Friday good things

It's been the usual mixed week: mixed-up weather; moments of craziness (toddler-chasing) and quiet (toddler napping); household chores; bedtime reading (I find myself staying awake far too late because the whole Cazalet saga has me turning just one more page before lights out).

So, to reflect my patchwork week, here are some of the little things that have contributed towards making it a good one.

Firstly: a little bunch of eryngium, or sea-holly. I love the subtle blue of it and its spikiness and the fact that it dries nicely. Jay commented 'You like colourless things, don't you?' and that got me thinking. 

It's not 'colourless' things I like. I love turquoise and mustard and acid green. But I love muted, natural colours even more, particularly in the house. Natural as in landscape colours: greys, mossy greens, smoke blues, heather. 

There's more floral stuff going on in the garden. Again, Jay likes the bright oranges and reds but I tend to go for the plants with purply foliage and softer colours. These dahlias appeal to me with their white petals with a violet streak running through them.

After drizzling for most of yesterday, the early evening weather picked up and the blustery wind died down to a light breeze. We headed out after we'd eaten and went for a wander in the last of the sunshine.

There were a lot of foals about. I love horses. Grown-up ones and baby ones.

I'm making elderflower cordial for the first time ever (thanks, Sue, for the recipe). I even managed to buy some reasonably-priced bottles with stoppers on my supermarket trip today. They were reduced - I suppose it isn't really preserving season.

Speaking of purchases... on Monday I had some Joe-free time and went to spend the rest of my birthday money. I went underwear shopping. Sounds glamorous. Let's call it necessary.

I don't know why but I always see buying new underwear (the pretty kind, not the serviceable sort) as being a bit of a frivolity. Yes, I'm aware many people consider it an important part of feeling good about yourself and all that but when you're watching the pennies it's one of those things that is often reserved for birthdays and Christmas.

Anyway, I picked up some very nice things and enjoyed the luxury of a child-free shopping trip.

I also bought this 'S' mug, which I've had my eye on for ages. It's nice and big and comforting to cradle in your hands whilst sipping your tea.

I  received some vouchers for my birthday too, so I got a new denim jacket. The last one was donated to a charity shop after a slightly over-zealous wardrobe de-cluttering session, and I've regretted it ever since. Another lesson learned: take a bit of time to think about whether you really want to let something go.

Plans for the weekend include lots of good eating and - drum roll - we're finally starting our packing ready for the move. First up: the loft. I'm looking forward to rediscovering a few long-lost books and whatever else has been hiding up there...

Happy Friday - have a wonderful weekend.