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Discovering Luther, My First Trip to Birmingham and a Hint of Leopard Print #LittleLoves

Birmingham-graffiti-wall

Hello there my friends, I hope this post finds you well. If you are new to my blog then you may not be familiar with my ‘Little Loves’ posts but basically, on the last Friday of every month, I share some of the things that have been cheering me up this month.

As my ‘one word’ for the year is Gratitude, the opportunity to write everything down on a monthly basis, really helps. January is a flipping long month isn’t it? I don’t think it’s the lack of money after Christmas that is at fault here, more the come down from the December hype. On the bright side, it leaves plenty of days to find some things to love, so shall we crack on?

Read in January

One of my goals this year is to read more. For some reason I struggle to read anywhere other than in bed so I’ve made a big effort to go up earlier, with a view to reading a chapter or two before lights out. My husband has been away for 5 days so this has all gone belly up of late but I started the month off really well.

Tattooist of Auschwitz

I finished The Tattooist of Auschwitz last weekend and my goodness, what a read! It seems to be the book of the moment (if Instagram is anything to go by) and I can see why. I’ll warn you now however, I had to read it in small chunks because there’s a lot to take in emotionally. It’s incredibly well written which makes it all the more compelling.

I’ve now started Michelle Obama’s, Becoming and my bible study group is reading It Wasn’t Supposed to be This Way by Lysa Terkeurst. I have high hopes for both of them so will definitely keep you posted.

Watched in January

I was elated when I saw that both Catastrophe and Cold Feet would be returning to our screens this month. Neither have disappointed me so far and Catastrophe actually had us both laughing out loud last week – the shoplifting scene had me in stitches! Sharon Hogan is a marvel and the pair work so well together as a couple. Have you been watching it?

I also caught up with Luther, a series I’ve never watched before – yes, there really are Luther virgins out there! I think I now need to go back and watch all the other series, don’t I?

Heard in January

Whilst writing this, I’m listening to Jess Glynn and if any of you dare say that I’m too old for her music, there will be trouble! This song has been on the radio constantly of late but I still like it…

I’ve also been madly catching up on all the podcasts that I missed around Christmas time. I particularly enjoyed this episode of Hashtag Authentic when Sara Tasker interviewed Anna Newton of The Anna Edit fame. This particular episode is entitled Planning, Organising and Editing Your Life – I really want to read her new book now!

Wore in January

I absolutely love winter clothes but the gloomy, depressingly short days have really put pay to me getting any decent photographs this month.

Pinafore dresses are my new wardrobe staple; I had my eye on this one from New Look back in November and finally took the plunge in January, using my daughter’s perks as a New Look employee.

houndstooth check pinafore

Recognise this lady? I went on a trip to Birmingham a few months ago to meet up with some lovely blogging friends (more on that later). This is Jess Soothill, who writes one of my favourite blogs. If you’re not following her already, please go and check out her blog.

I’m also still revelling in my role as a Boden ambassador*. This month I ordered these amazing trainers which I’m confident will be a year-round favourite. They’re so comfortable and the leopard print detail has just the right amount of subtlety.

boden-leopard-print-trainers

Made in January

I haven’t actually ‘crafted’ anything with my hands this month, so thinking outside the box a little, I made the journey to Birmingham. Can you believe that I had NEVER been to Birmingham before?!

blogging-meet-up-birmingham

I had arranged to meet up with a group of bloggers who I’ve been chatting to regularly online for the last few years. Blogging can be lonely at times; sitting at home on your own, never really meeting anyone face to face. Nothing beats a real life meet up, does it? In case you’d like to check out these ladies and their blogs, left to right you’ve got: Jess, Caro, Kerri-Ann, Jenny, Chloe and Pamela.

I have to say that I was impressed with Birmingham – loads to see and do and it only took 2 hours to get there. It was a good day out and so fab to see these ladies, some who I had never met before.

I’m making another trip tomorrow, this time overnight and to London. I’m excited to be meeting up with my uni friends of 27 years. We only see each other once a year and it’s always such a treat. This time we are going out for cocktails and to the Comedy Store; I can’t wait!

