this week. I'll be back soon with a minimalist wardrobe update.

Be happy xo

45. Happy Friday Links

Happy Friday! I'm back with some links to soothe, centre and inspire.

A minimalist poem

Looking forward it's the only way: Nine Trends I Predict via Tynan

New reading: Amanda  Sandlin for her philosophy and art.

Minimalism: A Documentary About The Important Things. The bonus feature interviews are inspiring.

American woman lists all the things Brits do better

Real corners of my home via Lazy Daisy Jones

Enjoy xo

News, Norfolk and Links

Hello. Ready for a catch-up? August and September have passed by with their late summer splendour and I find myself in early (no double figures yet) October ready for an amalgamation of blog posts. Think Minimalist Monday, Friday Links and holiday highlights - all on a Friday night. Not very minimalist, I agree, but I feel I need to dip my toes back into the water before my fragile blogging skills surreptitiously sink. This year has taken an unexpected turn as I've somehow taken on more work. Since working almost full-time since January on a temporary basis I've been working full-time as a permanent class teacher since September. It's been five years since I was last in this position and so it's taken a while to adjust to the pace and demands involved. I'm quickly adjusting and enjoying my new job. Luckily, I have lots of support and love at home to see me through. Working full-time is a choice and therefore I feel quite free.

Did you have a good summer? I do hope so, and for anyone in the Southern Hemisphere I hope you're enjoying early spring. Holiday photos have an almost mythical quality don't you think? These shots were taken in North Norfolk where I spent a few days with my mum at Brancaster Staithes. It was such an unspoilt and beautiful spot. Running along the back of our hotel along the marshland coastline was magical and exciting and I would love to return to this area again.Think colourful beach huts, seal watching and sea lavender. Pretty mesmerising. 

So, minimalism and working full-time? I think it can work. I really do, Yes, I have less time but my free time is more precious and therefore carefully planned or wisely used. There's still time for simple pleasures: early morning radio, reading, weekend walks, cafe dates, and seeing friends. Sometimes life gets frantic but then it always did. My minimalist wardrobe, mindfulness and gratitude techniques are powerful tools that I didn't possess five years ago. I find myself drawn to minimalist and simple living blogs more than ever. However, I refuse to be a pawn in the simple living industry and read selectively. 

And so onto a few links which I have found useful, inspiring and entertaining. Please pop in and say hello and let me know your current simple pleasure, news or views. I've missed you and Just a little less. It's four years old now and here to stay. 

• 5 Tips for the Ultimate Body Confidence via Sweaty Betty
• You Might As Well Dance via Lost in a Spotless Mind
• The Invisible Fence via Tynan. 
• Philoxenia by Turvey Abbey
• The End of Lunch is Nigh via Treehugger
• Lifestyle for One by Exile Lifestyle
• Dee Williams Downsizes from Tiny to Tinier via Tiny House Blog

44. Happy Friday Links

Every week I like to share wonderful reads and resources to inspire simplicity, mindfulness and living well on less.

• 12 Ways To Stay Motivated To Keep Fit by Susannah Taylor via Get The Gloss
• Happy Valley: female solidarity is stronger than male exploitation by Elizabeth Day via The Pool.
• 7 Simple Spring Cleaning Secrets: Are You Ready To Clear The Clutter? by Dan Erikson at Hipp Diggs.
• 10 Ways Minimalism Saved My Life by Erin at A Welder's Life
• The 9 Secrets Of Tidy Families from Fat Mum Slim 
• spring!! beautiful images from Artemis at Junkaholique
• Pope Francis on Instagram

Wishing you peace this Easter. 

Claire xo

43. Happy Friday Links

Every week (ahem, or fortnight) I like to share wonderful reads and resources to inspire simplicity, mindfulness and living well on less.

• 5 Simple (But Powerful) Tools For Fighting Stress by Chris Kesser. I think number 3 is a useful tool. I don't know where I found this site but I'm glad I did. I like Chris' holistic approach to health. 
• From Country Living, How to take your porridge recipe to the next level. I'm getting through a lot of cinnamon this week, it's so warming on cold mornings.I don't know about savoury porridge though...
• Small changes for our young people, What if Schools Taught Kindness? via Greater Good.
• This blog because I couldn't choose one sassy post over another. 
• The self-help books that aren't just for January by Kat Brown via The Pool.
• Dear Younger Self, by Miss Minimalist.
• The Small Flat that's Big on Romance via Homify.
• Pretty pics of The Book Barge but you'll have to buy this month's Country Living. Yes, I indulged. 
• Why Legumes are the New Meat via Khoollect. Healthy. Tick. Budget friendly. Tick.

I think I've ticked enough boxes. Happy Friday! 
Claire xo

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42. Happy Friday Links

Every week I like to share wonderful reads and resources to inspire simplicity, mindfulness and living well on less.

• On getting intentional with Instagram by Fran at The Simplicity Journey. Yes, Instagram niggles me, as I'm not sure I want to share my daily life, and Instagram does require fairly frequent posting which is not always easy when you're working.
• Oh the joys of Dickensian on the BBC. Bless Inspector Bucket! Here's something to dream of, Win a complete set of Charles Dickens published by Vintage Classics. I've entered this competition by Foyles (twice).
• Do you power nap? How to get a good night's sleep by Tamsin Kelly via Prima.
• The beauty of Barbie diversified, Barbie launches three new body types, by Victoria Kingdon via Harper's Bazaar. 
• 'Minds change' says Matt Haig, author of Reasons to Stay Alive and this article in The Guardian, As therapy shows, words can be medicine. Read Matt's book if you haven't yet done so. It'll change your mind and help you change others' too. 
• Have we fallen out of love with jeans? By Chemmie Squier at The Debrief.
• Fairy lights and flowers: Susannah & Tod's Renovated Portland Flower Cart via Apartment Therapy. Pretty perfect. 

It's been a while, I know, so thank you for still reading here. I'm hoping to post these links every Friday or at least once a fortnight. I shall be working (almost) full-time until the end of May so I'm being very mindful to not overdo things in other areas of my life. Reading (see the sidebar list), cooking, exercise and just being are taking priority over blogging at the moment. I hope you understand and thank you for your kind wishes. Having said that, I might pop up with an occasional catch-up post, so please don't strike me off your reading list just yet! 

Happy weekending! Claire xo

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