New year, new blogging schedule? If you read my post sharing my 2019 intentions, you’ll know I’m hoping to up my blogging game this year. After months of following an unsystematic writing schedule, this year I’m striving to be more consistent with my uploads.
So, in an attempt of sparking up some regular posting habits, I’m intending on uploading a Little Things post every Sunday. If you’re new around here, these are laid-back, life-lately posts in which I share a round-up of weekly favourites.
These are my favourite posts to create. I want to commemorate the little joys from my past week, whether that’s 2 things or 20 things. From TV shows and podcasts to new purchases and foodie finds, I hope you enjoy having a nose at what’s been on my radar each week.
Yes, this post is already a little longer due to my characteristic rambling, but here’s my first list of favourites for 2019.
Perfectionism Taking a Back Seat
This year, the perfectionist side of me needs to take a backseat. It needs to accept that not every post has to be 1000s of words long; not every post needs to be written meticulously as if it’s going to make or break my future in blogging. Yeah, I care too much. This week I’m reminding myself why I started blogging in the first place; being able to have my own online space where I can offload thoughts and share anything and everything. It’s time I stop putting so much pressure on myself.
The Happy List
I’ve rekindled my love for bullet journaling this year and besides weekly spreads and lists of goals, I’ve decided that each month I’m going to create a ‘Happy List’. This will be a monthly list which I’ll add to whenever anything brings a smile to my face.
The list begins with the moment my mum and I figured out how to recline our seats in the cinema when we went to see ‘The Favourite’ last week. You’d think we’d never laid down before. It’s safe to say we were a little over-excited. However, to be fair, it did feel quite luxurious to get comfortable in the cinema, rather than having a numb-bum half-way through the screening.
Similar to these blog posts, these lists are a way to conserve small memories which can too often find themselves lost amid the hustle and bustle of everyday life. As with a gratitude list, this is a positive and cathartic exercise that takes your focus away from problems and helps you to focus on what is good in your life. Goodbye negativity.
Sweet Potato and Lentil Dhal
I just about made it through the first week back at work after an invigorating fortnight of Christmas food and family time. After a day of chaotic kids and blasé teenagers, I love to have something delicious waiting for me after work. If it wasn’t for meal prep, I’d no doubt pour myself a bowl of bran flakes as a hungry quick-fix.
This week’s meal-prep was a batch of sweet potato and lentil dhal which makes for the perfect winter comfort food. I used a combination of a BBC recipe with this recipe when rustling up this meat-free meal, adapting them slightly to meet my taste preferences (abating the spice as much as possible). It’s packed full of flavour and perfect served with a cup of rice or even some extra veggies such as carrots and broccoli.
#YouNetflix
I spent the first few days of 2019 binge-watching ‘You’ and leisurely making my way through Christmas chocolate – start as you mean to go on and all that.
This show had me hooked. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’re probably pretty clued up about the show’s premise. But to summarise, ‘You’ follows Joe, a bookstore manager who
relies on his savvy Internet know-how to make the woman of his dreams fall in love with him. He is willing to remove any obstacle that stands in his way of getting close to her. It’s been over a week since I finished it and I’m still not over that ending – I have so many questions? I’m also still baffled at how I can route for the psychopath protagonist. Don’t tell me I’m alone on this one.
Six of Crows duology
This reading year is already off to a good start: I raced through Leigh Bardugo’s fantasy duology. It was dark, rich, and inundated with incredible characters. Never have I ever been so captivated by such a beautifully-crafted a world.
What’s more? As of Thursday, Netflix greenlighted the TV production of ‘Shadow & Bone’ and ‘Six of Crows’, meaning the Grishaverse will be coming to life on our screens. It’s said that writer of Bird Box and executive producer of Stranger Things will helm the series, and of course, author Leigh Bardugo herself. I’m so curious as to how this epic universe mashup is going to go down. Netflix has been on their A-game lately so I have faith they won’t mess this one up.
‘Off Menu’ Podcast
Off Menu is a weekly podcast hosted by comedians Ed Gamble and James Acaster in which they invite guests into their make-believe restaurant to choose their dream menu. They discuss their favourite starter, main course, side dish, dessert and drink and things can get controversial. It’s kicked off with the all-important question; ‘poppadoms or bread?’ (bread ofc). It may sound like a random premise for a podcast, but, 60 minutes of comedians talking about their dream menu? I’m there.
