My week in photos 28 (a Janauary round-up)

To say January was busy would be somewhat of an understatement. The Boy and I decided that, having got engaged over Christmas we would: arrange a wedding and put an offer in on a house. Not just in the same month, but both in the same week.

Much stress has followed but we're both feeling pretty happy with how things are going so far. And now that dry January is over we can both toast to the adventures which lie ahead.

We have however found time for all our usual eating and wandering - here's some pictures of all the other things we've been getting up to.

Clockwise from top left: the last of the Christmas eating over mid morning drinks with the girls - New year chilling at home over my favourite short film (and this blogs namesake) - Packing the decorations away for another year - Heading to work when it seemed like everyone was still on holiday - Congratulations corner full of wonderful wishes from our nearest and dearest - Pub tiles on a Saturday explore with The Boy - Porridge on a cold mornings - The January detox

Clockwise from top left: Cold walks with Ma and Pa - Amazing homemade Lamingtons following Australia Day - A misty London morning - Finishing my January read (recommended) over some soup - Wrapped up for a day of house viewings - Experimenting with my new Spiraliser - A lunchtime date with one of my faves at the Wallace Collection - Picked up a book I've been after for ages at the local charity shop

Clockwise from top left: More from the Wallace Collection - Making friends at London Waterloo - Exploring Farnborough - Train journey essentials

Clockwise from top left: Loving this colour palette at Karen Millen for Spring - Hobbs loving with The Fashion Armoire - Finding a new favourite drink over lunch at Ping Pong - Says it all - Church visits for wedding prep - The usual craziness at Selfridges - Giving my cape its first outing - Banana and Blueberry eggy bread at Ma and Pa's

The proposal

So.

On Christmas Day The Boy asked me to marry him.

And I did not see it coming!

You would think, after months of secretly hoping he would pop the question, I would spot it coming a mile off but The Boy did good and managed to pull the whole thing off without a hitch.

He asked me whilst we opened presents, in front of my family and with all of his unsuspecting relatives on Skype. It was lovely, perfect and more than I could ever deserve. 

The past few days have been a bit of a whirlwind of engagement drinks and get-to-gethers, whilst also fitting in going back to work, but we've already been thinking about venues, compiling our guest list and just generally figuring out what on earth kind of day we imagine it to be. For me, it's been so much fun. Finally I can put all those Pinterest boards to good use.

To be totally honest, it's more overwhelming than I'd originally thought - but I'm still loving every minute. The Boy? Not so much. Wedding planning/planning in general is not really his thing. As long as his nearest and dearest are there, there's good food and drink and a spot of dancing, he'll be happy. To be fair that's all I really want too.

Here's a few pics from the occasion - you can expect plenty more updates on how the planning is going over the coming weeks.

2013, a round up

2013 was a fabulous year, full of firsts, adventures and amazing experiences. Here's a round up of some of my favourite moments from the past twelve months.

2013: Spring

To me, the new year always means days out and nights in as the weather is so cold. The Boy and I spent a white weekend in snowy London town, an evening at the theatre (seeing Wicked, finally) and Zsa stayed over for food, films and a bit of a gossip.

In March we headed to New York as a family and, although it was absolutely freezing we had a marvelous time exploring the city. I took Mum to a spa, The Boy and I tried out an amazing restaurant and we all got to walk the High Line. It was the trip of a lifetime and one we'll never forget.

I particularly loved the graffti that had sprung up on the storm damaged Brooklyn Bridge.

2013: Summer
We spent a week in the Summer visiting various friends all over the country - and I spent a week cooing over a selection of babies and children. Even The Boy came away feeling broody.

On returning to London we whiled away the Summer months doing what we do best: eating and exploring the city. We had my good friend Kat and her son Leo to stay which allowed The Boy to revert back to his childhood, and spend some sunny days playing in the garden with lego and various Poundland remote controlled aircraft. Which was perfect as it meant Kat and I could spend some time laying in the sun.

We checked out Feast with Zsa Zsa and Ben which, although it was delicious, was far too hot for me.

I took Mum to Fortnum and Mason for Afternoon Tea one day in the summer which was amazing and a real treat.

In August Kimmy and I went to Secret Cinema's screening of Dirty Dancing and it was amazing. A great afternoon/evening with great company in the sunshine, you really can't beat it.

2013: AutumnWith Autumn came my thirtieth birthday and with it many a celebration. It all kicked off with birthday drinks in Hammersmith but also included a weekend break to Paris and a trip to Derbyshire with Ma and Pa. It was a wonderful few weeks spend with my absolute favourite people.

In October I ran my second half marathon, the Royal Parks Half in London. It was more of a struggle than last year as it was so hot but I still loved every minute and am considering running it again next year.

2013: Winter
The colder months brought with them lots of gatherings and festivities with friends and family as Christmas got ever closer.