What are your plans for the weekend? I hope that January has been good to you.

*Just FYI as a Boden Ambassador, I have been gifted clothing items of my choice during the months of Nov, Dec and Jan. All opinions and words about them (here and on Instagram) are my own. 

Inside, Outside & Beyond

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11 COMMENTS

  • Catherine Johnson

    Me too re. Luther – can’t believe we’ve never watched it before. Now I see why they are saying Idris Elba for Bond! Just started series 1 last week…

  • Have a fab time in London! I am gobsmacked that you’ve never been to Birmingham, but I guess people in the South East don’t ‘need’ to go there when they have London nearby! How lovely to meet up with your blogging friends. You know you need to meet up with your other blogging friends soon, right?!
    I read The Tattooist of Auschwitz ages ago (the only time I’ve ever been ahead of the game) and it’s certainly a book that sticks with you. I really want to read Michelle Obama’s book, but don’t want to pay hardback prices, so I’m going to wait until it’s out in paperback.
    We tried to watch Luther (we’ve never watched it before either) and just found it too disturbing, so we gave up!

  • Gail

    Oh, I can’t wait to read the Michelle Obama book either, Suzanne, it sounds amazing. I am one of the few people who wasn’t seen Luther either, but I’m worried it would keep me awake at night! How lovely about meeting up with some other blogging folks. Sounds fab. xx

  • Anna-Marie

    Sound like a wonderful month. Both the books you mentioned are on my wish list to get. I heard good things about both and I’m excited to get them. I Love your trainers! Birmingham looked faboulous! Hope you have a wonderful time in London. I’m off there twice next week! Thanks so much for linking up this month xx

  • Stacey

    I keep seeing this book popping up and was really tempted to buy it in the supermarket earlier. There seems to be a few really good books floating around at the moment. I have a real mix of new titles and old ones that I want to get through this year. I too love this Jess Glyn song at the moment. Ive been listening to it every day in the car.

  • I’ve not seen Luther either and to be honest I’m not sure I want to! We’re watching ‘You’ on Netflix at the moment which is just about the level of scary/creepy I can mange – it’s really good. It was SO good to meet up with you in Brum a couple of weeks ago – I felt like I knew you already from the amount we connect online but it made a difference meeting you properly in person face to face and having a long overdue hug 🙂 I like the Jess Glynne song too – she’s not normally my choice of music to listen to but this one I like.

  • Stacie

    January is such a long month. I desperately want to read that book, heard so many good things – apart from it being harrowing of course. I’m on a book buying ban, so am waiting until I can get it from the library. Love the pictures of you and the ladies on your meet up – sounds like a fun day had by all. Those trainers are awesome! I desperately need some new ones – but am putting off the purchase (trying to be more sustainable – no more fast fashion etc). Hope February is a good one! 🙂

  • Joanna Bayford

    I really enjoyed Luther and The Tattooist of Auschwitz is on my tbr list for this year as I’ve heard that its brilliant. Love the look of your new trainers they look so comfy. I must listen to that Jess Glynn song as a few of you on this linky have mentioned it now. #Littleloves

  • Claire Chalcraft

    Hi Suzanne
    Found your blog by chance on twitter – what a great read! Really enjoyed your reflections of January and am loving the pinafore vibe. Your positivity and enthusiasm comes through loud and clear – thanks for inspiring me to really get my website under control.
    Claire
    (Slightly petrified newbie lost in the blogosphere )

    • Suzanne W
      AUTHOR

      Thank you SO much for taking the time to leave this comment! I’ll be off to take a look at your blog 🙂

  • jenny

    Huge congratulations on Boden that’s amazing. I love their stuff so jealous. Those shoes look amazing. I am stepping into leopard print. lol This is my first top I have in it but loving it. It was so good to catch up with you hunny we all must do it again soon! Always good to bounce ideas, vent, and just be face to face with those we talk to online together.

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