This podcast literally makes me laugh out loud in public. The only downside is that it makes me feel hungry, so you’ll probably find me snacking away while listening.
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Every week be sure to let me know what you’ve been loving!
So, what are some of your recent favourites? TV recommendations, foodie finds, podcasts you’ve been listening to, let me know in the comments!
Evie
♥
Ok but reclining seats in a cinema is definitely exciting. I just have a local cinema where I live which is pretty small and doesn’t have the fancy add-ons of the chains, so I’d be way too happy about that too!
Megan | https://pixieskiesblog.wordpress.com/
Haha the cinema near where we live was completely refurbished, we were so excited!
Your Happy List sounds like a nice idea – a good way to express gratitude and be appreciative! I’ve also heard a lot about You on Netflix – might need to check it out.
http://skylish.co.uk
The reclining seats in the cinema are amazing aren’t they, I haven’t had the chance to use them in ages but they’re definitely worth it! I’m currently watching You but I still have a few episodes before the end. I think I need to start making a ‘Happy List’ as I’m such a negative person so it might help me see the positives a bit more!
Jess // foundationsandfairytales.wordpress.com
xx
Yeah I was so excited when I found out our nearest cinema was refurbished haha. Ah the ending was insane! Thanks for reading ✨
This is a really nice idea – I love the thought of having a happy list, might have to adopt something like that myself. I’m looking forward to reading these!
The list will be lovely to look back on in the future too! Thank you ✨
I really enjoyed reading this blog post lovely. I have only watched the first episode of YOU on netflix but I wanna see more of it as it seems so wonderfully strange. I’m wishing you all the luck in the world for your new blogging schedule this year. ??
With love, Alisha Valerie x | http://www.alishavalerie.com
You need to finish it, the ending was insane! Thank you so much lovely, have a great year ?
Everybody is obsessed with You on Netflix. I started the first episode but the creepy voice of the main characters creeped me out so I stopped. Maybe I need to give it a chance again! I love the Happy List idea!
It is good that you’re changing some habits up this year. Perfectionism is great in some senses but there’s a point where things don’t need to be perfect. It is great that you’re creating a happy list to reflect back on. Your sweet potato and lentil dhal bowl look delicious! Thanks for sharing some of your recent faves!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
Yeah perfectionism can be really controlling sometimes. Thanks for reading! ✨
I still need to watch You on Netflix! I’ve heard so many amazing things!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
Love your post, this is a great way to look back at your week
The perfectionistic side taking a backseat thing is something I’m trying to achieve this year with my blog, too. I feel like I got lost in creating high-quality, overly edited content in 2018 and it took away from why I really started blogging, which was to talk to people about the things I was interested in. It sounds like these “little things” posts are going to be a great way for you to do that. Best of luck with it!
Rebekah Gillian / https://rebekahgillian.co.uk/
Exactly! I put way too much pressure on myself sometimes, I want to go back to making smaller blog posts like these which are always fun to write. Thanks for reading!
Aah I’m also adopting the happy list into my journal, too, and gosh it makes such a difference to read back at all of the little things that have made me happy over the past week! Thank you so much for your fantasy recommendation – I love a good ol’ fantasy book, but I’m a bit worried about the ‘dark’ part… How dark is dark?
Exactly! Oh I couldn’t recommend these books more. The dark parts are down to the more violent scenes, and their schemes are rather twisted at times. It’s so entertaining to read about though, definitely pick them up!
Omg the cinema near me got completely refurbished and has new reclining seats now too! Went to go see Mary Poppins Returns with my mum and I got super excited! Also love the idea of a happy list!
Jas xx | https://thoughtsfromjasmine.co.uk
Haha they’re amazing right? Who knew we could get so excited about reclining seats? x
I’m so excited for reclining seats in the cinema? Even though we don’t have any, it sounds amazing! I’m yet to watch You on Netflix, but hoping to get around to it this week!
I also really love the idea of your Happy List in your bullet journal, it’s always too easy to forget to write down things that have made you happy!
Kayla ♥︎ http://www.kaylajayne.co.uk
I honestly got so excited about them haha. Exactly, and the lists will be good to look back on too! Hope you enjoy watching ‘You’!
Your happy list is such a good idea! It’s a good way to express gratitude and take note of the little things that bring joy in life. The reclining seats in the cinema are so exciting, I’d be really happy about that since it adds just a little more comfort when sitting down to watch a film! I’ve been hearing so much about You recently that I think I am finally going to add it to my watch list!
beesytimes.co.uk
Exactly! Hope you enjoy ‘You’!