We spent a weekend in Manchester with Sarah and Ryan exploring the Christmas Markets (and basically eating as much as we could), had a big family dinner at Duncans, and Christmas party season kicked off with a bang, it was a great final few weeks of 2013.

And of course the year ended with a proposal, but there will be more on that later.

My week in photos 27 (Christmas)

Apologies that this post is so looooooooooong overdue but Christmas was a pretty crazy (but lovely) time, packed full of things to keep me away from the computer.

We spent a whirlwind week visiting friends and family across Southern England, ate and drank far too much, and decided that next year we all need to set ourselves spending limits on the Christmas gifts - as the conservatory ended up resembling Santa's grotto and the drive back to London was pretty cramped to say the least.

Something extra special took place on Christmas day (more on that later) but in the mean time here are some of my fave snippets from the festive season.

 Clockwise from top left: Father and the Bro - Christmas at Dunc's - Messing around on Christmas day - Me and Slates at the Christmas party - The start of festive food - Seasonal branding - Homemade rocky road - Can't beat a bit of festive knitwear

 Clockwise from top left: Christmas jumper day - A spot of cooking with my Boy - Prepping the table for Christmas at Dunc's - Youngsters night in on the Saturday before Christmas - Stonehenge on Winter Solstice - Christmas eve glam - My little tree in London town - Secret Santa's all round

  Clockwise from top left: The two Mothers share a romantic moment - Flooding on the allotment - A pre-Christmas pub lunch - The two boys on Christmas morning

 Clockwise from top left: Kimmy and I get festive - Games and gifts galore - Another culinary masterpiece by Dunc - A Christmas day stroll with the family - Christmas day drinks with friends -Ma and Pa strike a pose - Me and Mum - Playing a complex game of "The Kitchen"

 Clockwise from top left: Dressed to impress at the engagement party - Snuggled at home by the tree - Any excuse for some sequins - London at night

My week in photos 16 (a very festive fortnight)

I have been a very bad blogger over the past few weeks (but hey, Christmas is the best excuse).

I have just returned to London following a blissful ten days off work spending time with family (both mine and The Boy's). It was great to finally get a chance to catch up with old friends who I haven't seen for a year or more and find out all the goss. The week went by in a bit of a blur, going from the south coast to Somerset and back again, but I wouldn't change a thing.

 Clockwise from top left: A festive stroll near Covent Garden - A celebratory sushi lunch - A spot of present wrapping for a children's charity - Sweeties for the train courtesy of the lovely Lizzie

This was to be my first Christmas away from home and I must admit I was a little apprehensive. As someone for whom spending time with my Mum and Dad (and even the younger bro) is what Christmas is all about I was unsure how I'd feel spending Christmas day in Somerset. I needn't have worried though, as The Boy's family went out of their way to make me feel welcome. Lots of walks in and around Shepton with The Boy, delicious food and drink, and great company made this a festive period to remember and I'm already looking forward to the next.

 Clockwise from top left: A rather waterlogged last copy of Stylist for 2012 - The Bro's trip to New York has clearly rubbed off on him - Festive lights in Wells - Hijacking Grandad and Philly's crossword - The gorgeous brown and gold tree at Shepton Mallet - Love this vintage poster at Fareham station - Mother did me proud for my homecoming

Returning to Titchfield on the 27th meant that I could see friends, do a spot of shopping with Mother, and most importantly enjoy another Christmas dinner with my nearest and dearest. We were even able to attend Mum and Dad's annual drinks party which meant we could catch up with a few people and enjoy even more food (if we needed it!). During 2012, The Boy and I were tied up on a number of weekends at weddings/stag/hen do's so we haven't been able to go home half as much as we would have liked, so it was great to see everyone. I already have lots in the diary for 2013 but most of all I'm hoping this year will allow The Boy and I to visit friends and family more.

Clockwise from top left: Who knew a knitted wreath could look so good? - A Fish and chip shop date with The Boy for Christmas eve lunch - Christmas isn't Christmas without the Vicar of Dibley - Wilson Phillips, perfect stocking filler - A crisp Christmas morning - My gorgeous vintage glasses - Our annual Christmas morning ramble - Knitted stocking at Shepton Mallet

As usual, the iPhone has been snapping away at almost every opportunity for an appropriate festive shot, so here's a glimpse of what I've been getting up to over the festive period - apologies for the picture heavy post!

 Clockwise from top left: Setting the table - Bucks Fizz on Christmas morning - The food hamper proved a popular gift - Pimms at Christmas - The tree at home - Hello, my festive friend - The Babycham deer, one of my favourite sights in Shepton - Christmas dinner at Shepton Mallet

Clockwise from top left: I was spoiled rotten - Second Christmas dinner of the week - Love Mum's quirky Christmas decorations - Starter, as made by me

I had an amazing Christmas season and loved every minute - I hope that you did too!