My inner perfectionist needs to take a step back too. It starts screaming the second I make the tiniest error. I love the sound of the happy list, such a great way of cherishing the smaller memories. I still haven’t seen You and I’m really mad at myself about it. I seriously need to find more time ? x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
Oh I’m exactly the same, I put way too much unnecessary pressure on myself. Haha, you need to watch it! x
I’ve heard so much about ‘You’ just haven’t started it yet. I did exactly the same on the binge though ?? great read lovely xx
You need to watch it! Haha, the Christmas chocolate needs to be eaten somehow ? x
Once I finish watching’Suit’ on Netflix I’ll be checking out ‘You.’ On subject of reclining cinema seats. New Year’s Eve, my lady and I, great meal out followed by Cinema, VIP seats, boy did they recline. Awesome. Apart from when you pick up your large box of popcorn, forgetting you are reclined and next thing you know …. thank god the lights were out. Back to blogging, yes I make money from it, written all sorts of articles, but the ones that really work are the ones you really enjoy writing, they’re the ones that call out to you with meaning. My suggestion to anyone is, blog because you love it and you have something to say.
The Sweet Potato and Lentil Dhal looks delicious! I got obsessed with You on Netflix and me and my sister watched it in two days over Christmas, it is such a gripping series! I really hope there is a second series as there are so many unanswered questions. Also, yay for reclining cinema seats, I love the idea of a happy list, it is such a great way to remember special moments and stay positive. Thanks for sharing Evie <3 xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
Oh, that dahl looks yummy. Will deffo be giving that one a go.
I want to watch You, but rewatched Luther from the beginning so You is on my list of next to watch!
I’ve been loving having soup for my lunch recently, filling and warming!
Love your post!
Aimsy xoxo
https://www.aimsysantics.co.uk
I totally agree with perfectionism taking a backseat! Perfectionism has hindered my blogging consistency in the past. I was pretty inconsistent with blogging during the second half of 2018, which I blame on perfectionism and on big life changes, but at the end of 2018, I was determined to get back into the habit of blogging, so I participated in Blogmas, blogging every day from December 1 through December 25. Daily blogging meant that I really couldn’t get caught up in perfection. Not being caught up in perfection allowed me to explore so many new ideas, instead of labouring over a few. // The Favourite received so many Critic’s Choice nominations! I hadn’t heard about it (am I living under a rock?) but I’m going to go look up a trailer soon haha. // I haven’t watched You yet because the premise seems kinda creepy and doesn’t intrigue me all that much, but so many people are talking about it, so perhaps I should give it a chance! *Adds to list of trailers to watch* -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey’s
Exactly! I let my perfectionism take control way too much sometimes, to the point where I stop writing completely. Well done for making it through Blogmas! Such a great way to let your ideas flow rather than being stuck with the same couple of blog posts for days. Yes it’s been nominated for so many awards! I enjoyed it, but it wasn’t my favourite (no pun intended, haha). Ah I honestly felt the same, but I was hooked after the first ending, and ended up routing for the psychopath which is slightly concerning haha. Thanks for reading Audrey x
Sweet potato and lentil dahl!! That looks amazing. Glad you’ve found so many great things so far this year – I’m still waiting to start You, but it sounds fascinating and I can’t wait to get stuck in soon.
It tastes amazing, thank you! Ah you definitely need to watch it, I was hooked straight away.
My theater has those big comfy reclining seats which is great only if I don’t want to recline them my feet don’t touch the ground and that gets uncomfortable after awhile 🙂 Glad your year is off to a happy start!
Haha I was practically watching the film lying down ? thank you!
Oh hey, fellow British blogger!
I love reclining seats, so definitely with you on being happy about that. I remember when I went to a cinema which had sofa seats. I was beside myself, lol. I binge watched ‘You’ over the hols and omg. It was so good. But I just have one question… why doesn’t Beck have curtains? It really infuriates me. Joe’s voice is really soothing, but he still creeps me out that I can’t get past that. I can’t root for him, at all D:
Also, nabbing that recipe – looks absolutely delicious!
Chynna | https://chynnawebley.com/blog/
Hahaha it must just be me who routes for the psychotic freak then, need season 2! Yes! Definitely try the sweet potato dahl, so easy and it tastes amazing. Thanks for reading x
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